Effective Strategies for Reviewing Mock Exam Feedback

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Mock exams are designed to help your teen identify their strengths and weaknesses before their final exams so they can do more targeted revision that will help them achieve a higher grade. However, simply receiving feedback from teachers is not enough. The real value lies in how that feedback is applied. When approached thoughtfully, mock exam feedback can become a powerful tool that will help your teen secure a higher grade in their GCSEs or A-levels.

Here are some practical strategies to help your teen review their mock exam feedback in a way that improves their performance.

1. Approach feedback with an open and positive mindset

It’s natural to feel disappointed if mock exam results are lower than expected. However, feedback should be viewed as constructive rather than critical. It’s intended to help your teen do better in their final exams, so they should take every piece of feedback as an opportunity to refine their exam technique. Taking time to read feedback calmly and objectively will allow them to focus on what can be improved rather than dwelling on the grade itself, which is never the full picture.

2. Identify and categorise common mistakes

Start by getting your teen to break down their feedback into clear categories. This will help them recognise patterns instead of seeing each comment as an isolated issue. Common categories include:

• Knowledge gaps - areas where key concepts were misunderstood or forgotten. E.g. Forgetting how to calculate percentages without a calculator.

• Application issues - understanding the content but struggling to apply it correctly. E.g. Identifying language techniques correctly but not explaining how they affect the reader. 

• Exam technique problems - misreading questions, poor time management, or lack of structure. E.g. Spending too much time on low-tariff questions and running out of time for the questions worth more marks. 

• Presentation and clarity - unclear explanations, weak argument structure, or limited use of examples. E.g. Vague explanations and lack of subject-specific terminology.

Once mistakes are categorised, it becomes easier to prioritise which areas need the most attention.

3. Compare feedback with the mark scheme

Reviewing the mark scheme for the papers your teen sat alongside their teacher’s written or verbal feedback can provide valuable context. Taking a look at the mark scheme will help them understand where marks were lost and specifically what examiners were looking for. This helps clarify expectations and ensures their answers are more closely aligned with the exam criteria and assessment objectives. Understanding how marks are awarded allows your teen to be more strategic with their revision and allocate more time to the areas that will help them gain the most marks in the exam.

4. Turn feedback into clear action points

Feedback is only useful when it’s actionable. Your teen can achieve this by turning each comment they receive into a specific task. For example:

• Review a particular topic in more depth.

• Practise writing structured answers under timed conditions.

• Improve the use of subject-specific terminology.

• Incorporate more examples in your answers.

Writing down these action points helps turn feedback from something vague and unconstructive into specific steps your teen can actually put into practice, which will help them make more measurable progress.

5. Practise applying the feedback

One of the most effective ways for your teen to improve is for them to apply feedback as soon as possible. If they lost marks because of the lack of detail in their answers, then they should attempt to rewrite their answers in more depth, making sure they fully address the question and meet the level of detail expected by the mark scheme. This will help your teen learn from their mistakes and prevent them from reoccurring in the final exams.

6. Ask for clarification when needed

If any feedback is unclear, encourage your teen to ask their teacher or tutor for clarification. Understanding exactly what’s expected of them can prevent repeated errors and improve their confidence going forward.

7. Track progress over time

Advise your teen to keep a record of issues that keep cropping up in their feedback. Noticing persistent challenges can help your teen adjust their revision strategy and focus their efforts where they matter the most.

Making feedback work for your teen

Mock exam feedback is one of the most valuable resources available to your teen as they’re preparing for their final exams. By reviewing feedback carefully, categorising mistakes, referring to the mark scheme, and turning comments into actionable steps, your teen can make targeted improvements and approach their final exams with greater confidence.