What's the first thing I should do when responding to an exam question?

Firstly and most importantly, I would recommend reading the question carefully, making sure you understand it. If there is a passage that comes alongside it, do give yourself time to read carefully and see how this is related to the exam question. Highlight or brainstrom key themes of the text and any important literary techniques if examining an extract, this might be a metaphor, similie or a rhyme scheme. Once you have a feel for the question and have brainstormed some ideas you can write your introduction which will act as an oppurtunity for you to show the examiner you understand what the question is asking.I would recommend spending some time, depending on exam length, to jot down your plan before you start writing as this will give your essay structure and direction. It is also really important you have a good grasp of the text as this will give you confidence in your answers.