1. Prepare well and get the right information so that you can approach the exam in a relaxed frame of mind.
2. You will not require deep knowledge of grammar but make sure you know your pronouns as well as the verb conjugation in a variety of tenses. Being able to use feminine demonstrative pronouns with feminine nouns shows clear understanding of basic grammatical structures.
3. Try not to rely heavily on colloquial language, remember the exam seeks to find out how well you can use modern terms in a variety of contexts.
4. Writing practice is a must so get writing on a regular basis, even if you have to copy chunks of text.
5. Keep your work looking neat, if you need to cross out just put a line through it. Avoid blotches of ink where you have heavily scribbled a word you decided not to use.
6. For the speaking paper try not to use one word answers and preferably try to answer using more than one sentence. You may ask the examiner a question for the exchange to be more interactive.
7. To allow for a good recording and in order for every word of the conversation to be picked up on the audio the student should be close to the microphone, in the speaking paper.
8. Do not spend more than 20 minutes answering section A of the writing paper. Remember that section B is a longer task requiring more time than the first section.
9. Download a few past papers from the Edexcel site and practice these, especially the audios.
10. Know how to find meanings of words in an Arabic dictionary.
11. Make sure you are in contact with someone who can help you work on your Arabic skills.
12. Make sure you are answering the write question. Check the necessary boxes.
13. Thoughtful commentary that consistently links technique to the writer's purpose will score highly.
14. Always try and proof-read your writing.
15. Don't be afraid to ask the examiner to repeat a question if you are not clear on a question.
16. Stay calm, if you have done your homework there is no need to worry.
17. Use some good Arabic books to revise. See the section on Arabic resources. There are many books you can use not just the ones I have picked.