Enem 2026: preparation strategies and essay guidance for students

As the 2026 Enem (Exame Nacional do Ensino Médio) approaches on November 8 and 15, various educational resources and expert guidelines have been released to assist Brazilian students in their final preparations.

For the essay component, Inep has issued warnings against using ‘pocket repertoires’—generic, memorized citations that lack a consistent connection to the specific prompt. Experts suggest focusing on broad thematic axes such as artificial intelligence, climate migration, mental health, and social inclusion rather than attempting to guess specific topics.

To improve scores, educators recommend using mock exams (simulados) to manage time and understand the Item Response Theory (TRI) system, which prioritizes consistency in answering easy and medium-difficulty questions. In mathematics, students are advised to master foundational topics like percentages, ratios, and basic geometry rather than relying solely on formula memorization.

The Ministry of Education (MEC) has also supported preparation efforts by hosting large-scale review sessions in states like Bahia and Maranhão, providing students with academic revisions and mental health guidance.