Guide to preparing for examinations: Part II: Before examination

-Nitin D Parekh, CA, CFA, MBA (IIM, A)

Executive Director, Ashima Limited

In the Part-I of our article I have discussed various reading strategies related to
substantive part of preparation for examinations. In the present article I have tried
to mention about other aspects of preparation of examinations in the following
paragraphs.

Substantive Preparation:

1. Writing skills:
a. Writing speed: Speed of writing is extremely important in exams. Many
students make complaint that the test paper was very lengthy and they
could not attempt all questions. In all such cases there are always
some students who are able to attempt all questions. This means that
some students have better writing speed. It is also necessary to
understand that those students who are well prepared for the exam
take less time in thinking about the answers and are immediately able
to start the answers and thus they are in a position to complete the test
paper.
b. Orgainse your reading by making notes: You should make notes or
prepare flash cards to summarise all main points of your reading
material. There are several different ways to organize this material in
the manner in which the same comes handy in remembering. These
flash cards become immensely useful for last minute revision during
exam days. Please remember that the cards should be prepared on
the basis of same material which you are otherwise reading using
same type of key words and put in the same sequential order. It may
be advisable to get these sheets typewritten or printed in bold letters
for last minute quick revision.
c. Prepare list of all calculation formulas: Keep separate sheets of papers
or a small notebook to note down chapter or topic wise all formulas of
mathematics, statistics, physics etc., with details of every notation used
therein. Make it a practice to go through this list at least every week to
be completely aware of the same and a day prior to the exam.
d. Solving test papers: You should solve a number of test papers of
previous exams to gain confidence in exam and to understand whether
you are able to complete the paper in time. Following points merit
attention:
i. You may appear for tests at various places rather than only at
your school or college. This will give you idea of different types
of questions or different styles of asking the same questions.
 ii. Such tests should be taken preferably under same conditions in
which the annual exam will be taken. This means that even the
timing may be the same, physical conditions of room may be
similar and if possible take such exams in the school/college
class room to understand the environment of exam. Many test
centers in cities are in the areas with a lot of traffic. Try to
appear for tests under such circumstances to understand how
well you concentrate in such circumstances. You should request
your teacher to evaluate the test papers and give marks so that
you understand your progress. You should go through the
mistakes you might have done and any comments/suggestions
made by your teacher. Make it a point to work on the mistakes
so that they are not repeated again.
iii. While you solve past test papers pay particular attention in
understanding the pattern of examination, number of questions
normally asked, which topics are regularly appearing, which
topics appear in almost alternative year etc. I would advise the
students to take test papers of different years and mark the
relevant topics in their study material mentioning the exam and
year in which the same was asked. You may also similarly look
at other sure suggestions and 21 expected questions and mark
the same in your reading material. Thus while you read the
particular topic from your material you would be reminded of the
importance of the same. This will also bring in required
seriousness and attention on the topic.
iv. It may make sense to prepare your own list of important
questions in the form of question paper and solve the same
under test conditions. This paper also should be evaluated by
your teacher. This is also a trial to think about what should be
expected in the exam and how to respond the same.
v. Be honest to yourself. Do not look at your study material to
answer the test papers. If you have not been able to complete
the test paper within the given time frame do not spend extra
time to complete the same or if you need to spend extra time
inform the teacher about exact time spent by you in solving the
test paper. The second approach is better as in that case you
can understand whether the answers were correct and only the
speed was the issue and that only needs to be improved upon.
vi. If you are comfortable and ready to have last minute revision of
important points you may record the same in your voice and
listen to the same when you go to bed or when you are going to
the examination centre.
e. Good handwriting: Good hand writing creates good image in the eyes
of the test paper examiner. Try to write in at least legible words. Avoid
doing scribbling the text. Though handwriting is a subject by itself, I
would mention that the four main ingredients of legible handwriting are
 correct letter formation, size of the letters, alignment of the line (s) and
uniform spacing of words. To master this technique requires enormous
practice at home.
f. Make use of various memory techniques: Make use of various
techniques like association, visualization, link method, mnemonics etc.
while trying to write down the points to remember.
g. Beware of mistakes: You should believe that the teacher or your paper
examiner will deduct mark for every mistake of spelling or grammar
that you make. This will make you conscious about such things which
count a lot for rank holders.
2. Study environment: Study environment has to be conducive to good study.
How can the parents help a child to develop his or her full potential and
set a pathway of lifelong learning? Marian Cleeves Diamond (1) answers
this like this: ‘ Parents and teachers should create a climate for enchanted
minds to obtain information, stimulate imagination, develop an atmosphere
to enhance motivation and creativity and discover the value of a work
ethic’ Some of the tips are as under:
a. The parents should provide positive motivational support to their
children and instill in them a sense of responsibility and self image.
Parents may give enough challenges and provide stretch goals to
them with good rewards. Marian mentions that: ‘ We should also
not underestimate the importance of supporting creativity with
imaginative toys, fantasy friends, a rich language environment, the
value of music and art, and the value of a mentor who cares and
listens and will remain in her mind when she later needs support ’.
b. Watching TV or playing games or talking at the time of reading is to
be totally avoided.
c. Though breaks of 5 minutes at interval of one hour are desirable,
there should not be frequent interruptions which can distract your
mind.
d. The temperature in the study room should be comfortable for
reading. However keeping in mind actual conditions of exam room
you should get habituated to real exam environment.
e. The chair should be comfortable and conducive for study. The
writing table should be comfortable in terms of length and height to
facilitate writing.
f. The room should have good ventilation and light.
g. You must organize your study room or study space in such a
manner that you are able to find your required textbooks,
notebooks or other study materials easily. There has to be a system
of oraganising your reading materials in a particular known order
rather than in a haphazard manner. This will save a lot of time
every time you need something.
h. We are not talking about the factors which the students may
consider in terms of vastushastra and Feng Shui as they are
separate subjects by themselves. For example Feng Shui says that
 the pile of books on the left side of the reading table should be
higher than that on the right side.
i. There is no scientific research to prove that music helps in study.
However if you are able to read, understand and remember better
with light background music, you may go for the same.
3. Others
a. Interactions with teachers: You will have some problem in
understanding something at sometime or the other. You must
frequently meet your teachers and understand your progress from
them. Do not hesitate in asking your difficulties to them. Never
expect them to call you for such comments.
b. Attendance in classes: It is quite common for some students to
keep on loitering around the school or colleges without attending
classroom lectures under one pretext or other and at times even
with out any reason. This practice would not allow the creation of
interest and necessary respect for education and teachers which
are must in my opinion for any serious student. Many students do
not attend the class room lectures when exams days are closer on
the ground of exam preparation. They may lose important learning
in such cases.
c. Completion of homework or assignments: The students are advised
to complete all the homework or assignments given by their
teaching institutions. It would be better to re write the class room
notes if there is no homework for a given day.
d. Importance to all subjects: Some students work more on the
subjects they like and avoid preparation for subjects they do not
like. This must be avoided and the rule should be exactly opposite.
You must give more time to subjects in which you lack interest or
expertise. Many students may find this quite difficult and tedious
and they would be required to make changes in their attitude. But it
is also true that if you always do what you have always done, you
will always get what you have got.

