Online Reporter
Gabriel Manyeruke
WE are now in summer and most trees are blooming after shedding their leaves in winter.
Walking through neighborhoods adorned with jacaranda trees, one cannot help but marvel at their beautiful purple blossoms.
These blooms mark more than just the arrival of summer; they quietly signal the beginning of public examinations.
For learners, especially those sitting Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (Zimsec) and Cambridge exams, jacaranda flowers serve as a bittersweet reminder that the time has come to stay focused and put the final touches to your academic preparations.
Excitement/Anxiety
Some learners feel a sense of excitement as they finally get the chance to write exams that will open doors to the next level of education.
There is relief in sight, knowing the burden of revision will soon be lifted.
For others, anxiety begins to grow.
The atmosphere intensifies as expectations from teachers and parents weigh heavily on every candidate.
This emotional mix is natural. What matters now is how you respond — with discipline, strategy and self-belief.
Mastering time management
One of the biggest pitfalls in exams is not a lack of knowledge but poor time management.
You might know the content, but if you do not finish the paper, those marks will slip away.
Practise timed past papers for every subject. Do not spend too much time on questions you know well.
That time must be distributed wisely across the paper.
Get used to the rhythm of each exam and learn how long you should spend on each section.
This habit will help you avoid the panic of watching the clock tick down with unanswered questions still staring back at you.
Easy questions can be tricky
In the exam room, you will encounter questions that seem easy.
But do not rush, as sometimes what looks simple is designed to test your precision and attention to detail.
Read every question carefully. Pay attention to command words like “describe”, “explain” or “evaluate”.
These words guide your response with regard to the different assessment objectives in your various subjects.
Answer with clarity and detail to avoid losing marks on what should be straightforward.
Smart answering strategy
Start with the questions you know well.
This builds confidence and saves time.
Later, return to the tougher ones with a clear head. Allocate more time to questions that require critical thinking or longer responses.
No matter how tough the questions may appear on every paper, do not leave blank spaces.
Write something relevant, even if you are unsure. Filling every gap may earn you partial marks for a thoughtful attempt.
Prepare thoroughly with the available resources
Prepare thoroughly for each paper.
Use your syllabus as a guide. Revise past papers and study examiner reports of previous exams, as well as exemplar responses. These learning tools reveal common mistakes and show how marks were earned or lost.
Learn how previous candidates presented their answers and how you can improve yours.
Let your teachers continue to guide you in using these different resources for exams.
Their support can help you avoid panic and build confidence. When you know what to expect and how to tackle it, you will walk into the exam room with clarity and composure.
Faith and hard work
If you believe in God, put Him first in everything.
Take time to pray alone and with trusted friends. Prayer can calm your spirit, bring hope and remove confusion.
But remember that prayer without practical effort is not enough. You cannot pass by miracle alone. God rewards hard work and perseverance.
Parents’ support matters
To every parent reading this, your support is crucial.
Your child is under pressure, even if they do not show it. Offer encouragement, provide resources and be patient with their moods.
A kind word and a quiet space to study can make all the difference.
Be present, be supportive and be proud of their effort.
Keep striving, keep believing
As public exams draw near, continue to study hard.
You will never regret giving your best. Keep striving for excellence. One wise quote runs: “Aim for the moon. If you miss, you will land among the stars.”
Let the jacarandas remind you not only of exams but also of growth, beauty and the promise of what lies ahead.
Gabriel Manyeruke is an author and educator at Wise Owl High School in Marondera. Contact details: 0774122288, [email protected]
