Exam time: Don't bite your nails

GEORGE NEWS - Writing exams are stressful, no matter how well you're prepared. Not everybody uses stress in a positive way to stay motivated and focused. Revising volumes of information can easily leave learners overwhelmed, confused, exhausted and anxious. Whereas some learners learn to cope in their own way, others might need some help and guidance.

"Schools provide the first level of support when dealing with stress," says Bronagh Hammond of the Western Cape Education Department (WCED).

"Principals and their staff will be on the lookout for anyone needing special support. Candidates can phone the WCED's Safe Schools Call Centre if they need to talk about their anxiety. The number is 0800 45 46 47."

Hammond said they encourage candidates to follow their Tips for Success booklet carefully. "The WCED issued the booklet to all matrics. The booklet provides extensive guidelines on how to plan study time and how to prepare for the exams in each subject. Good preparation will help to reduce anxiety enormously," she explained.

"Our school psychologists, social workers in every district and circuit are on standby to provide counselling support as required. Parents and candidates can speak to their school principal if the candidates concerned need special support. They can also phone our Safe Schools Call Centre."

Exam tips from the WCED

1. Dos for exam preparations

Work out a study programme
Study hard
Make good notes
Get enough sleep
Review work
Eat well and healthily
Check your timetable every day
Bring your admission letter to the examination room every day
Have all necessary stationery (pen, pencil, eraser, extra pen, non-programmable calculator, ruler, specialist subject equipment where required)

2. Arrive early and ready to begin.

3. Read and understand the instructions.

Check that you have received the correct examination paper.
Always read the instructions at the beginning of the question paper carefully. Many students do not take the time to do this and discover later that they answered the wrong questions. Are you required to answer a certain number of questions or do you have to answer all of them? Ask if you are unsure.

4. Preview the question paper and allocate your writing time appropriately.

Read through the whole examination paper before you start writing. Note the number of questions and the marks they are worth. Reading over the questions before you start writing will assist in activating your memory.
Decide which questions will be easier to do and which ones will take more time. Identify where you have choices among questions and within questions and decide which questions to answer. Allocate time for the answering of each question. Also allow for time to go over your answers and to make corrections. If you think of something as you preview, write it down immediately.

5. Tackle each question systematically.

Read each question carefully, underlining key words, especially the verbs that tell you what to do. Is it a one-part or a two-part question? What are you being asked to do?
Identify what you have and what you need. Plan the way you will answer the question and make a few notes on the steps you will take. This will provide you and the person marking the exam with an idea of how you approached the question. This will also assist you with finding and correcting your mistakes.
Some questions may ask you to apply your knowledge. Write your answer in the format required, eg, an essay, a programme, a review, an interview, a letter, a calculation.

6. Write down something for every question

If all you can do is provide a definition, then do so. If you are running out of time, answer in point form instead of complete sentences. Write down anything you know that is related to the question.

7. Set out your answers clearly.

Write legibly so the marker can read it easily. Leave spaces between questions and always start a new section on a new page.
Make sure you number your answers correctly according to the numbering on the question paper.

8. If you feel you are unable to answer a question, don't panic and allow anxiety to affect how you are going to fare in the exam.

Ask yourself: "What do I need to know to answer this question?", and start writing down your thoughts. Avoid negative self-talk. Focus on the task instead of yourself.

9. Review and make corrections.

Take time to go over your answers. Do not change anything unless you are quite sure it is wrong. Check mathematical answers by performing reverse calculations. Look at the processes you used. Make sure you have written down everything that was asked for.

10. Stay until the end.

Don't leave the exam before the time elapses. Sometimes, it takes a little more time for the information in your memory to "surface", so use all the time you are given.
Check that you have answered all the required questions. Read your answers over again and again.

Plan the way you will answer the question and make a few notes. Photo: Pexels