QUICK & EFFECTIVE STRATEGIES EXAM WRITING TIPS1 Introduction: "How to Prepare for Exam?

" a big question that we always ask ourselves. Here are some tips that may help us. We may not all so brilliant students, many of us may be working hard and getting good marks and some of us may not be working hard but still manages to get high marks in exams, Others may be wondering how it happens? And also there will be a few of us study well but still not able to score well in exams. Even though we did not worry, because there are some very simple tips by following which you can become master, if we add our smartness to the hard work there will be some solutions regarding difficulties in our studies and exams. PREPARATION PART Mental preparation: Mental preparation means that you know the material. Set up a study schedule at least three weeks before exams start. Ensure that you are giving each course an equal amount of study time, with a little more time for courses you are having difficulty in. Physical preparation: Physical preparation means that you are eating and sleeping properly. Keep caffeine and sugar intake at regular levels. Go to bed at the same time and get up at the same time each day. Keep your life as balanced as possible, especially during exam time. Emotional preparation: Emotional preparation means that you have strategies to deal with anxiety. Often, exam anxiety is caused by lack of preparation. Have a plan in place to deal with problems encountered on the exam. Use positive self-talk and focus on what youll do next on the exam. Staying up all night to study can cause anxiety that can lead to poor exam performance. The night before: Be prepared and gather what you will need to take into the exam room: student admit card, at least two blue or black pens, pencil etc.

PRESENTATION PART

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In the exam room: Read the instructions carefully Before looking at the actual questions, read the rubric (instructions). Are there compulsory questions? Marks are often lost by nervous or over-confident students who overlook instructions to "Answer 1 question from Section A, and 2 from Section B" or tackle too few questions. Work out the timing Divide your time according to the number of questions to be answered. Split it proportionately if you have some questions (or parts of questions) which attract more marks than others. Allow some time for planning. An example might be: four essay questions each attracting 25% of the total marks in a three-hour exam = 45 minutes per question = 10 minutes planning, 35 minutes writing. Allow checking time for statistics or calculations. Read the questions carefully. Read through the paper once and then re-read each question. You might think a topic you've revised hasn't come up, when it is there but the wording is unusual. Alternatively you have revised the topic, but the question is obtuse and you do not fully understand it. Choose your best questions - Mark any questions you might answer, and then check that you fully understand it. Do you have some relevant knowledge, ideas and evidence for the ones you choose to answer? Do not answer a question that you do not understand. Decide on question order. Some people like to start with the topic they know best to give them a good start. Others prefer to do their best question second, because with one question completed, they can relax and expand on their best ideas and gain extra marks. Exam Writing Tip 1: Read & Understand the Instructions

ALWAYS read the instructions carefully. Many students do not take the time to do this and then discover that they did the exam incorrectly. Are you required to select a certain number of questions to answer or do you have to answer all of them? Is there a penalty for guessing (i.e., right minus wrong)? Ask for clarification if you are unsure. Exam Writing Tip 2: Preview the Exam & Budget Your Time Accordingly Note the number of questions and what theyre worth. Quickly reading over the questions will assist in activating your memory. Decide which questions will be easier to do and which ones will take more time, and budget your time. Allot time to review the exam and make corrections. If you think of something as you preview, write it down immediately.

Exam

Writing

Tip

3:

Attack

Each

Question

Systematically

Read each question carefully, underlining key words. Is it a one-part or two-part question? What are you being asked to do? Identify what you have and what you need. Decide how you plan to get to the answer 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 attempted the question. This will also assist you with finding and correcting mistakes. Exam Writing Tip 4: Write Something Down for Every Question

If all you can do is provide a definition, then do so. If you run out of time, answer in point form instead of complete sentences. Write down anything you know that is related to the question. Guess if there are no penalties for guessing. Exam Writing Tip 5: If You Draw a Blank

First, dont panic and allow anxiety to take control of how you are going to do on 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. Exam Writing Tip 6: Review & Make Corrections

