Study smart and do well

The topic of how to prepare and do well for examinations haunts us from
primary school to secondary school. This is due to the two public exams we have to
face in Year 6 and Form 5. They are the bugs that make schooling tedious and
stressful. Yet, we are always told the best times of our lives are our schooling years.
Can this be true? Yes. Provided we make studying enjoyable. When this happens,
examinations become a breeze.
Learn to study smart. First of all, stay healthy by making sure you get enough
exercise and rest. A positive attitude is always important. Try saying positive things
like 'I can pass this exam!' rather than negative ones like 'I'll fail for sure...'Read
through used textbooks, past year exam papers and notes to give you an insight into
the exam format.

Be attentive in class and stay focused. This will help you to learn more than
attending tuition after school.Try not to miss the first and last few minutes of class as
important tips and announcements are usually made at such times. Immediately after
a lesson, review the notes even if it is for a few minutes.

There are a variety of study techniques which generally work well. Sometimes
it helps to read aloud as it keeps sleep away and it sounds as if someone is talking to
you. Use short notes and revision cards which you can carry around for quick
reviews. Keep your short notes as brief as possible with only the main words if
possible. When we review frequently, this helps the facts to be transferred from
short-term memory to long-term leaming. So, you are learning and not just cramming
facts. Plan a schedule and study in short bouts. Long hours of cramming do not help
much.

During exams, choose the questions carefully. Understand the essence of the
question by looking for keywords and concepts. Be thorough and focus on the
question asked. Keep tabs on the time. The exam setting requires self-discipline and
gives a good answer within the time set. Organize your thoughts quickly and
decisively as some subjects require that you answer four or five questions.

So, by now, after going through some tips on how to study smart and do well
in examinations, you should have more confidence to do well in all examinations.