We all get excited when it's finally the day to put all our months of studying to the test. Some people may have a mental blackout others simply make the strangest mistakes.
Yes, a few come readily to mind -- forgetting to put our name on the answer sheet, turning up at the wrong centre on the wrong day, doing the wrong questions or even more common, forgetting the most basic information. The sad thing is that this is usually stuff we have been reciting perfectly for days.
HERE ARE A FEW TIPS TO KEEP YOU ON YOUR TOES, WHILE CALMING YOUR NERVES, DURING YOUR EXAMS.
Always, always use the alloted time to read the instructions carefully before beginning to work through your questions.
You get all of 10 minutes so don't be in a rush to begin working until you are sure of what you're supposed to be working at. If possible read questions twice and underline key words and phrases.
Example: Answer two questions from Section A and one from Section B. (Junior answers all of section A and all of Section B). This will earn him no extra points as many times the examiners just read the first two answers from both sections.
NEVER ASSUME
Someone once said never to assume as it makes an ASS out of U and ME. In most instances students believe that they don't need to spell it all out for the examiner.
Please do.
Pretend that you are starting from scratch with someone who knows nothing.
Example: "In chapter four of the novel the hero searches for the murder weapon but does not realise that his rival has already discarded it."
Who is this hero and what is the murder weapon? Pretend that you are addressing your young cousin, give details, details, details.
Practice, practice, practice
Set aside time during study sessions to answer past questions on areas you have trouble with. If necessary make up questions of your own or work on questions you found difficult to attempt in class. In addition to helping you become familiar with the process or formula, it reduces your fear of technical material.
Write legibly and clearly
We all know someone whose handwriting is a big turnoff - what if that's the way the examiner feels about yours? Think about it. If your handwriting is not clear, try working in script as this is easier to decipher.
For others who 'flash' or speed write under stress, make an outline. Plan your time wisely so that don't have to write very fast to gain time. In addition, organise your work and time so that you, and most importantly the examiner, is not confused. Try to work in a tidy manner so that steps are clear. Make sure that all work relevant to a particular question is done in one place. If you have to use extra paper make sure that they are all together and labelled properly.
In case of limited space avoid repeating your questions. Just say what you need to say clearly, concisely and in a logical way.
Develop skills of description and explanation
Many students with a flair for quantitative subjects often feel that they can get by with just presenting the facts in the barest form.
Wrong
The best answer is the clearest response. This usually comes with the ability to accurately and clearly outline your answer. Avoid long-winded responses with vague suggestions and watch your grammar.
COMMON ERRORS IN SUBJECT AREAS AND ADVICE FROM THE EXPERTS (CXC PAPER MARKERS).
Mathematics
There is still need for candidates to follow the instructions and rubrics (headings) on the paper. Weaknesses were in the areas of Algebra, Measurement, Geometry, Consumer Arithmetic and Statistics.
Physics
Substantial weighting is given to the profile Knowledge and Comprehension (45%). Students therefore need to develop the skills of description and explanation.
Social Studies
Develop competence in analysing and presenting statistical data especially in tabulated or graphic formats.
Typewriting
Errors in presentation of documents and inability to follow instructions. Attention to and application of proper or appropriate rules and principles will result in increased or improved marks under the presentation profile. Candidates earn marks when they follow instructions.
PRINCIPLES OF ACCOUNTS INATTENTION TO DETAIL
Geography
Lack of map reading experience, recommemded continual practise in answering multiple choice questions.
History
Lack of clarity of expression, weak grammar and spelling. Non-compliance with instructions and failure to keep together parts of questions.
Biology
Read questions carefully, in cases of limited space avoid repeating questions. Make better use of time alloted by reading through, choosing questions and planning responses before starting to write. Practise how to interpret and answer questions clearly concisely and to the point.
Food and Nutrition
Read questions thoroughly at least twice and underline key words before attempting questions. Answer all parts or sections of a question and with correct numbering. Present facts in logical manner.
Taken from individual reports on candidates' work in the Secondary Education Certificate Examaination. June 2000.
-Glenda Anderson