Take the time to go over the exam and check your answers. Do not change anything unless you are 100% sure it is wrong. Check mathematical answers by performing reverse calculations. Look at the processes you used. Make sure youve answered everything that was asked for. Exam Writing Tip 7: Stay Until the End Dont leave until the exam proctors throw you out! Sometimes, it takes a little more time for information in your memory to surface so use all the time you are given. Tips and Tricks For students There is no short cut to success, this is the first thing you should remember. For this reason you have to study well first of all. But the preparations are different for different types of exams. Some competitive exams need long term preparation while your school level exams may need preparation of one or two weeks. The 1st tip : Never fear or hate exam and be confident. Some students study well but still may be much afraid of exams and due to this reason they get distracted and won't be able to score marks.So leave all your fears

and free your mind before starting the study. You have to be confident and it is the most essential power you should have for attaining victory. The 2nd tip: Prepare a good time table. Prepare a time table before starting the study. This should include all the subjects but may not be with equal priority. Tough subjects can be given more time and easier ones less but most importantly some time shall be allotted for entertainment and also there should be sufficient intervals between each subject. The 3rd tip: Select a proper atmosphere for studying. No need to explain this point. Study atmosphere has very important role. Can anyone study well while watching TV? So select a place where you feel comfortable. That is where you feel relaxed and can concentrate. And you have to make sure that while you are studying a subject you are concentrating on it only. So keep the books of other subjects away from your eyesight so that you won't be upset about the things you have to learn. And importantly it is better to study early morning when all the surroundings will be in silence and you can concentrate more. Your concentration really counts. Never place a mirror in the room such that you will ur reflection while sitting to study. This will lead to lack of concentration. And one top secret Study facing east or more accurately North east. This will give you great positive energy and your marks will definitely increase. The 4th tip : Sit well This is so important that you have to sit in proper manner while studying. Don't study on bed or lying on a chair instead sit straight. Keep your spinal cord straight. And try to place your legs parallel to ground, a little bit raised from the ground. Other wise placing the legs on the ground causes ionization and induces sleep. And be alert that legs are not above the head level. This will affect the blood flow direction and causes sleepiness. It is better to place the legs almost parallel to ground but a little lower. The 5th tip : Make notes while studying. This is a very important point. While studying make small notes and that should not be descriptive make theme brief so that you can remember all points while doing revision with the help of that note. An ideal note shall include all important formulae and figures and also other important points. It will be a lot worth if you use this not for the revision in last one or two hours than u skipping through pages of your text book. It won't take much time to go through this note and if you feel tough anywhere you can refer for that portion in text book. The 6th tip: Sleep well and Eat well.

You have to sleep well.Sleep deprivation study shows that Optimum hrs for sleep is 6hrs. Especially on the night before exam you have to sleep well, atleast 6 hours and not more than 8 hrs. Remember this will have a great effect on your exam. And have your food as in your daily diet. Don't fast on exam day. This will have reverse effect, so please have food properly. There are some food items you have to avoid and some other you have to include in your diet on exam day.Check for them later in this article (in tips for parents),And don't forget tohave a glass water before you go to bed, essential to keep your brain cells charged!!! The 7th tip : Write and Present well. The presentation is the major factor that affects your marks. Whatever you studied or prepared your marks will depend on how you present them in the answer sheet. The teachers may not be able to read all what you have written. Remember daily they are going through 30 to 40 papers.They will scan for points. So try to present answers in points. In essay questions don't forget to underline the important points . Your hand writing also affects your marks. Try to write neatly. if it is not good enough, don't worry, if you presented it in a good manner you can score more marks. And another important factor to remember, As we all know 'First impression is the best impression'. So, answer the questions you know well, first. This will create a good impression on the evaluator and though you couldn't write some last answers well, that won't deduct your mark much. And care shall be taken so that you manage time well and is able to attend all questions. If there is any question out of syllabus, you just attend it. Usually full marks are awarded for such questions. The 8th tip: Never malpractise in exam hall. Dear students never malpractise in exam hall as it may even affect your marks and also some times you won't be allowed to continue the exam. If you don't know answer don't write. Keep in mind that you are writing exam for you, to prove yourself. There will be no problem if you have followed the above steps, For sure you can score good marks. The 9th tip: Believe in God, Believe in you. The last but not the least point pray well before the exam and your mind should be free at least 5 minutes before exam. Pray can give immense energy and peace to your mind that will definitely do good for you.And it is much important that you are confident about what you can and will always produce pleasant result. Also remember one thing please don't discuss soon after exams.This won't do good and may affect your coming exams.If your friends are discussing question paper avoid them and come to house soon.

