Guide To Preparing For Examinations Part Ii

Guide to preparing for examinations: Part II: Before examination -Nitin D Parekh, CA, CFA, MBA (IIM, A) Executive Director, Ashima Limited In the Part-I of our article I have discussed various reading strategies related to substantive part of preparation for examinations. In the present article I have tried to mention about other aspects of preparation of examinations in the following paragraphs. Substantive Preparation: 1. Writing skills: a. Writing speed: Speed of writing is extremely important in exams. Many students make complaint that the test paper was very lengthy and they could not attempt all questions. In all such cases there are always some students who are able to attempt all questions. This means that some students have better writing speed. It is also necessary to understand that those students who are well prepared for the exam take less time in thinking about the answers and are immediately able to start the answers and thus they are in a position to complete the test paper. b. Orgainse your reading by making notes: You should make notes or prepare flash cards to summarise all main points of your reading material. There are several different ways to organize this material in the manner in which the same comes handy in remembering. These flash cards become immensely useful for last minute revision during exam days. Please remember that the cards should be prepared on the basis of same material which you are otherwise reading using same type of key words and put in the same sequential order. It may be advisable to get these sheets typewritten or printed in bold letters for last minute quick revision. c. Prepare list of all calculation formulas: Keep separate sheets of papers or a small notebook to note down chapter or topic wise all formulas of mathematics, statistics, physics etc., with details of every notation used therein. Make it a practice to go through this list at least every week to be completely aware of the same and a day prior to the exam. d. Solving test papers: You should solve a number of test papers of previous exams to gain confidence in exam and to understand whether you are able to complete the paper in time. Following points merit attention: i. You may appear for tests at various places rather than only at your school or college. This will give you idea of different types of questions or different styles of asking the same questions.

ii. Such tests should be taken preferably under same conditions in which the annual exam will be taken. This means that even the timing may be the same, physical conditions of room may be similar and if possible take such exams in the school/college class room to understand the environment of exam. Many test centers in cities are in the areas with a lot of traffic. Try to appear for tests under such circumstances to understand how well you concentrate in such circumstances. You should request your teacher to evaluate the test papers and give marks so that you understand your progress. You should go through the mistakes you might have done and any comments/suggestions made by your teacher. Make it a point to work on the mistakes so that they are not repeated again. iii. While you solve past test papers pay particular attention in understanding the pattern of examination, number of questions normally asked, which topics are regularly appearing, which topics appear in almost alternative year etc. I would advise the students to take test papers of different years and mark the relevant topics in their study material mentioning the exam and year in which the same was asked. You may also similarly look at other sure suggestions and 21 expected questions and mark the same in your reading material. Thus while you read the particular topic from your material you would be reminded of the importance of the same. This will also bring in required seriousness and attention on the topic. iv. It may make sense to prepare your own list of important questions in the form of question paper and solve the same under test conditions. This paper also should be evaluated by your teacher. This is also a trial to think about what should be expected in the exam and how to respond the same. v. Be honest to yourself. Do not look at your study material to answer the test papers. If you have not been able to complete the test paper within the given time frame do not spend extra time to complete the same or if you need to spend extra time inform the teacher about exact time spent by you in solving the test paper. The second approach is better as in that case you can understand whether the answers were correct and only the speed was the issue and that only needs to be improved upon. vi. If you are comfortable and ready to have last minute revision of important points you may record the same in your voice and listen to the same when you go to bed or when you are going to the examination centre. e. Good handwriting: Good hand writing creates good image in the eyes of the test paper examiner. Try to write in at least legible words. Avoid doing scribbling the text. Though handwriting is a subject by itself, I would mention that the four main ingredients of legible handwriting are