Material Preparation: Material preparation refers to all the requirements of

materials related to the examination. We may consider the following important
aspects in this regard:
1. The test material items can include many items depending on the
subject of the examination and type of examination. Some of the most
commonly used items are as under:
a. Fountain pens or ball pens with additional fresh refills. It is
experience of many students that roller ball pens provide
smoothest writing.
b. Pencils- dark or light as per the requirements and properly
sharpened. Unless specifically asked pencil writing should be
avoided because in comparison to pens the speed would be
lower.
 c. Erasers
d. Sharpeners
e. Calculators-if allowed
f. Calculator batteries
g. Ruler
h. Instrument box
i. Protractor, if required
j. Log tables, if allowed
k. Watch
l. Identity card
m. Examination slip
n. Colour pencils or marking pens, if allowed
o. Water bottle
p. Poker to put holes in sheets for tying them together.
q. Strings and/or stapler to attach supplementary sheets.
2. The students must make it clear as to which items are allowed and not
allowed in the examination room and decide the items accordingly.
3. You should keep 3-4 copies of identity cards at different places.
4. The students must complete the preparation of all the items well in
advance and latest by the previous night of exam
5. It is better that the pens which are taken to examination are ones with
whom you are familiar and in terms of speed of writing comfortable.
6. The calculators should be such which are already operated by you and
thus you are aware about the operating part of the functions.
7. You should never go with the assumption that you will borrow
something from the fellow student in the examination because this will
create enough tension in your mind.
8. You should also make a complete list of study material which you
would like to read during exam days so that you do not waste time for
such aspects. Also decide the priority of reading such materials if you
cannot complete every reading.

