With most pupils midway through their June exams and teachers left with piles of marking work, White River Post gathered some useful exam tips to make the last few exam papers a little bit easier.
Tips on studying for an exam paper
• Study well in advance to avoid unnecessary stress the day before the exam.
• Draw up a timetable to ensure you have sufficient time to cover all the work for each subject.
• Study by practising the work, especially in subjects like maths, science and languages
• Start by studying the work with which you struggle most.
• Keep protein munchies handy before studying or writing your paper. These include biltong, nuts, a Vienna, eggs and peanut butter and help with your brain functions and concentration levels.
• Play classical music in the background (that means softly) while you study as this also helps with concentration and relaxation.
• Figure out whether you work better alone or in a group, if the latter suits you best, get a few like-minded friends together and quiz each other.
Things to keep in mind when writing an exam paper
• Read your questions thoroughly (that means to the end of the sentence/paragraph and more than once).
• Answer the paper in the language it is written. Don’t answer an Afrikaans paper in English or vice versa.
• Highlight (or underline) important instructions in the question with a pencil, pen or highlighter.
• If you get stuck, continue to the next one. You can return to the one you struggled with when you’ve finished all the other questions.
• Work neatly. If your paper or handwriting is messy, the teacher won’t be able to understand your answer or give extra points for something.
• Number your questions correctly to avoid confusing your teacher during the marking process.
• Never leave out a question because you’re stumped. Try to write a sentence or two on the topic as the teacher will try to find you a mark somewhere.
• When you’ve completed the exam paper, revise it at least three times. This will enable you to correct mistakes you might have missed.
Remember to take a deep breath and relax and just occasionally glance at the clock to ensure you complete the exam paper in time!
Good luck to all the pupils! Remember, the holidays are just around the corner.