correct letter formation, size of the letters, alignment of the line (s) and uniform spacing of words. To master this technique requires enormous practice at home. f. Make use of various memory techniques: Make use of various techniques like association, visualization, link method, mnemonics etc. while trying to write down the points to remember. g. Beware of mistakes: You should believe that the teacher or your paper examiner will deduct mark for every mistake of spelling or grammar that you make. This will make you conscious about such things which count a lot for rank holders. 2. Study environment: Study environment has to be conducive to good study. How can the parents help a child to develop his or her full potential and set a pathway of lifelong learning? Marian Cleeves Diamond (1) answers this like this: ‘ Parents and teachers should create a climate for enchanted minds to obtain information, stimulate imagination, develop an atmosphere to enhance motivation and creativity and discover the value of a work ethic’ Some of the tips are as under: a. The parents should provide positive motivational support to their children and instill in them a sense of responsibility and self image. Parents may give enough challenges and provide stretch goals to them with good rewards. Marian mentions that: ‘ We should also not underestimate the importance of supporting creativity with imaginative toys, fantasy friends, a rich language environment, the value of music and art, and the value of a mentor who cares and listens and will remain in her mind when she later needs support ’. b. Watching TV or playing games or talking at the time of reading is to be totally avoided. c. Though breaks of 5 minutes at interval of one hour are desirable, there should not be frequent interruptions which can distract your mind. d. The temperature in the study room should be comfortable for reading. However keeping in mind actual conditions of exam room you should get habituated to real exam environment. e. The chair should be comfortable and conducive for study. The writing table should be comfortable in terms of length and height to facilitate writing. f. The room should have good ventilation and light. g. You must organize your study room or study space in such a manner that you are able to find your required textbooks, notebooks or other study materials easily. There has to be a system of oraganising your reading materials in a particular known order rather than in a haphazard manner. This will save a lot of time every time you need something. h. We are not talking about the factors which the students may consider in terms of vastushastra and Feng Shui as they are separate subjects by themselves. For example Feng Shui says that

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the pile of books on the left side of the reading table should be higher than that on the right side. There is no scientific research to prove that music helps in study. However if you are able to read, understand and remember better with light background music, you may go for the same.

3. Others a. Interactions with teachers: You will have some problem in understanding something at sometime or the other. You must frequently meet your teachers and understand your progress from them. Do not hesitate in asking your difficulties to them. Never expect them to call you for such comments. b. Attendance in classes: It is quite common for some students to keep on loitering around the school or colleges without attending classroom lectures under one pretext or other and at times even with out any reason. This practice would not allow the creation of interest and necessary respect for education and teachers which are must in my opinion for any serious student. Many students do not attend the class room lectures when exams days are closer on the ground of exam preparation. They may lose important learning in such cases. c. Completion of homework or assignments: The students are advised to complete all the homework or assignments given by their teaching institutions. It would be better to re write the class room notes if there is no homework for a given day. d. Importance to all subjects: Some students work more on the subjects they like and avoid preparation for subjects they do not like. This must be avoided and the rule should be exactly opposite. You must give more time to subjects in which you lack interest or expertise. Many students may find this quite difficult and tedious and they would be required to make changes in their attitude. But it is also true that if you always do what you have always done, you will always get what you have got. Material Preparation: Material preparation refers to all the requirements of materials related to the examination. We may consider the following important aspects in this regard: 1. The test material items can include many items depending on the subject of the examination and type of examination. Some of the most commonly used items are as under: a. Fountain pens or ball pens with additional fresh refills. It is experience of many students that roller ball pens provide smoothest writing. b. Pencils- dark or light as per the requirements and properly sharpened. Unless specifically asked pencil writing should be avoided because in comparison to pens the speed would be lower.

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c. Erasers d. Sharpeners e. Calculators-if allowed f. Calculator batteries g. Ruler h. Instrument box i. Protractor, if required j. Log tables, if allowed k. Watch l. Identity card m. Examination slip n. Colour pencils or marking pens, if allowed o. Water bottle p. Poker to put holes in sheets for tying them together. q. Strings and/or stapler to attach supplementary sheets. The students must make it clear as to which items are allowed and not allowed in the examination room and decide the items accordingly. You should keep 3-4 copies of identity cards at different places. The students must complete the preparation of all the items well in advance and latest by the previous night of exam It is better that the pens which are taken to examination are ones with whom you are familiar and in terms of speed of writing comfortable. The calculators should be such which are already operated by you and thus you are aware about the operating part of the functions. You should never go with the assumption that you will borrow something from the fellow student in the examination because this will create enough tension in your mind. You should also make a complete list of study material which you would like to read during exam days so that you do not waste time for such aspects. Also decide the priority of reading such materials if you cannot complete every reading.

