The short answer
Exams in the second and third Bachaloria years from 2026/27: 50% multiple-choice and 50% essay questions.
Why does this matter?
- Multiple choice tests whether you recognise the answer when you see it.
- Essays test whether you can produce it yourself and write it down. That is much harder if you memorise without understanding.
So memorising alone earns you half the marks at most.
How to prepare for essays
- After each lesson, write the idea in your own words in three lines. If you can't, go back to the lesson.
- Learn "why", not just "what". Most essay questions ask you to explain, justify or compare.
- Structure your answer: the main idea first, then the reason, then an example.
- Practise writing against the clock. The exam is timed.
How to prepare for multiple choice
- Read every option before choosing.
- Eliminate the wrong ones first. Each one you remove brings you closer.
- Watch out for "not" and "all of the above".
Subject by subject
- Humanities (Arabic, History, Psychology): the essays make the difference. Write a lot.
- Sciences (Physics, Maths, Chemistry): essay questions are often problems with worked steps. Write the full solution.
- Programming: explain the concept in your own words. An example
The bigger picture
This system rewards understanding, and that is the difference between a teacher who drills you and one who makes you understand. The famous teacher or the one who understands?