PREPARING FOR EXAMINATIONS – TIPS AND SUGGESTIONS
STUDENTS’ MANUAL
Introduction
The Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary
defines the word ‘examination’ as ‘a formal written, spoken or practical test’.
Such a test is taken to see how much you know about a particular subject, or
what you can do. Examinations are inevitable when you take a course. However, it
is a common fact that most students are afraid of examinations. In fact, the
very thought of the annual exams induces stress. So, how are you going to deal
with this problem? This lesson will give you some tips and suggestions to help
you to prepare well for examinations.
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Activity
1:
Answer the following questions honestly:
1. Do you like the idea of taking exams? ( Yes/ No)
2. Do you see that you have all the class notes, notes
from text books and other reading material with you before you start preparing
for your exams?
( Yes/ No)
3. Do you start preparing for your exams well in
advance? ( Yes/ No)
4. Do you know
some techniques which would help you to face your exams successfully?
( Yes/ No)
5. Do you want to be successful in your exams? ( Yes/ No)
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It is assumed that
your answer is ‘Yes’ to the 5th question. However, if you have
answered ‘No’ for more than 2 out of the
first 4 questions, then you are in need for some guidance in preparing for your
exams. It is not enough to want to be
successful in your exams without putting in the right kind of preparation.
Activity
2:
Read the following questions
and answer them in not more than 2-3 sentences. Then, share your answers with
the rest of the class :
1. Why
are most students afraid or nervous of taking exams?
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2. Why
do some students score better marks than others?
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3. How
can you achieve success in your examinations?
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At
the completion of the above activity, you will know at least a few of the most
important reasons why students fear exams as well as some of the Do’s and
Dont’s on how to prepare for exams.
Activity
3:
Read the
following statements on ‘PREPARING
FOR EXAMINATIONS – TIPS AND SUGGESTIONS. Some of them are true while others are false. Write
‘T’ for true and ‘F’ for false:
1.
It
is not necessary to attend classes or take notes. ( )
2.
Reading
and writing class notes, important concepts, definitions, formulas and key concepts will help in memorizing them. ( )
3.
It is a waste of time to revise notes and
other reading material. (
)
4.
Preparing
a time table for study helps you to organize yourself. ( )
5.
Studying
in groups enhances your learning. ( )
6.
Taking
breaks while studying is not advisable. ( )
7.
It
is important to always remain confident and be positive. (
)
8.
Getting
enough sleep makes you less focussed and alert. ( )
9.
Answering
old question papers gives you good practice. ( )
10.
Managing
time is a very important skill while preparing for exams.( )
11.
Having
good and nutritious food is a must. (
)
12. Staying away
from distractions will cause loss of concentration. (
)
After marking true or false at the end of the above
statements, turn to your partner and compare your answers. Identify the false statements discuss and
write down the correct answers. In your notebooks, draw up a fresh list of
twelve statements with the necessary corrections. Share your answers with the
rest of the class.
Activity
4:
Working in groups, choose SIX tips/suggestions
from the above list, which your group thinks are most important for preparing
for exams. Arrange them in descending order in terms of their importance. Give
reasons why your group has chosen those six. Share with the rest of the class.
TOP
SIX EXAM-PREPARATION TIPS
1._________________________________________________________
2. ________________________________________________________
3._________________________________________________________
4._________________________________________________________
5.________________________________________________________
6._________________________________________________________
REASONS:
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Now that you have a clear idea of some
important tips on how to prepare for your exams, start studying!
TOP
SEVEN EXAM-TAKING STRATEGIES
Here are some
important strategies for taking your exams.
1. Skim through the entire
question paper- Skimming through the question paper
helps you to identify the questions you know and those that you are not sure of.
2. Answer
the questions you know first-
Answering the questions you know first will create a favourable impression and
the examiner is likely to award good marks.
3. Skip the questions you don’t know – Don’t
waste time on questions you are not very sure of. Skip them for you can come
back later and try to answer them.
4. Present your answers well-
Even though you have prepared well, what gives you marks is what you have
written in the exam and how. Good
presentation and a neat, legible handwriting will ensure full marks.
5. Manage your time-
Be sure to manage your time as it is very important to allot time
proportionately to all the questions. Don’t waste too much time writing
elaborate answers to questions which carry fewer marks.
6. Double check your answers –
Double check your answers to see if you have attempted all of them. Make sure
you have not overlooked any question.
7. Relax –
Remember that it is very important to avoid stress as it is very easy to panic
and forget all that you have studied. So, relax, take a deep breath and start
writing!
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