Physical Preparation: Physical preparation means being physically fit to take the test. There are several aspects of physical preparation as under: 1. Food: a. Eating a balanced diet is a must for students b. Avoid junk food, too much of cold-drinks, ice-creams, sweets, chocolates and packed food. c. Avoid taking heavy meals as you would feel drowsy and would not be able to concentrate properly. d. Don’t skip your breakfast or other meal under examination stress or anxiety. e. Avoid excessive use of tea or coffee. f. Use plenty of water. 2. Sleep:

a. For all students at least 7-8 hours of sleep on a daily basis is must to keep them physically and mentally fit. b. The sleep should not be reduced even during examination days. Many students are prompted to reduce their sleep during and before examination days. This is a very risky step and must be avoided under all circumstances as the ability to learn and remember gets reduced with fatigue and stress. c. Fix up your bedtime and rising time and adhere to the same under all conditions. d. You may get better sleep if you take a warm bath before going to bed. e. If possible, maintain required comfortable temperature in your bed room. Make sure that your bed is comfortable enough for good sleep. f. It is better to keep your bed little away from your reading table. g. You may switch off the lights when you go to bed to avoid any distractions. h. Taking heavy dinner or drinking more cups of coffee or tea before sleep is best to be avoided. i. Avoid alcohol or sleeping pills even if you are too anxious to sleep and do not get sleep easily. Taking such things is likely to make you dull and lead to memory loss in exams. 3. Exercise: Do regular exercise to keep your body and mind healthy and fit. Exercise helps in burning extra calories and also provides a good medium for relaxation from study activity. Mental Preparation: Mental preparation of examination involves being mentally fit for facing examination with full confidence and with out test anxiety. This involves several aspects as under: 1. Attitude and self responsibility: Believe that exams are must and you would put up excellent performance and achieve best results. Ultimately you are the boss of yourself. If you think so then take responsibility for both good and bad situations in your life. Develop the sense of self control and self esteem and tell yourself that you are determined to fight against all odds and with all the efforts required for the same, you are going to succeed-no matter however difficult the exams may be. At times anxiety is the result of too much expectation to the extent of becoming unrealistic. Ask yourself are you realistic in your expectations. Do not become perfectionist beyond the reasonable boundary as the same itself may become major source of tension. Avoid blaming others for your problems and stress areas. You may give yourself reward or treat if you achieve what you have planned. 2. Building self image and confidence: The students must have strong will power and confidence in their abilities to perform well in the exams. The confidence gets developed with adequate preparation and optimistic nature. It must be noted that there should not be over confidence, which is quite dangerous. Many students who get good marks in 10th exam get over confident about

their ability and performance and become complacent in 11th standard. They repent later on as the performance in 10th is no benchmark for performance in higher standards. You should always remain confident based on your satisfactory preparation and not based on your past successes. 3. Avoiding test anxiety and stress: The mentally fit student for examination should not have stress and tension of examination, though it is said that some tension of exam is good to keep the students focused on their responsibility. The following points should be kept in mind: a. The reasons for test anxiety emanates from several factors (2) as under: i. The student is physically or mentally unhealthy ii. The student has a negative self image and lacks confidence in his/her abilities. iii. The student dislikes the subject, course , and/or instructor iv. The student has a history of poor performance on exams in general or in the course v. The student realizes he/she is inadequately prepared for the exam vi. The student has inappropriate expectations about his/her preparation for the exam vii. The student is overwhelmed by the amount of information to be learned viii. The student is unable to locate or forgets exam supplies (materials) ix. The student does not know what to expect in the exam. x. The student arrives late to the exam or can’t find the room b. The students are advised to take various measures to avoid and release stress and tension. These may include the following: i. To avoid stress the students should try to avoid the specific situations which generally lead to tension and stress. ii. One of the best ways of handling stress is to do over preparation for test to boost the confidence levels. In the management entrance exam like CAT for admission to IIMs, I had prepared a large number of difficult English words (about 5000) which may be useful in the written test only to gain the confidence in the exam, though it was very clear that none of them may be actually asked in the exam. iii. The students should follow various time techniques for effective time management so that there is no backlog of preparation. iv. To release the tension and stress it makes sense to go out of the concerned situation-change the subject or the topic and do something which one enjoys doing for the time being with out worrying about the exams. Go for a movie of your choice, meet your friend, do exercise, play sport or games, listen to music or do any other recreational activity.

v. You may talk to somebody to release your tension. Recharge yourself and take control of yourself as a responsible student. vi. Do one task at a time with out bothering about what all you have to complete. vii. Consider that you are not the only person who is to appear for exams or can have tension. viii. If you are still not able to get out of stress then it may be advisable to consult some doctor rather than going to astrologer! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------References: 1. Marian Cleeves Diamond, ‘ What are the Determinants of Children’s academic Success and Difficulties?, New Horizons for Learning 2. Muskingum College, Centre for Advancement of Learning