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Sunday, April 11, 2010

Preparing For and Taking Exams

Introduction

The people who are most prepared in taking examinations are most likely to succeed in their endeavors. Simply put, preparation is the key to success. Students must learn the preparation techniques in taking their exams as well as what to do during the examination proper. In this paper, preparation techniques and preparedness during the examination proper of students will be discussed. It is submitted that careful study planning and intelligent execution of such plan is the best way to any examination for students.

Students are always faced with examinations and tests in their studies. It is one way of gauging what they learned from school. Without the system of giving daily or periodic examination for students, there is no way of concluding whether or not a student learned something in every lesson taught in school. The task of passing every examination is a hurdle that a student must conquer. There is no easy formula for that purpose, but a diligent student could reach his dreams if determination and hard work is being utilized. In line with that, this paper would tackle the preparation techniques before taking examinations and as well as what to do during the examination proper.

Preparation Techniques in Taking Exams

Students must learn the preparation techniques in taking examinations. It is a common knowledge that if a student is well-prepared during examinations and able to control the environment, there is a great chance of passing the same (“Study and Exams”). The time spent in studying before the examinations are crucial because important reminders will be mastered and the lessons learned as well as concepts must be polished. With that, there are many ways in order to maximize the time during the preparation stage of a student who would take an examination.

One technique is attendance during classes wherein the teacher would provide basic knowledge of the concepts related in every subject. A student must also attend the final few classes in order to know the pointers to be given by the teacher (Ziehr, 2005, p. 1). In other words, the final few classes are the time wherein the teacher would probably provide tips on what to focus on during preparation and studies. Second, a student must be aware of the coverage of the examination in order to have a maximum grasp of the subjects to be included. There is also a necessity to know the format of the examination like essay type exams, short questions, multiple choice, true or false questions, or a combination of any of the said format (“Exam techniques for a dyslexic student”). Third, a student must also study in an area which is conducive for learning. It is additional burden to a student to focus on two things at the same time. For example, a telephone ringing, or someone calling in to see a student, can break one’s thread of concentration (“Exam techniques for a dyslexic student”). It would be hard to go back on the area being studied before the interruption. The best way to do is to try separating socialization from study.

In addition, a student must also conduct an active participation during class discussions. This technique could add knowledge for the student and make it easy for him to remember the concepts taken in class. Fifth, a student must develop a habit of careful and diligent reading in all assigned topics in textbooks. This method is vital to study habits because questions in examinations are taken in textbooks most of the time. If a student missed any concept to be studied, it would be hard to analyze a given question related to it. Another thing, a student must the student must practice in answering examination questions. The study guide found in textbooks can be used as a material for practice exams.

Moreover, students can also discuss the subject of the exams during free time. The instructor may also conduct brainstorming activities with the students prior to the examination. In this way, familiarity of the exam coverage and ability to remember important concepts can be done. Lastly, every student must complete assigned homework by their teachers in order to have an opportunity to practice answering exams. Assigned homework for students is also one way of learning each subject by piecemeal (Ziehr, 2005, p. 1). No student could ever go wrong in diligently answering assigned homework from school. Having periodic homework assignments, it is one way of preparing during the entire semester for final examinations season. In every study session, students should also take few minute breaks (“Exam Preparation and Techniques”). If all these methods are done, there is no doubt that a student could pass an examination.

The Examination Proper

Preparation for examination includes activities to do during the examination proper. During examinations, a student must be intellectually, emotionally, and psychologically prepared in order to hurdle the intellectual ordeal. The first thing to do is to know the exact location of the examination. In other words, a student must know the battleground well. It is not common for students to be wrong in reading date, time, and even the location of the exam (“Study Guide, Exam Preparation”). When they go round they discover that they have either missed the exam or they are not in the right location (“Study Guide, Exam Preparation”). Aside from that, a student must be read the directions of the examination questions properly in order not to miss any points. A student must give close concentration to whether there is a need to answer all the essays or some specified numbers only (“Essay Test Tips”). In addition, a student must also check and review his answers after answering the questions in order to make sure that he did not missed any question. Being careful is also the best way to pass an examination.

Conclusion

In every examination, it is presumed that a student has done all the necessary preparations. Such preparation must start from the first day of classes up to the final examination season. There is also a need to have a complete attendance in class discussions to avoid missing topics to be discussed by the teacher.

Moreover, preparing for examination also needs discipline and ability to manage time. Socialization and studies must be separated. Emotional problems must not ruin one’s studies. Eating healthy foods and daily exercise is also required to maintain an active mind and body. Therefore, exam preparation must include all aspects of human development such as physical, mental, psychological, emotional, and even spiritual aspect.

References

Charles Stuart University Online. 2009. Study and Exams. Retrieved July 22, 2009, from

http://www.hsc.csu.edu.au/study/.

Curtin Business School Website. 2009. Exam Preparations and Technique. Retrieved July 22, 2009, from http://www.business.curtin.edu.au/business/current-students/writing-and-study-skills-support/study-skills-guide/exam-preparation-and-techniques.

Dyslexia College Website. 2009. Exam techniques for a dyslexic student. Retrieved July 22, 2009, from http://www.dyslexia-college.com/exam.html.

Merlinhelpstudents.com. 2009. Study Guide, Exam Preparation. Retrieved July 22, 2009,

http://www.merlinhelpsstudents.com/resourcecentre/studyguide/exampreparation.asp.

Testtakingtips.com. 2009. Essay Test Tips. Retrieved July 22, 2009, from

http://www.testtakingtips.com/test/essay.htm.

Ziehr, Z. Northeastern State University Website. 21 August 2005. Techniques for Exam Preparation. Retrieved July 22, 2009, from http://arapaho.nsuok.edu/~ziehr

/courses/geog4823/exam-preparation-GEOG4823.html.

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