Astonishing 8 Ways to Attempt Boards on a Perfect Note

With board exams fast approaching, students are abuzz with several thoughts. It cannot be denied that board exams are the stepping stones to a successful future ahead. From obtaining admission in the college and course of your choice to getting into the career of your dreams, board exam result reflects your aptitude and plays a significant role. Though there is no magic formula guaranteeing exam success, going through the following points can definitely add another feather to your preparation and help you make a mark for yourself in the upcoming board examinations.

1. Read, Analyse and Interpret the Questions
Often some students, in a rush and out of nervousness, fail to understand the question and despite knowing the correct answer end up writing a wrong answer. Always read the question carefully and meticulously. Analyse what is being asked, look for instruction words and try and interpret the meaning of the question accurately and clearly before you begin writing the answer.

2. Present the answer well
Sure, you know the answer well but are you communicating it well to the examiner. Refrain from writing long and lengthy answers and be brief. Write your answers strategically and keep it to the point by including only the required information. You can highlight the important keywords or underline important words to attract the attention of the examiner. Wherever asked draw the diagram and label it well.

3. Use simple and easy to follow language
You should always answer in a simple language that is easily comprehendible by the reader. Abstain from using flamboyant language or difficult terminologies. Do not use contractions or slang language. There should be fluency and coherence in your answers and the examiner should feel connected with what you have written. In short, whatever you have written should make sense.

4. Manage your time
It is rightly said, “Time and tide wait for none”, so buckle up. Manage your time right from the beginning of the exam so that you don’t have to rush towards the end. Allocate time to the questions according to the marks they carry. Also, make use of the fifteen minutes of reading time that is given before the start of the exam. Read the question paper thoroughly, pay attention the instructions given, decide which questions or section you want to tackle first, mark the questions you know well, circle which you don’t, underline the keywords in the questions etc in advance so that you can strategically go about your exam paper.

5. Adhere to the word limit
There ought to be a reason why the word-limit is mentioned against every question in the paper. Pay heed to that and never go beyond the prescribed words. Keep your answers compact and concise by following the word limit. If you think your answer will not suffice in the given word limit, break it into points and you are sorted.

6. Save time for revision
How many times have your teachers pointed to this fact? Always revise your answer sheets before handing the same to the invigilator. Make sure you have answered all the questions, labelled your diagrams, attached the graphs/maps, etc. A quick go through can help you make the grade by saving you from any unforeseen errors you might have committed or any important information you might have missed.

7. When in doubt, contact the invigilator
Exam does build some pressure and it is natural to go a little astray. When in confusion, do not get stuck with the question, nor seek help from students sitting around you. Instead, approach the invigilator. Share your query, you never know he/she could be of great help and breaking that ice would actually help you add to your score.

8. Stay calm, stay confident
Last but not the least, stay calm and compose. Getting jitters on the day of the exam or during it is completely normal. Don’t panic! If you feel tense or nervous, try and relax yourself. Take deep breaths, loosen your body, indulge in positive self talk, drink some water or take a break. Within a few minutes, you’ll be fine and will be able to focus on the exam. All you need to do is be confident of your preparation and have faith in your abilities that “I can and I will” because “We believe you can and you will”.