Sweaty palms and permanent writer’s bumps are two symptoms I know all too well.
As an English Literature graduate, I’ve participated in my fair share of lengthy examinations which require lightening-speed writing and perfect legibility for fear of being deducted marks because ‘transient’ looked like ‘translucent’ or ‘protestant’ like ‘prostitute’ (a mistake I’ve devastatingly made in an exam frenzy before).
Once upon a time, I whipped open an exam so fast that I gave myself a papercut – and the only pen I had with me was an old-school Bic biro – the kind you get in banks and doctor’s offices with harsh plastic ridges and absolutely zero support.
Thankfully, I didn’t fail the Russia module for History GCSE, but I vowed to never again put myself through such physical and mental agony. We all know that a papercut left untended feels like a swordsman has pierced one’s armour in the throes of an ancient battle.
So, my clear, exam-ready pencil case throughout the rest of my higher education career consisted of the following:
General stationery rules for exams taken in the UK
Do not use correcting pens, fluid or tape, erasable pens, highlighters or gel pens in your answers. Gel pens can’t be used because they don’t tend to scan well and can make it difficult to read answers. The same goes for blue ink pens.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that if your writing doesn’t scan well – your paper will still be marked. AQA’s handy myth-busting guide declares that if handwriting is at all unclear, the script is taken out of online marking and marked physically instead.
From age 16 until the final year of my Master’s, I’ve tested so many types of examination-approved pens that I’ve frankly lost count. Below you’ll find a selection of the best possible stationery to help you write your way to that A*, 9, or first-class degree.
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uni-ball Vision Elite E Airplane Safe Rollerball Pens Black (Pack of 3)
The pièce de résistance of this article. A tried and true ES Best favourite.
We’re not quite sure how, but this pen ensures your handwriting remains silky smooth, gliding between every stroke of the pen. The ink is relatively thick, so you have to take care not to smudge it while jotting away, meaning this pen is perhaps not the best option for left-handers. The 0.8mm rollerball pen also features a pocket clip and a grip area for extra comfort while writing.
The Vision Elite also come equipped with airplane-safe technology, which prevents leaks due to changes in pressure – making it perfect for the frequent traveller. You can pick up this dream instrument in blue, black or red.
Buy now £8.01, Amazon
Uni-Ball Jetstream Retractable Ball Point Pens,0.7mm, Black Ink
A brilliant hybrid writing instrument, the Uni-Ball Jetstream glides across the page with a gel pen-like smoothness yet has the quick-dry properties of a ballpoint. The retractable pen is also equipped with an embossed grip for extra comfort, and it’s available in blue, black and red for all your notetaking needs.
Buy now £16.01, Amazon
Bic Cristal 10 x 1.6mm Black Ink Pens
The elevated model of the classic Bic ballpoint pen, the Bic Cristal delivers a thick, ultra-smooth and bold 0.6mm line which can be easily adapted based on the amount of pressure you apply to the hexagonal nib.
Buy now £5.45, Amazon
Bic 4 Colours Retractable Ballpoint Pens
The iconic four-colour retractable ballpoint from Bic is a tried and true classic. Forget holding various coloured pens in between your fingers like a mock wolverine, for colour-coded notes have never been easier. These pens are also incredibly long-lasting, with each of the four cartridges capable of writing up to 2km of text.
Buy now £6.69, Amazon
Bic Assorted BU3 Grip Retract Ball Pens Case of 10
An alternative to the uncomfortable classic Bic pens, these equally fantastic value retractable comfort grip pens deliver a premium writing experience without the painful edges, or frustrating ink cartridge from casing separation.
Buy now £4.26, Tesco
Pilot BX V5 Black Hi-Tecpoint Extra Fine Rollerball Pen 0.5 mm
For those who value the sleek and silky writing style of a classic gel pen but would never risk using one in an official examination, the Pilot BX V5 is your answer. With an ultra-fine 0.5mm tip for seamless and beautifully neat handwriting, the pure liquid ink is long-lasting, smudge-resistant, saturated and dries relatively quickly.
Buy now £11.78, Amazon
Paper Mate InkJoy 100ST Ballpoint Pens 1.0mm (x50)
Known among pen lovers for that characteristic double heart logo, Paper Mate is home to an array of sumptuously smooth gel-like pens. Fear not, lefties, for this viscous option nevertheless dries three times faster than other pens to prevent smudging and smearing. The ergonomic triangular grip adds to the premium feel of the pen, and the 1.0mm point flows beautifully. It’s also available in a rainbow’s worth of additional colours.
Buy now £14.40, Amazon
Lamy Safari Ballpoint Pen
A timeless, reliable and refillable classic, Lamy’s Safari Ballpoint Pen is far more exam-friendly than its fountain-tipped counterpart. Available in an array of chic colours, it’s an incredibly versatile and comfortable to hold ballpoint pen which has a finely balanced body and rarely leaves you high and dry.
Buy now £11.00, Amazon
