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Gabriel Manyeruke
THE exam season is a period marked by a whirlwind of emotions for candidates as they prepare to showcase their knowledge and skills in a high-pressure environment.
Mixed moods are a common experience during this time, with individuals having a combination of stress, anxiety, excitement and determination.
Candidates often experience moments of excitement and determination as they work towards their goals.
The prospect of successfully completing public exams and achieving good grades can be a motivating factor that drives candidates to put in their best effort.
These positive emotions help candidates stay focused and persevere through these challenging times.
Perhaps no worse feeling exists for a candidate than when an exam ends before they can finish writing all of their answers.
The panic and frustration that set in at that moment can be overwhelming. An immediate sense of dread washes over them as the realisation sinks in that they may not have had enough time to properly convey all of their knowledge and understanding of the material.
They suddenly feel all the hard work and preparation were all for nothing. There is also a deep sense of disappointment in oneself for not managing time effectively during the exam.
Candidates start to wonder whether they could have answered the questions more efficiently or skipped certain sections to ensure they completed the entire exam within the allotted time.
Furthermore, there is fear of the consequences of not completing the exam in its entirety. Will their grade suffer as a result? Will they have to retake the exam? These thoughts swirl around in their minds, adding to the already stressful situation.
When the exam ends before a candidate finishes writing, this can leave them feeling defeated, stressed out and anxious about the outcome.
This also serves as a harsh reminder of the importance of time management and test-taking strategies and can be a valuable learning experience for future exams.
During exams, time management is crucial. Learners need to effectively complete all the tasks within the set time.
They should carefully read and understand the instructions given for each section of the exam. This helps them in allocating time accordingly and prioritising their tasks.
Apart from that, candidates should come up with a rough outline of their answers before starting to write. This helps them to stay focused and ensures they cover all important points within the limited time frame.
Learners should also pace themselves throughout the exam.
They should not spend too much time on any one question or section. This is meant to avoid eating into the time allocated for other questions.
In relation to that, it is important for learners to keep an eye on the clock and regularly check their progress.
This helps them to stay on track and make any necessary adjustments to their pace if needed.
Furthermore, candidates should avoid getting stuck on difficult questions. If they come across a particularly challenging question, it is best to move on and come back to it later if time permits.
Trying to stay calm and focused throughout the exam is also crucial. Stress and panic can lead to poor time management and mistakes.
Taking deep breaths, staying positive and being confident in their preparation can help candidates manage their time effectively during the exam.
In conclusion, time management is a key skill for learners to master during public exams. By following these tips and strategies, exam takers can ensure they make the most of the time available to them and perform to the best of their abilities. Best wishes to all candidates!
Gabriel Manyeruke is an author and educator at Wise Owl High School in Marondera. Contact details: 0774122288, [email protected]
Online Reporter