Check marking and test conditions
Use a reliable marking scheme and record time limits, hints and resources used. Separate skipped questions from attempted wrong answers. Flag uncertain marking rather than forcing every response into a definite score. The conditions matter when comparing this mock with a previous attempt.
Look across the paper for patterns
Group lost marks by concept, method choice, reasoning, execution and time pressure. Include correct but guessed answers and unusually slow items. Choose a few recurring causes instead of treating every wrong question as a separate full chapter to reread. Preserve the evidence behind each priority.
Repair, then use a comparable fresh check
Return to the source for the selected gap, practise the skill and attempt a new question. Reuse the original mock for explanation if helpful, but do not mistake a remembered solution for transfer. Schedule another full mock only when you have time to review it and act on its results.
Worked example
A mock scores 62/100. The review finds that four questions share a method-selection error and two were left blank after slow early work. The next sessions combine mixed method-choice questions with a short timed section. A fresh sample checks improvement. Simply repeating the original paper until it reaches 90 would conceal the role of remembered answers.
Before you finish
- Marking uncertainty and assistance are recorded.
- Priorities reflect repeated causes, including guessed correct items.
- The next check uses fresh work under comparable conditions.