And above all you think about your parents their difficulties and sufferings and how they care you , you owe to them much, don't you?. The best gift you can give them is your victory. So never disappoint your parents. Study is not for them they are compelling you to study for your future. And ultimately what I have to say is that You have a lot of opportunities now.If you are serious in your studies for a few years of your life then the remaining part of your life will be fruitful and you people shall never stop study after getting a degree or a small job always look for higher studies and aims big hurdles like CAT, GATE, GRE, IAS,IES etc.So think your self and try your best. After the exam Beware the post-mortem it's natural to want to discuss how it went with your friends, but keep it in perspective. Exams are dramatic events, and the temptation is to describe them dramatically "The easiest/hardest/fastest exam I've ever done!" No two exam experiences will be the same that doesn't mean you are wrong and they are right, or vice versa. Between exams, you might find it helpful to practise writing exam answers using past papers. However, it may be more beneficial for some students to relax and rest between exams, than cramming in last minute revision for the next one.

To conclude I think this small article may help you to take some simple steps before exams that may help you to achieve good marks.I wish you all a very successful life. Dear friends remember, you are the future of this world. Contribution from each one of you will have an impact on the world. And it is your duty to serve the society. Be good and kind at heart. Do help your friends those who have difficulties in studies. Above all don't forget to enjoy the beauty of life, while competing for life. So find time to enjoy love everyone help others and be alert in your studies when the time comes and be cautious about your future. All the best, Go ahead with confidence, Life is definitely yours. Hope you all liked this small article. If so please suggest this to your friends so that it will be useful for them too. And also rate the hub up so that it is available for more people. Thanks for reading

Answering exam questions2 Maximising your marks Think about what the question is actually asking. What are you expected to include in your answer? What material will be relevant? The most common complaint from markers is that the student didn't answer the question. Demonstrate that you are answering the question - In your introduction show how you understand the question and outline how you will answer it. Make one point or argument per paragraph and summarise to show how it answers the question. Shortish paragraphs with one or two pieces of evidence are sufficient. In your conclusion summarise the arguments to answer the question. Plan before you write The stress of working under time constraints in the exam room can make all your good study intentions disappear. However, this is when it's more important than ever to get your ideas across clearly and concisely. Take a few minutes to think and plan:

Underline the key words in the question; Identify the main topic and discussion areas.. Choose a few points/arguments about which you can write . Make a mini-plan which puts them in order before you start writing. You can cross it through afterwards.

Referencing in exams You should be able to refer by name (spelt correctly!) to the main theorists/researchers in your topic, giving the year of their major works. You do not need to give page numbers or lengthy quotes, except in open book exams. You do not need a reference list. What to do if your mind goes blank most students fear this happening. If it does put your pen down, take a deep breath, sit back and relax for a moment. If you're in the middle of an answer, read through what you have written so far what happens next? If you have to remember formulae, try associating them with pictures or music while revising. If you really can't progress with this answer, leave a gap. It will probably come back to you once you are less anxious. For more suggestions, see Revision and memory strategies If you are running out of time don't panic. Look at the questions you have left to answer and divide up your remaining time to cover them all. Be very economical make one point support it with evidence and then move on to the next point. If you

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really can't finish in time, briefly list the points you wanted to make they could pick you up a few marks.

