Welcome

Making Exams Work for You.
By Ms. Ritu Malhotra

If you are in the dark and the thought of exams is already bringing you out in cold sweats, try this 12- point plan to effective revision. You can start to take control straight away. Taking exams is a normal part of academic life.

Size up the Whole Task
(1) Read the syllabus. It sounds obvious but you need to know all the different areas/topics on which you could be examined.
(2) Cheek the skills the course is calling for. If you feel that your essay writing is weak, for example, it is worth learning what makes for a good essay before revising specific subjects.
Make a list of topic headings for each subject. These could be based on the course
syllabus itself, or on past exam papers. Ask your teachers for advice.

Assess your Resources
(4) Take all your lesson notes, coursework, text and organize them into an easily accessible form. Make your own notes.
(5) Time is as valuable a resource as your notes. Work out your commitments between now and the exams and allocate topics to your available time.
(6) Facilities. You'll need space at home to keep your stuff organised so you can find it when you need it, and space of your own-which is quiet or where you can play whatever sort of music helps you to work.

Develop Revision Skills
(7) Look at the topic headings for each subject. Scour your course material and focus on relevant points for each topic.
(8) Make notes summarizing the main points for each one. Highlight key words or phrases that are the basis of each topic you revise.
(9) Organise time with your family. You will have to explain your thoughts to an examiner, so explaining to novices is a good way of organising your thoughts.

Final Revision
(10) Take each exam as it comes. Remember your highlighted notes, checking that they remind you of your original detailed notes.
(11) Do not leave everything until the last minute! Those students who cram it all the night before and pass are either very bright or very lucky (usually both).
(12) Take care of yourself during the exam period. You will quickly become exhausted if you don't cat properly and if you stay up every night cramming into the small hours.

EXAMS TACTICS
Mocks
Do not underestimate the importance of these, they are important because:
They give you an idea of how to cope
A good performance breeds confidence. A poor performance, if you have revised seriously, shows where your weaker areas are, in time for you to work on them
They get you well prepared for the main.

IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM!

• If the problem is EMOTIONAL - you have to remember that you have taken exams from the primary stages. So, it is not something new for you. Work on it, do not fear. Build confidence, by not pondering but setting a plan and working towards the goal.

• If the problem is ACADEMIC - read and consult your notes and texts. Seeks help from teachers and parents. Don't keep quiet.

• If the problem is PHYSICAL - talk to your parents, who may then consult a doctor. You need enough sleep and nutrition

• If you are unable to understand your problem then speak to your parents, teacher or counselor

You can make your exams work for you. If there is a problem, the solution is also with you. Do not sit over the problem-deal with it effectively. Go ahead, unwind and talk away the exam blues. Be firm and determined. Strive towards the goal. Take control and best of luck.

Remember- "just do it"