last-minute Board prep

Classes X and XII Boards are round the corner and students are looking for tips and tricks on how to perform better. Rajshekhar Ratrey lists a few

With Board exams around the corner, it is time for Classes X and XII students to speed up their preparation and start focusing on revision. Students often tend to burn the midnight oil one day before the exam. lack of sleep and exam anxiety can take a serious toll on their health.

Here are a list of dos and don’ts for students to follow during the last phases to attempt boards with a positive frame of mind:

Dos

• Read the question paper well: It is essential that you read the instructions given on the question paper well, before you start attempting the exam. This will help you come up with a solid paper strategy.
• Answer the section you find easy, first: There will be both objective and subjective-type questions. Attempt the ones you find easy first, and then move on to the other sections, in order to save time. Prioritise wisely and adhere to the time frame planned for answering each section.
• Keep some time aside for revision: Ensure that you assign at least 5-10 minutes for reviewing your answer sheet. It is quite possible that you missed out on a question, made a few spelling mistakes or copied the data incorrectly from the question paper. Therefore, allotting some time to the answer sheet is essential, and will help you avoid silly mistakes.
• Manage your time judiciously: You should manage your time well and ensure that you’re not wasting extra time on a single section or question. While writing the paper, make it a practice to stick to the word limit and mention all the steps while solving numericals. If you’re struggling with a particular question, then move on to the next one, and return to the previous one after you have solved the rest of the paper.
• Carry all essentials: A lot of stress can be avoided if you carry all the essentials to the exam hall. For instance, carry extra pens, pencils, eraser, ruler, geometry box, etc. Make a checklist the night before each exam and make sure that you systematically carry everything required.

Don’ts

• Don’t scribble on the answer sheet: Apart from writing the correct answers, it is equally necessary to keep the answer sheet presentable. Presentation is an art and shouldn’t be restricted to pretty handwriting or artistic diagrams. Include a formula which is related to the definition, or give a short example to your answer. All this leaves a positive impression on the examiner’s mind, thereby leading to lesser stress during evaluation. Avoid scribbling on the answer sheet, and in case of a wrong word or answer, just strike it off neatly with one stroke.
• Don’t panic: It may not be your favourite subject and you might be facing difficulty while memorising all theorems or formulae. However, getting stressed or panicking before the exam can make you perform badly. Concentrate and keep your cool before entering the exam hall.
• Don’t leave any questions unanswered: Board exams do not have negative marking. Therefore, ensure that you answer all the questions even if you’re not sure about the answers. There is no harm in testing your luck, but do so after you have attempted all the questions you are sure about.
• Don’t get stuck on a question: Time plays a very crucial role while attempting a paper. Therefore, if you’re stuck on a question, it is advisable to move on to the next one. There are chances that by the time you come back to the question, you might be able to recollect the answer easily or might have figured out a clue while attempting the rest of the questions.
• Don’t wait to discuss: Once you finish an exam, pack your bag and leave for home. Do not linger around to chat with friends, or discuss the answers. Go home, take rest and focus on the next paper. All the best!

The writer is VP, Educational Content, Toppr.com