What not to write... Don't try to shoehorn in something interesting just because you have revised it. If it isn't relevant to the question it can lose you marks. Don't repeat a memorised essay just because it seems to be on the right topic. The question may be asking for a different approach. Don't use text speak or colloquialisms. Don't say "I think" or "in my opinion". Instead have ideas that are supported or opposed by your evidence. Above all, don't be tempted to write a note to the examiner explaining how you missed the lectures on this topic because your housemate stole your alarm clock. Short answer questions usually require a briefer and more descriptive answer than essay questions, which ask you to discuss and expand on a topic. If your questions all ask for short answers with an equal number of marks for

each, divide your time up equally for the total number ofquestions. Otherwise allocate your time according to the proportion of marks each question attracts. If you have questions which are a mix of short and essay answers, check the

rubric carefully so you don't miss answering part of the question. Each part of the question should show the maximum marks you can get for

answering it. Don't waste a lot of time worrying about a part of the question that only attracts a very few marks. Use parts of questions that ask for definitions or explanations to inform the

longer, more discursive part of your answer. Don't repeat the information you give in one part of the question in the other. Ifa question asks you to "briefly comment", treat it as a mini-essay - have a

sentence or two to introduce your topic; select a few points to discuss with a sentence or two about each; add a concluding sentence that sums up your overall view. If you have trouble working out how to start answering a question that asks you to "explain", imagine you are telling a friend about the topic.

Written by The Purdue University Writing Lab What is a well written answer to an essay question? It is Well Focused: Be sure to answer the question completely, that is, answer all parts of the question. Avoid padding. A lot of rambling and ranting is a sure sign that the writer doesnt really know what the right answer is and hopes that somehow, something in that overgrown jungle of words was the correct answer. Well Organized: Dont write in a haphazard think-as-you-go manner. Do some planning and be sure that what you write has a clearly marked introduction which both states the point(s) you are going to make and also, if possible, how you are going to proceed. In addition, the essay should have a clearly indicated conclusion which summarizes the material covered and emphasizes your thesis or main point. Well Supported: Do not just assert something is true, prove it. What facts, figures, examples, tests, etc. prove your point? In many cases, the difference between an A and a B as a grade is due to the effective use of supporting evidence. Well Packaged: People who do not use conventions of language are thought of by their readers as less competent and less educated. If you need help with these or other writing skills, go to any writing lab or tutorial help offered by your university or course. How do you write an effective essay exam?
1. 2. 3. 4.

Read through all the questions carefully. Budget your time and decide which question(s) you will answer first. Underline the key word(s) which tell you what to do for each question. Choose an organizational pattern appropriate for each key word and plan Write your answers as quickly and as legibly as you can; do not take the Begin each answer with one or two sentence thesis which summarizes

your answers on scratch paper or in the margins.

5.

time to recopy.
6.

your answer. If possible, phrase the statement so that it rephrases the questions essential terms into a statement (which therefore directly answers the essay question).

7.

Support your thesis with specific references to the material you have Proofread your answer and correct errors in spelling and mechanics.

studied.
8.

Specific organizational patterns and key words: Most essay questions will have one or more key words that indicate which organizational pattern you should use in your answer. The six most common organizational patterns for essay exams are:
o o o o o o

Definition Analysis Cause and Effect Comparison-Contrast Process Thesis and Support

The Essay Exam3 Organization and neatness have merit Before writing out the exam:

Write down their key words, listings, etc, as they are fresh in your

mind. Otherwise these ideas may be blocked (or be unavailable) when the time comes to write the later questions. This will reduce "clutching" or panic (anxiety, actually fear which disrupts thoughts). Set up a time schedule to answer each question and to review/edit all questions

If five questions are to be answered in one hundred and eighty minutes, allow If questions are "weighted", prioritize that into your time allocation for each When the time is up for one question, stop writing, leave space, and begin the Five incomplete answers will usually receive more credit than three, complete Read through the questions once and note if you have any choice in answering Pay attention to how the question is phrased, or to the "directives", or words

yourself only thirty minutes for each.

question.

next question. The incomplete answers can be completed during the review time

ones

questions such as "compare", "contrast", "criticize", etc. See their definitions in "Essay terms"
3

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Answers will come to mind immediately for some questions Before attempting Now compare your version with the original.

