It’s exam season. How to prepare early for examinations

Examinations serve as a method to test and measure a student’s ability to understand what they have learned. They encourage students to continuously engage with the knowledge they acquire, motivating them to remain diligent and focused in their studies.

Students should prepare well in advance for their exams. Systematic and early preparation is key to achieving excellent results.

A week before the exam

1. Review notes and mind maps.
   Go over concise notes and mind maps for each subject.

2. Practice and revise.
   Continue doing practice exercises, especially focusing on weaker subjects first. Study according to a structured schedule based on priorities.

3. Minimise distractions.
   Reduce activities unrelated to your exams, such as playing video games, hanging out, or watching movies.

4. Take care of your health.
   Maintain a balanced diet and stay healthy. Avoid activities that might cause injury, like playing extreme sports. Drink plenty of water.

5. Collect key formulas.
   For subjects like mathematics, gather important formulas, and for science, note down key terms, abbreviations, or acronyms to help with memory.

A day before the exam

1. Rest without stress.
   Take it easy, and don’t get overwhelmed.

2. Relax your mind.
   Use breathing exercises to stay calm.

3. Pray and stay positive.
   Make it a habit to say “Bismillah” before starting anything.

4. Briefly review notes.
   Go over your short notes and mind maps again.

5. Prepare exam essentials.
   Ensure you have enough writing materials like pens, pencils, and erasers.

6. Sleep early.
   Get a good night’s sleep and wake up early.

The night before the exam

1. Review short notes and revision cards.
   Do a quick review of important materials.

2. Check your exam tools.
   Make sure all your writing materials are in good condition.

3. Verify exam details.
   Check the exam schedule for date, time, and location, as well as your exam number.

4. Prepare your essentials.
   Get your identification card, writing materials, and school uniform ready.

5. Pray for calmness.
   Recite prayers and seek calmness to confidently answer the exam questions.

During the exam

1. Stay calm.
   Sit down and take a deep breath.

2. Pray for guidance.
   Start with a prayer to stay focused.

3. Smile to stay relaxed.
   A smile can help you feel more at ease.

4. Read the entire paper carefully.
   Go through the exam paper thoroughly.

5. Follow instructions.
   Pay close attention to the exam supervisor’s instructions.

6. Read each question carefully.
   If you notice any problems with the paper, such as missing pages or unclear prints, raise your hand and report it to the supervisor.

7. Re-read questions before answering.
   Mark key words in the questions.

8. Answer easy questions first.
   Don’t waste too much time on difficult questions initially.

9. Ensure neat handwriting.
   Write clearly, with appropriately sized letters.

10. Review answers.
    Go over your answers in the last few minutes of the exam.

After the exam

1. Don’t dwell on past papers.
   Avoid worrying about how you performed in the previous paper. Focus on what comes next.

2. Prepare for the next subject.
   Avoid discussing past answers. Use your time to prepare for upcoming subjects.

3. Avoid comparing with peers.
   Comparing yourself to others may lower your self-confidence if their performance seems better.

Parental Role in Exam Preparation

Parents play a vital role in supporting their children during exam preparation. Here are some ways they can help:

1. Pray for your children.
   Consistently pray for your child’s ease in learning and success in exams.

2. Provide a brain-boosting diet.
   Prepare meals that support brain development, and avoid foods high in sugar or salt that could affect focus. Include fish rich in Omega-3, nuts, and vegetables for balanced nutrition.

3. Encourage study time.
   Remind children of their study schedule at home.

4. Create a conducive study space.
   Set up a safe, comfortable, and quiet study area with good lighting.

5. Ensure exam tools are ready.
   Provide writing materials, calculators, and other tools they might need for exams.

6. Set a positive example.
   Wake up early to show good habits. Start the day with prayers and stay focused, encouraging your children to follow suit.

Parents’ support and encouragement play a significant role in helping children succeed in their examinations. – KADIKITA COUNSELOR