So, for example, the Essay is 25 minutes and it’s always the first section. Let’s say time starts at 8:30:00. First, are they generally good about counting seconds as well as minutes? Second, when time is called at 8:55:00, do they allow a short breather and start Section 2 at, say 8:55:30 or 8:56:00, or do they simultaneously say “Stop Section 1 and begin Section 2” so that the stop time for section 2 will be exactly 50 minutes from the very start of the exam?
Do they give a little breather break (a few seconds) in between the Essay and Section 2 (because the Essay is so unique and there’s a separate score sheet for Section 2), but then have simultaneous stops and starts between Section 3 and Section 4, for example?
Or does it vary from proctor to proctor. (Which it shouldn’t, in my opinion.)
I’m trying to make sure that my daughter’s in-home practice exams are as authentic as possible.
@SoccerMomGenie
They are good about counting seconds because they typically use their own stopwatch set to end at exactly the time allotted. Also the transition to the next section does give a short breather as the proctor has to read from a script before starting the next section. So, it takes about 15-30 seconds before the next section’s time begins being counted.
It goes through, step by step, every detail regarding test day, including every word that is read to the students. It’s lengthy, but probably worth checking out (for first timers) so they know exactly what to expect, and also so that they don’t have to worry if they miss a detail in the instructions because they were zoning out or stressed or whatever. It’s good for them to know the rules in advance.
As @Jackson9854 pointed out, students will have a short breather between sections. They will be told to put pencils down. The proctor will read some instructions and then (after about 30 seconds of instructions) they will be told to turn the page in their test booklet and begin.