¶ How to Prepare for an Exam
Preparing for an exam can be stressful and time-consuming, but it doesn't have to be. There's no need to stress out or cram. By doing a couple of simple things ahead of time, you can ensure that you are confident and ready for anything that comes up on the test.
1. CREATE A STUDY PLAN – Before sitting down to pick up a book and start studying, create a study plan. It will not only help one maintaining a proper study schedule but also get a clearer sight of what needs to be done and when. List down the name of the subjects and topics, sort out the priorities of studying each subject, chart out number of days before the exam and assign to each subject strategically, frame the study hours per day, plan out group study time and breaks, etc. that will be convenient for self. Following a study plan will automatically guide one saving great amount of time and energy that would have instead been wasted unknowingly worrying and panicking.
2. ORGANISE THE STUDY SPACE – We are able to focus and study at our best when we are in a pleasant and comfortable environment. Find the best spot in thehouse, hostel or room where there is better light, fresh air and is silent. Spaces with least distraction are the most appropriate space for quality studying. De-clutter the space from unnecessary items as much as possible to avoid distractions. Turn off the mobile phone or keep in flight mode while studying. Different people have different preferences for studying behaviors. While some may prefer sitting on a chair and reading on the table, while others may prefer to lie down or walk holding the book while studying. So, figure out the best method and space that suits best and organize accordingly.
3. TAKE REGULAR BREAKS– Human brain functions the best when it is given breaks periodically. Researchers have proven that studying for short intervals with regular breaks are more efficient than doing it for long hours without breaks. Forcing ourselves to study when our mind is sleepy or not active can only make it more exhausted. So, take breaks regularly, go for a brief walk, close your eyes or look away in distance to rest the eyes and the mind.
4. FOLLOW A HEALTHY DIET – Good food habit always results in better health, thus more energy. Avoid eating unhealthy foods, insteadincrease the intake of fresh and nutritious foods to avoid unnatural sleepiness, fatigue or sickness. Drink plenty of water to keep the body properly hydrated. Consuming nuts, yoghurt and seeds can help in retaining better concentration and memory.
5. MAINTAIN A PROPER SLEEP ROUTINE – During sleep human mind and body rest completely to regain energy and strength by completing the daily metabolism cycle. A good sleep of 8 hours is recommended by health experts.Some people may prefer to study late at night, some may prefer early in the morning, so check which time of the day suits best, schedule and maintain a proper sleep routine.
6. STUDY IN GROUPS OCCASIONALLY – Studying in groups occasionally can helpgain more knowledge and ideas about the same topic and subject one missed out while studying on their own. Clearing out doubts by asking each other questions can result in a clearer insight into the facts and also result in better memory.
7. READ ENTIRETY & MAKE BRIEF NOTES – Thorough reading is a must for learning any subject entirely. Read and crosscheck with other information from different authors and sources. Making brief notes while studying increases the recall capacity for our brain to rememberwhat we have already studied by improving the flow of our study process.
8. GO THROUGH PREVIOUS YEARS’ EXAM QUESTION PAPERS – Once we finish studying the targeted syllabus or subjects, we should go through question papers from the previous years. It will not only make us realize how prepared we are for the exam but will also give us a chance to learn the nature and type of questions papers in exams. It will ease one in finding techniques for finding the most appropriate answers to every question.
9. REVISE AGAIN – Revision is a must for anyone appearing any examination. Whether it is a week before the exam or day before, it will help one absorb the already studied information in a more detailed manner.
10. PLAN THE DAY OF EXAM – Planning the exam a day ahead willmake everything easier on the actual exam day. Getting all the information and requirement of the examination in advance is mandatory. Make sure to have a good night sleep before the exam day. On the day of the examination, get up early in the morning, drink good amount of water andeat light nutritious food to avoid drowsiness, sort out and carry all the required stationery items, plan your journey and start off a little early to avoid last-minute races. Travel with a companion who is punctual, it will make one feelmore positive energy and confident.
Revision tips
Make a realistic revision schedule. Work out how much you have to do and the time you have to do it in, then break it down into manageable chunks. Aim to do a few hours of revision each day, and mix up your subjects so you do not get bored.
Find a revision style that suits you. Studying alone in a quiet room suits some people, but not everyone likes working in silence. Try playing music quietly in the background, or revising with a friend (but do not let them distract you!).
Customise your notes to make them more personal. Experiment with colour coding, notes on postcards, diagrams or whatever helps you learn your topic.
Make sure you understand everything. If you come across something you do not understand, try to find a new source of information that will help you understand it. Just memorising it will not help you in your exam. Do not be afraid to ask your teacher or a friend for help if you need it.
Look at past exam papers. It means you can familiarise yourself with the layout and type of questions you'll be asked. Practise completing exam papers in the set time limit to improve your exam technique.
Take regular short breaks. Studying for hours and hours will only make you tired and ruin your concentration, which may make you even more anxious.
Reward yourself. For example, you could take a long bath, listen to music, spend time with friends or watch a good movie once you have finished your revision session.
Do something physical. When you're not revising, use your spare time to get away from your books and do something active, like going for a walk or doing some stretching. Exercise is good for taking your mind off stress and keeping you positive, and it will help you sleep better.
Ask for help. If you're feeling stressed, it's important to talk to someone you trust, such as a family member, teacher or a friend. Lots of people find exams difficult to deal with, so do not be embarrassed to ask for support.