Special Tips for students

5 Steps for An Effective study

Education is a process of forming habits. In the process of formation of habits, there are several principles that must be observed.

  • Planning and Discipline: Select a time to study when you can concentrate the best and develop a habit of studying at that time. Some students prefer the morning time, others afternoon and some prefer night. Try to locate a time when there are fewer distractions around you.
  • Time Management: Planning time will allow you to study as well as take time off to watch TV, play games and for other curricular activities. Make a time table for regular studies covering all the subjects. Do not study at a stretch, take a few intervals in between.
  • Make Notes: Ensure that you take notes of what you learn. They can be taken either while attending classroom sessions or while reading books. Notes are the condensed form of the matter studied and can be used to read, understand and revise.
  • Maintain fitness: A fit and healthy lifestyle helps you feel more positive and gives you more energy. It also helps in building a strong concentrating power. Devote some of your time to outdoor activities to get fresh air. Even 10 minutes of fitness activity reduces stress by relaxing tensed muscles.As far as possible, continue with the normal routine of sleeping and eating. A sound sleep and a balanced diet boosts energy.
  • Have a Positive Approach: Believe in yourself and prepare well. Never create a phobia of exams. The most important thing, do not worry about your results. Give your best and move ahead. God is always kind to everyone. The only thing required is self determination and a positive attitude.

Guidelines for Attempting an Examination

Examinations are a part of our education system. No matter how much we know, we will be judged by what we have written in examinations. That’s why, it is necessary to understand the writing style and pattern required for getting good marks.

  • Take all the necessary things with you. You can’t borrow things such as pens (you must have an extra pen), pencils, rulers or special equipments during an examination. Keep your watch well set and in order. Even a small thing has its own importance.
  • Have a relaxed night before your exams. Have an early sleep and try to have a healthy breakfast.
  • Make maximum use of the first 15 minutes: Go through the entire paper and in the questions involving choice, decide which ones to answer.
  • Don’t act in a haste while attempting the test. Always read the questions carefully before you look out for choices in hand.
  • Jot down ideas as they come to you: While you are answering a question, information about another may suddenly strike you. Jot it down somewhere because till the time you come to that question, you might forget it.
  • Follow the sequence. You may first attempt those questions which you know well. However, try to answer the questions in the serial order.
  • Adhere to the word limit. Write your answers within the word limit mentioned as you don’t get extra marks for writing long answers.
  • Mention Relevant Points: When the number of points to be written are specified in the question, then don’t write extra points as no extra marks will be given for that. Suppose, in a question of 3 marks, you have been asked to state three features of perfect competition, then only the first 3 points will be considered. Write the answers strictly according to the question asked.
  • Proper presentation. Answers should be neat, clear and properly arranged. They should be conceptualised. To have a better presentation of answers, underline the headings and key points. If possible, support your answers with relevant examples.
  • Your writing must be clear and legible. A bad handwriting annoys the examiner. Avoid cuttings and overwriting.
  • Differences in Tabular Form: Questions on distinction between two concepts should be answered in a tabular form along with the basis of distinction.
  • Solve Numerical problems step-wise: The first step is to mention the formula of the concerned question. Then put the given values in the formula. Be careful to mention the units and highlight the final answer.
  • Expressive Diagrams: Diagrams should be neat and clear. Use a sharpened pencil and a scale for making diagrams. Label the X-axis and the Y-axis and give the variables along with their units. Diagrams should be supported by appropriate headings and arrow marks.
  • Don’t leave any question unanswered: If you are running short of time, give only the main points of the answer. If you write nothing, you will lose all your marks in that particular question. Write something – it might fetch you a few marks.
  • Do not spend too much time on a question: You have a number of questions to be attempted. So, you cannot afford to spend much time on answering a particular question. Plan your time of 3 hours for all the questions.
  • Never leave the Examination room early: If you have time at the end, revise your paper. Make sure that you have not missed out any point because once you leave the room, you are not allowed to re-enter.