Many students experience stress during exams, including students who are very confident. However, the joy is incomparable when you receive an A+ test result in the top right corner. Although it requires hard work, you can achieve it if you do the exam questions calmly and carefully. Apply an effective study pattern so that you always pass exams with the best grades.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Taking the Exam
Step 1. Encourage yourself before the test
Believing that you will definitely pass the exam makes you actually pass the exam. Even if you don't feel ready, don't tell yourself this. Instead, say to yourself, "I can do it!" The "fake it until it actually happens" tactics work!
- Prepare a piece of paper and write positive sentences, such as "I will definitely pass the exam!"
- Smile before entering the exam room even if it is forced. Research shows that smiling before taking an exam can help improve your mood even if you don't want to smile.
- Imagine a funny incident, such as an elephant practicing push-ups or a little panda jumping on a trampoline.
Step 2. Breathe deeply before and during the exam to feel calm and relaxed
This breathing technique is useful for increasing oxygen levels in the blood so that you are able to think more clearly. A clear mind helps you pass the exam with the best score!
- Inhale slowly through your nose for 10 seconds.
- Exhale slowly through your mouth.
- Do it several times.
Step 3. Read the exam questions briefly before starting to answer
Time to find out the number of questions and the form of questions. That way, you get an idea of what to do so you can manage your time well. Plus, you won't be surprised that there are only a few minutes left, even though there are still many unanswered questions.
Step 4. Read the questions carefully
Before answering, read the question carefully. If the time is long enough, read each question twice. If the exam questions are multiple choice, read the questions thoroughly before determining the correct answer.
Step 5. Answer the questions in order
Don't waste time because you want to do the easy questions first. Answer the questions in order. Skip the unanswered or difficult questions and then work on the next question. If there is still time, try to answer the questions you missed earlier.
- If you are very nervous, do the easy questions first so that you feel calm and more confident.
- If there are questions that are skipped, put an asterisk so you know which questions have not been answered so that they can be done if there is still time.
Step 6. Delay checking answers
If you change your answer several times, doubt is likely to lead you to the wrong answer. Oftentimes, you are faced with questions that are difficult to answer, which makes the situation even more difficult if you are confused.
Step 7. Do elimination if you don't know the answer to multiple choice questions
Usually, 1 or 2 answer choices are definitely wrong. So, just ignore it. Thus, only 2 options are available and the probability of choosing the correct answer is greater. Now, your task is to determine the most appropriate choice from the remaining 2 answers.
Instead of thinking, "Which is the right answer?", the best way to answer multiple choice questions is to ask, "Which is the wrong answer?" then do the elimination so that the remaining 1 answer
Step 8. Read your answer again when you are finished
Allocate time to check answers before the exam session ends. Make sure all questions have been answered without a single one being skipped. If necessary, just guess the answer. Who knows right!
- Take the time to determine if there are still any errors by checking your answers one more time.
- It could be that you still have time to complete the answer because you remember something that needs to be added.
Part 2 of 3: Preparing for the Day Before the Exam
Step 1. Set aside time to sleep the night before the test
If you want to stay up late studying all night, be prepared for a surprise. Lack of sleep makes the brain not function properly. Therefore, don't study late at night and make sure you get a good night's sleep.
- The night before the test, get a good night's sleep of at least 8 hours.
- If you're so anxious that you can't sleep, do something relaxing before bed, such as taking a warm bath or listening to music.
- If you still can't sleep, do activities that keep you from thinking about the exam, such as reading your favorite book.
Step 2. Eat a nutritious, filling meal before the test
Hunger makes it difficult for you to concentrate. Eat breakfast as a source of energy for activities throughout the day and prepare lunch for lunch.
- Eat protein and carbohydrate foods for long-lasting energy sources, such as granola and yogurt or toast and an omelet.
- If the exam starts at noon, you must have lunch before the exam. Eat a sandwich or salad for lunch.
- If the exam starts between two meals and you're worried that you'll feel hungry during the exam, eat a snack, such as nuts.
Step 3. Prepare all the equipment needed to take the exam
Ask the teacher what to prepare for the exam. On the night before the exam, make sure you have all the supplies you put in your school bag, such as pens, pencils, calculators, notebooks, etc.
If you have time to make a note card or a summary of the material to be tested, put it in your bag as well. If you have 5-10 minutes of free time on your way to school, changing subjects, or while waiting for a friend, take the time to read notes
Part 3 of 3: Forming a Good Study Pattern
Step 1. Start studying well before the exam
Don't put off studying until you run out of time. If you just start studying at night, even worse, you only study in the morning before the exam, you will have a hard time memorizing the lessons because of the stress. Start studying as soon as you know there will be an exam a few weeks or at least a few days in advance.
Step 2. Create a study schedule so you can set aside plenty of time to prepare
Establish a study routine for the exam. Instead of studying for 2 hours straight, take a few breaks while studying.
When reading textbooks or other exam material, don't just mark or underline important information. Read intensively, take notes, and test yourself by answering practice questions to make it appear as if you are taking an exam
Step 3. Find a suitable environment for learning
Make sure you study in a place free of distractions, for example from the ringing of your cell phone, the sound of the TV, people chatting with you. So study where you can concentrate! Set up a comfortable study area, but not so comfortable that you want to relax instead of studying. In addition, also prepare chairs and study tables.
You can study in the library, school hall, canteen, or in the kitchen at home, as long as it's not too noisy
Step 4. Find a study buddy
Form a team with classmates or friends who are preparing to take the same exam. This way, you can test each other and explain to each other what you don't understand. However, choose a friend who studies hard, rather than one who loves to chat!
- You may form study groups with more than 2 members.
- If there are no suitable friends to form a study group, ask another family member or friend to test you.
- In addition, look for seniors who have been taught by the same teacher and invite them to study together.
Step 5. Pay close attention when the teacher teaches
Knowledge will increase if you always listen to the teacher's explanation. Don't hesitate to ask if there's something you don't understand. Don't daydream or fall asleep in class so you don't miss out on information when the teacher tells you questions that will appear on the exam!
- Take notes during the lesson.
- Keep your phone and avoid distractions.
- Participate in class when the teacher provides an opportunity to ask questions or provide feedback.
Step 6. Answer all the practice questions
The teacher may ask you to answer practice questions from textbooks, websites, or create your own. Ask the teacher for study guides and practice questions to help you prepare for the exam!
