Exams are a crucial affair for every student. Excelling in exams require hard work, dedication, planning, strategy and execution. For every student, these skills and abilities differ greatly. In addition to their different learning styles, every student also follows a unique strategy to tackle the question paper. Though, when it comes to Mathematics and Science exams, some students might feel overwhelmed.
Pressure in the exam hall must not stress you out. It must motivate you enough to give your best. However, to give you an advantage for your next Math and Science exam, below are some common mistakes students make & their solution.
Let us get going!
Mistake #1. Not Attempting ‘Creamy’ Questions First
The pattern of Math and Science exams across Indian schools dictates that the questions with higher weightage be listed at the last. This leaves questions with lower marks award at the beginning of the question paper. Students often make the mistake of starting their answers with questions with 1 to 2 marks weightage to wind them up ‘quickly.’ This should be avoided.
To score well in papers like Math and Science, go for the creamy questions first. Creamy questions weigh 5 to 10 marks and high scoring. Why they must be attempted in the beginning?
- Questions with higher weightage are often lengthy to answer
- You can score more marks per answer within a short amount of time
Time is of essence inside the exam hall. Once you are done with longer questions, you can move on to shorter answers that can be completed in a short time within the second half of the exam.
Mistake #2. Not Writing Methodical Answers
While answering objective subjects like Science &Math, you must elaborate and give detailed answers. Keep in mind to give a longer version for answers that weigh more, and a crisper version for those with 1 or 2 marks. However, a crucial and common thing between all your answers must be ‘Methodical approach.’
If you are attempting a question from algebra, you must mention the steps that got you the answer in detail. Even if your answer is incorrect and your step-wise approach is correct, the examiner will award you some marks for making the right attempt. Similarly, for questions in Science, use steps and diagrams to elaborate on processes, effects, phenomenon, reasoning, etc. within the answers.
Mistake #3. Relying on Last-Minute Hustle for Tougher Topics
Last-minute exam hustles can help you to some extent in retaining new information. However, relying on it, especially for tougher topics and chapters can make a dent in your performance. Do not leave complex topics for the last minute ‘group discussions’ or ‘doubt-solving’ sessions. Prepare them well in advance. This way, you will have more certainty about your performance in the exam hall.
For instance, if you find linear equations challenging in Mathematics, practice it during the self-study sessions. In fact, you can use personalized learning apps like Learnflix to boost your confidence during the actual exam. With Learnflix’s spiral learning pedagogy, students can be sure of their learning and understanding of any Science or Math topic!
Got helpful study tips for your fellow students? Let us know in the comments below.