to answer a question, put it in your own words

Do they mean the same thing? If they don't, you've misread the question. You'll be surprised how often they don't agree. Think before you write: Make a brief outline for each question, Number the items in the order you will discuss them

Get right to the point State your main point in the first sentence, Use your first

paragraph to provide an overview of your essay. Use the rest of your essay to discuss these points in more detail. Back up your points with specific information, examples, or quotations from your readings and notes

Teachers are influenced by compactness, completeness and clarity of an Writing in the hope that the right answer will somehow turn up is timeTo know a little and to present that little well is, by and large, superior to

organized answer

consuming and usually futile

knowing much and presenting it poorly--when judged by the grade received. WRITING & ANSWERING: Begin with a strong first sentence that states the main idea of your essay. Continue this first paragraph by presenting key points. DEVELOP YOUR ARGUMENT

Begin each paragraph with a key point from the introduction Develop each point in a complete paragraph Use transitions, or enumerate, to connect your points Hold to your time allocation and organization Avoid very definite statements when possible; a qualified statement connotes a philosophic attitude, the mark of an educated person. Qualify answers when in doubt: It is better to say "toward the end of the 19th century" than to say "in 1894" when you can't remember, whether it's 1884 or 1894. In many cases, the approximate time is all that is wanted; unfortunately 1894, though approximate, may be incorrect, and will usually be marked accordingly.

SUMMARIZE IN YOUR LAST PARAGRAPH: Restate your central idea and indicate why it is important. REVIEW: Complete questions left incomplete, but allow time to review all questions

Review, edit, correct: misspellings, incomplete words and sentences, miswritten dates and numbers. NOT ENOUGH TIME? Outline your answers WEBLIOGRAPHY http://ayurveda.hubpages.com/hub/Tricks-to-tackle-exams http://www.studygs.net/tsttak4.htm http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/studyadvice/StudyResources/Exams/sta-answering.aspx http://powertochange.com/students/academics/essayexam/ http://www.uofaweb.ualberta.ca/academicsupport/examwriting.cfm 2011 Effective Exam Writing Tips, Learning Resources, Student Success Centre, University of Alberta

Parents do help your kid in studies

Tips for parents Dear Parents I know how much you are concerned about your child's studies. But you also have to take some preparations.You can be your children's guide.So please do the following tips. 1: Often Visit your child's school and his/ her teachers and get feedback about your child.

2: Speak openly to your child so that he/she feels that they are safe to share any of their problems with you and thus keep a good understanding relation with your child. Don't blame them if they got low mark else give them confidence and gave them the feeling that you are always with them. This will increase their confidence. 3: Sit with your child and help them in their studies whenever you get time.And also help them in making a good time table. 4.Speak with them and try to make them aware about the importance of studyand make them aware that you are caring their studies 5. Allow them also to play watch television etc. and if possible make them participate in some extra curricular activities. This will have a long term effect in your child's personality development.Remember a sound mind in a sound body so allow them to play well. 6. Be careful about the food items that you are giving them on exam days. It is better to avoid food items such as potato or tapioca on the day of exams and also food items with much chilly in it are not desirable.Try to avoid fried itemswhich may contain fatty acid. Instead giving Curd, milk , honey, chocolate having cocoa with in it etc may do good. Also show cares in their sleep, allow them to sleep 6hrs. 7. While going to exam wish them and send them happily. Don't make them unhappy on exam day. Some students may be suffering from over sleepness, deppression etc. Some of they need medical treatment take them to clinic. for example if over sleepness is there the haemoglobin level in blood may be low so check it and cure it. For depression you may meet a counsellor. Parents have to be extra care full in these cases. If you followed all this steps and write exam without fear and with prayer your success is a must, because you all are so brilliant students.

Some tips to help you sleep: - Stop revising 90 minutes before preparing for bed - Relax with friends, music, book, TV etc - Have a warm bath or shower - Use a relaxation exercise - If your head's still buzzing with thoughts in the middle of the night, have a notebook by the side of the bed and write them down.