As the year closes and many of us start to have thoughts about long holidays and Christmas presents there are a group of parents and students who start to fear this period. They start to panic, tensions starts to build and elaborate plans of escaping to secluded islands frequently pops into frantic minds. Yes, it is the time of the most dreaded and evil aberration of our modern times. It is time for the final year exams!

Willy Nel, distributor of the Betakit study system and Eye Read software, have graciously put together a list of study tips to help you through these dark and troubled times of writing exams. Please visit their Website at www.eye-read.com for more information

How to study and tackle your examinations

General

  • Budget and allocate study time.
  • Work in a regular place at a regular time.
  • Use time constructively.
  • After any lecture, go through your notes.
  • Ask questions without delay.
  • Summarise sections in your own words.
  • Take rest breaks to avoid tiredness; every 30 minutes to 60 minutes take 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Increase breaks if concentration flags.
  • “Off by heart” learning is dangerous.
  • Concentrate on key words and phrases.
  • Test your-self, mark and re-learn.
  • Reduce “distractions” at least 2 weeks before exams.

Revision

  • Don’t panic – relax and be positive.
  • Be logical in any “spotting” of exam questions.
  • Look back on past successes for encouragement.
  • Go through old exam questions, if available.
  • Planning prevents panic cramming.

Writing Exams

  • Get reasonable sleep the night before.
  • Avoid over tiredness.
  • Keep calm (some adrenalin helps).
  • Read through whole paper carefully.
  • Plan your answering strategy.
  • Select the order by number.
  • Allocate time per question according to marks value.
  • Answer what you know best, first.
  • Leave “weaker” questions until last.
  • If time runs short, resort to facts in point form.
  • Do not be put off by other student’s behavior.
  • Watch time per question and overall.
  • If you “go blank”, do not panic. Move to the next question.
  • Write legibly. Be neat.
  • Read what you have written and correct.

 Summary

  • Be organised.
  • Plan ahead.
  • Be systematic.
  • Be conscientious.
  • Be logical in your approach.
  • Do not panic.

Most importantly have your eyes checked to make sure you have optimal vision when studying. Take regular breaks every hour and make a point to focus on objects that are further than 6m away.

Good luck and happy studying.