Our pupls need more opportunities for practice and feedback. They need to be exposed to samples of exam papers that deal with the content and the format.
They need to be talked to about these aspects of exam to reduce stress and develop more self-confidence. Sure that teachers provide pupils with official exam papers. I mean question papers pupils answer at home individually or in groups. When repeated, this allows learners to process the targeted language. They develop strategies on how to deal with different questions. They'll be more competent.
Here are some exam papers I prepared on that purpose.
Encourage your pupils to work in groups and talk about their work and the language they are learning.
Learning is a complex process. Help your pupils to learn.
http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=ddkc33jb_146f8k6vpdm
http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=ddkc33jb_154hqtwx5hd
http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=ddkc33jb_155jhqptm2d
http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=ddkc33jb_156czr4hrc4
Best of luck
Mohamed07