How can you cope with exams?
There is no need to feel jittery with a cool heated and systematic approach you can crack them with confidence. Here are a few tips
There is no better time than now to start studying! Don't put off for even an hour later what you can do now. Do not cry about the time you've wasted till now-accept that it can't be brought back. But make the most of what is Left
Schedule your day
To make the best of your time, you must start with a good timetable. Your timetable should have a little time for leisure and enough rest too.
Set day-to-day goals
Not even the best brains can cram the whole syllabus a day before the examination. What is needed is consistent effort, regular practice and thorough revisions. Nobody knows better than you how much you can really do in a day-set your goals accordingly. For example, if you can comfortably do just two lessons a day, don't force yourself to do one more it won't register well. 'Start small and you can gradually increase your quota.
Prepare a plan of action. Identify subject units which you have mastered and therefore may require only one reading.
Estimate how many hours you need to devote to the subjects that you have not mastered. Out of the hours available to you in a day, decide how many hours you can allot for each of the 3 or 4 subjects you intend to study in a day.
*While reading your notes, underline important points and jot them down for quick references.
Do not choose to study only one subject throughout the day. It will be monotonous and you may lose concentration. A 2-hour study of Algebra could be followed by a 1-hour study of English.
Take a break
Don't blame yourself if you can't concentrate for more than 45 minutes. But be sincere in those 45 minutes-you should not cheat or let your mind wander. You'll see that you will be able to concentrate better and for longer periods. In between take breaks-take a quick walk around the neighbourhood, listen to music or play with your pet.
Sit quietly with eyes closed and watch your breathing. This simple technique helps you to relax.
High-scoring food chart
*Two helpings of oranges or lemonade (lemon juice) to take care of your Vitamin C requirements. Whole grains, eggs and vegetables.
*For in-between snacks, try yoghurt, dry fruits, poha, chivda, fruit salads, khakras, peanuts and channa. Have an early dinner and a glass of milk later if you are studying into the night. Eat right to be bright!
A very important but much neglected part of examination preparations is your diet. Most children tend to ignore this aspect and think that eating is a waste of time. The other extreme eats far too much to avoid going to their study table but believe it or not. correct eating has a direct impact on your preparation and thus, on your results. The well-fed brain functions and retains information much better. Food high in fiber content plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, and lots of milk keep you energised and alert. Chocolates, chips and other high-sugar, high-fat foods tend to make you feel sluggish. Spicy food too can induce a feeling of lethargy.
Memory tips
Some units may have to be memorised. Do not try to memorise a long passage in one sitting, Break it into three or more small units it is easier to memorise in small bits. Reserve the last hour of study before going to bed, for a new unit which you may have understood but still don't feel confident about and when you get up in the morning, repeat the same subject and unit.
If you have enough time, try to write down the answers without looking at the book or notes. Studying old papers and trying to solve a few within the stipulated time helps tremendously not just in improving your technique but also in building up your confidence.
Do not test your memory on the eve of the examination. Many students have a habit of trying to recall some passages, just to make sure that they have not forgotten what they have memorised. And when they fail to recall something, it makes them more nervous. Therefore, you may avoid testing your memory just before the exam. Have confidence that you will recall the answer when you read the question paper.
Picture Credit : Google