Chronicle Editor
Youth Focus with Dr Manners Msongelwa
THE exam is just a stepping stone. Your success and happiness lie in you. If your grades don’t reflect your ambitions or if others doubt you, remember the power of your will to succeed. Always bear in mind that your resolution to succeed is more important than any other thing.
Before anything else, preparation is the key to success. Here are some points that will assist you do well in these mid-year examinations.
1. Know your exam requirements
Know whether your exam requires a rubber, pencil, ruler etc. Know the hours of your paper, the time when the exam will be written, whether it’s in the morning or afternoon. Plan accordingly. You can stick your statement of entry in your room and always read it so that you won’t forget the days your exams will be written.
2. Plan your day
Plan what you will do every day. It’s now time for serious school business, there’s no time to waste. Time of school gossip, and roaming around the school is over. Focus on your schoolwork. Sit down and read. Use your time wisely.
3. Practice past exam papers
After reading a topic or chapter, do past exam papers. Ask for past exam papers from your teachers and practice answering the question. Where you are not understanding, ask your teachers for assistance. The more you do these past exam papers the more you become confident.
4. Prepare flashcards and flow charts
Make diagrams, flowcharts and flashcards to simplify your notes. This will help you remember easily what you were reading. Added to that, you can as well prepare short notes. Writing down short notes will make you remember what you were reading.
5. Form study groups
Study groups help share ideas and notes. In these study groups, you can discuss past exam papers and topics of difficulty. This helps boost confidence.
6. Get enough sleep
Avoid staying late watching movies. Having enough sleep builds memory, so ensure that you get plenty of sleep. On the day of the examination make sure you get up early in the morning, eat something and drink a good amount of water. This is essential for your brain to work at its best. Arrive at the exam on time.
7. Take deep breaths
Before you get the question paper, close your eyes, take a deep breath and relax. This will help you deal with any stress or anxiety you may be feeling. Read the exam papers completely before you start. Follow the instructions and present your work neatly. Remember to number your pages and write your candidate number, your name and your surname on all your answer sheets.
8. Stay focused
Keep your mind on track. Take a break from your phone and your friends. Do away with distractions such as having relationships, sex, smoking, drinking alcohol, watching pornography, etc. On the day of the exam dress properly, have a proper school uniform, proper haircut, proper shoes and stockings. Avoid any mischief and focus on school work and exams. Above all, bath in the morning, smell good, brush your teeth, be smart and presentable
On the day of the exam, don’t panic, start with an easy question, don’t sleep during the exam, don’t cheat and don’t revise what you wrote after the exam. Remember, God is the source of life. Talk to your God every day, praising him, asking for strength and wisdom. With God all things are possible.
ν Dr Manners Msongelwa is an author, teacher and youth coach. He can be contacted on +263 771 01 9392
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter