Put your best foot forward on the final exam

The words “final exams” are very scary. Preparing in advance and sleeping well before the examination day are some of the ways to decrease stress. Let’s find out more ways

Over-prepare: This is mostly not recommended. But it is better to be overprepared than to wish at the last minute that you had prepared better. Be prudent, over prepare much before the exams and go to give the exam and find it much easier than expected. As a CBSE teacher once said, an exam is never difficult, it just depends upon the fact how well you are prepared for it.

Over preparing does not mean cramming. Over preparing means to be well prepared for the exam much before the exam. The result is that on the last day you can relax and sleep well, instead of being stressed and not knowing what to revise. Stress will also prevent you from learning.

Stationary: have enough of pens, pencils ... whatever you may require on the day of examination. If you need to borrow anything you will not only disturb others but also waste your own time. Carry your own water.

Be time smart:

Watch: it is very important to wear a watch. Though most invigilators keep marking the time or informing the class at large. But don’t be dependent on them. It can be distracting and stressful.

Plan your time: most of the CBSE questions papers are divided into parts. Each part has has marks which will add to the total. So much before the exam, decide how much time you can afford to give to each question or part. If you find yourself losing focus on the minutes then mark the starting point and ending point. For instance

8:30-:8:45-comprehension

8:45-9:00-short essay

9:00-9:30- long essay

9:30-10:00 grammar

Though some students may find it easier, others may find it more stressful, so practice sample question papers and see what works for you.

No need to hurry: Take your exam in a relaxed manner. Sometimes most of the students have finished with their exam and your exam is in the last days of the date sheet. Just focus on your exam and you can too go for vacations when your exams are over. You should not be in a hurry to finish your last exam.

Elaborate: If there is a choice of writing to the point, and elaborating, choose to elaborate. The examiner checking your answer sheet should feel you know the matter thoroughly. Don’t use cock and bull stories to elaborate which could be absolutely different from knowledge and understanding.

No need to panic: In your panic you may miss important instructions like ‘do any 2’. Thus you may end up answering all questions and wasting your time. Thus it is important to stay calm and read all the instructions carefully. It will not amount to wasting time but you would be investing your time. It helps to visualise sitting in the exam centre and calmly reading the questions, answering and happy with your result.

Best of luck.