How past papers help in online exams? Many students who are studying abroad may find it easy to be part of online exams because this is something they are very much used to. However, others feel that this is hard for them since they are not really familiar with the mode of taking online examinations. There are also those who can take online tests comfortably but would like to try taking their examination in a traditional paper and pencil setting. In the beginning, it is advisable for those who are not yet comfortable with online exams to start with taking tests in this way before they move on to more difficult levels. This would help them get used to how things work and enable them to take on more demanding examinations that require greater attention. At the same time, they would also become more confident with their ability to take online tests. In order to make sure that one is on the right track, it would be helpful for him or her to know how past papers help. 1. Online exams are given by different institutions; therefore, they may use different topics and questions, unlike with paper-and-pencil examinations where students can expect some uniformity in questions since only one teacher will be in charge of the test. This can make it hard for students to think of answers when they are trying to study since they do not know what questions they will encounter. Past papers provide them with at least a few samples on which they can base their answer if the topic covered varies from the one given in their notes. 2. Students who are taking online tests also need to understand the importance of knowing the time limit for each section and how to move from one part to another. These skills cannot be learned if they will not practice before the actual examination. Practicing on past papers provides them with this opportunity since there may be a few sample papers which they can work on. 3. Online examinations are done in different locations, unlike paper-and-pencil tests which are usually given in the same venue by the same examiner. This can make it hard for students who are not used to taking online tests outside their usual location. Again, past papers help since they can be taken almost anywhere and under any circumstances. 4. There are some schools which have not yet moved on to online tests even if they are already using computer-based technology for other purposes. Past papers can also be used by students who are taking exams for these schools while preparing for the national or international examinations where most applicants will be required to take their tests in an online mode. 5. Online exams are unique in that the students will need to work on their own, unlike paper-and-pencil examinations where they can expect other people around them like their classmates to help should they be stuck with a particular part of a test. This is why many students who need reduce stress during tests would prefer having past papers available since they can use these as a means of gauging their own answers. 6. Aside from being used to take online exams, past papers also help students prepare for test-taking in a traditional paper and pencil setting especially if the examinations will be based on multiple choices or true or false questions.