Is handwriting important?


Whether or not candidates should beautify their handwriting is a common question. Some spend so much time in the exam trying to make their writing look like a piece of art only to find out that time is up and they haven't completed writing both tasks. Others, however, go to the other extreme and write in a manner that even the candidates themselves can't understand due to how messy it is.

Two things should be kept in mind regarding handwriting:

1) There is no mark given for beautiful handwriting.

2) Marks are only deducted when words can't be read.



The main goal should be to write in a way that can be clearly read and understood by the examiner. Avoid writing in cursive (joint handwriting) if your handwriting isn't that clear. This is especially true for doctors! 

It also a good idea to be aware how writing with different styles affects your speed. You need to be able to complete both tasks within the time limit of one hour. A good way to know how your handwriting speeds or slows you down is by timing yourself.

Finally, get your handwriting checked by an experienced English teacher. You might be writing some letters incorrectly. This might not just affect your mark in writing, but also in reading and listening. It's very common for candidates to be writing letters in capital instead of small and vice versa. One look by an experienced teacher can help to identify problematic areas.

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Maira Gall