Physical Preparation: Physical preparation means being physically fit to take

the test. There are several aspects of physical preparation as under:
1. Food:
a. Eating a balanced diet is a must for students
b. Avoid junk food, too much of cold-drinks, ice-creams, sweets,
chocolates and packed food.
c. Avoid taking heavy meals as you would feel drowsy and would
not be able to concentrate properly.
d. Don’t skip your breakfast or other meal under examination
stress or anxiety.
e. Avoid excessive use of tea or coffee.
f. Use plenty of water.
2. Sleep:
 a. For all students at least 7-8 hours of sleep on a daily basis is
must to keep them physically and mentally fit.
b. The sleep should not be reduced even during examination days.
Many students are prompted to reduce their sleep during and
before examination days. This is a very risky step and must be
avoided under all circumstances as the ability to learn and
remember gets reduced with fatigue and stress.
c. Fix up your bedtime and rising time and adhere to the same
under all conditions.
d. You may get better sleep if you take a warm bath before going
to bed.
e. If possible, maintain required comfortable temperature in your
bed room. Make sure that your bed is comfortable enough for
good sleep.
f. It is better to keep your bed little away from your reading table.
g. You may switch off the lights when you go to bed to avoid any
distractions.
h. Taking heavy dinner or drinking more cups of coffee or tea
before sleep is best to be avoided.
i. Avoid alcohol or sleeping pills even if you are too anxious to
sleep and do not get sleep easily. Taking such things is likely to
make you dull and lead to memory loss in exams.
3. Exercise: Do regular exercise to keep your body and mind healthy and
fit. Exercise helps in burning extra calories and also provides a good
medium for relaxation from study activity.

Mental Preparation: Mental preparation of examination involves being mentally

fit for facing examination with full confidence and with out test anxiety. This
involves several aspects as under:
1. Attitude and self responsibility: Believe that exams are must and you would
put up excellent performance and achieve best results. Ultimately you are the
boss of yourself. If you think so then take responsibility for both good and bad
situations in your life. Develop the sense of self control and self esteem and
tell yourself that you are determined to fight against all odds and with all the
efforts required for the same, you are going to succeed-no matter however
difficult the exams may be. At times anxiety is the result of too much
expectation to the extent of becoming unrealistic. Ask yourself are you
realistic in your expectations. Do not become perfectionist beyond the
reasonable boundary as the same itself may become major source of tension.
Avoid blaming others for your problems and stress areas. You may give
yourself reward or treat if you achieve what you have planned.
2. Building self image and confidence: The students must have strong will power
and confidence in their abilities to perform well in the exams. The confidence
gets developed with adequate preparation and optimistic nature. It must be
noted that there should not be over confidence, which is quite dangerous.
Many students who get good marks in 10th exam get over confident about
 their ability and performance and become complacent in 11th standard. They
repent later on as the performance in 10th is no benchmark for performance in
higher standards. You should always remain confident based on your
satisfactory preparation and not based on your past successes.
3. Avoiding test anxiety and stress: The mentally fit student for examination
should not have stress and tension of examination, though it is said that some
tension of exam is good to keep the students focused on their responsibility.
The following points should be kept in mind:
a. The reasons for test anxiety emanates from several factors (2) as
under:
i. The student is physically or mentally unhealthy
ii. The student has a negative self image and lacks confidence in
his/her abilities.
iii. The student dislikes the subject, course , and/or instructor
iv. The student has a history of poor performance on exams in
general or in the course
v. The student realizes he/she is inadequately prepared for the
exam
vi. The student has inappropriate expectations about his/her
preparation for the exam
vii. The student is overwhelmed by the amount of information to be
learned
viii. The student is unable to locate or forgets exam supplies
(materials)
ix. The student does not know what to expect in the exam.
x. The student arrives late to the exam or can’t find the room
b. The students are advised to take various measures to avoid and
release stress and tension. These may include the following:
i. To avoid stress the students should try to avoid the specific
situations which generally lead to tension and stress.
ii. One of the best ways of handling stress is to do over
preparation for test to boost the confidence levels. In the
management entrance exam like CAT for admission to IIMs, I
had prepared a large number of difficult English words (about
5000) which may be useful in the written test only to gain the
confidence in the exam, though it was very clear that none of
them may be actually asked in the exam.
iii. The students should follow various time techniques for effective
time management so that there is no backlog of preparation.
iv. To release the tension and stress it makes sense to go out of
the concerned situation-change the subject or the topic and do
something which one enjoys doing for the time being with out
worrying about the exams. Go for a movie of your choice, meet
your friend, do exercise, play sport or games, listen to music or
do any other recreational activity.
 v. You may talk to somebody to release your tension. Recharge
yourself and take control of yourself as a responsible student.
vi. Do one task at a time with out bothering about what all you have
to complete.
vii. Consider that you are not the only person who is to appear for
exams or can have tension.
viii. If you are still not able to get out of stress then it may be
advisable to consult some doctor rather than going to
astrologer!
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References:

1. Marian Cleeves Diamond, ‘ What are the Determinants of Children’s

academic Success and Difficulties?, New Horizons for Learning
2. Muskingum College, Centre for Advancement of Learning