Have you ever wondered what examiners are like or what they are looking for when they mark your paper? We tracked down an examiner to get some honest answers to those burning questions..

• Aren't examiners just trying to catch me out?
  Just the opposite, in fact. We're trained to make sure everyone gets the marks they deserve.
• Do you know a grade A paper when you read one?
  Yes and no. I know if an answer is strong and will give it high marks accordingly, but it's only once all the marks are in that the exam board sets the grade boundaries for each paper and decides what mark equals an A and so on.
• Do exam boards work to a quota of passes and grades?
  No, there are no set numbers for any grades. Students are awarded the grades they have earned.
• Will I know the examiner who marks my paper?
  No. Many examiners are full-time teachers as well, but they are not allowed to have any links to the school for which they mark exam papers.
• What about handwriting? Mine gets a bit dodgy when I rush..
  We try to read what we can, but if we can't understand your handwriting, your mark might be affected. But you should know that we're after good answers, not long ones. It sounds obvious, but good spelling, grammar and punctuation will also improve your chances of getting a higher grade - marks depend on them.