One of the biggest habits I try to build in my students is to never leave a question blank. Even when they are unsure, I encourage them to write something down, show working, or take a reasonable guess. In maths, partial marks often come from effort and logical steps, not just from the final answer.

When students skip questions, it usually comes from fear of being wrong. I remind them that having a go is better than doing nothing at all. Often, once they start writing something, they realise they understand more than they thought. Even a single step in the right direction can unlock the rest of the problem.

In sessions, I use simple prompts to help students get started on difficult questions. I might ask, “What information do we know?” or “What formula could work here?” This helps them focus on what they can do, rather than what they can’t. Bit by bit, they learn to approach challenges instead of avoiding them.

In exams, this mindset is incredibly useful. Students who attempt every question are more likely to collect marks across the paper, and they often surprise themselves with how much they can figure out under pressure.

Attempting every question is not about guessing blindly, it is about showing persistence, using logic, and giving yourself the best chance to succeed.

James Valiozis