How does practicing under timed conditions benefit exam preparation?

Practicing under timed conditions is beneficial because it develops familiarity with exam pressure. When students simulate the time constraints of an actual exam, they experience the same urgency and pressure they will face on test day. This practice helps to desensitize them to anxiety and allows them to learn how to manage their time effectively during the actual exam. Over time, as students continue to practice, they become more comfortable working under pressure, which can lead to improved performance since they can focus on demonstrating their knowledge without being overwhelmed by the time factor.

The other options do not capture the essence of why timed practice is useful. Some may suggest that it increases stress levels, but this can be mitigated with consistent practice, as individuals learn to cope better with the stress. Reliance on notes is not a goal of timed practice; instead, it encourages students to recall information and arguments independently. Finally, claiming that it has no effect on performance overlooks the significant advantages that come from developing strategies to handle the pressures and constraints associated with testing environments.