Dos:

Practice writing timed essays as much as possible before the actual exam - it is an aquired skill

Know the subject matter

Read the question at least twice

Answer the question on the exam paper, not the one you hoped would be there

Re-read the quesion as you are writing

Think before you write to avoid silly mistakes

Treat all religions and viewpoints with respect

Try to be objective an impartial when considering different viewpoints

Make sure you write a good essay, rather than simply a long essay

Don'ts:

Don't simply write everything you know, it isn't a knowledge test.

Don't write a long plan, you don't have time

Don't assume a particular religious, ethical or philosophical viewpoint

Don't generalise, especially avoid "ALL Christians believe...." there are lively debates within most religions

Don't define every term in the question unless it is integral to answering the question

Don't write biographies of every philosophy you mention unless its specifically asks for such details