Golden Rules

Prior to Exam

1. Have a revision plan (The single most important rule!)
   A plan gives us a sense of control by making us realise that it is actually possible to revise everything if we stuck to the plan.
   Sometimes we can only start revising if we feel organised and in control of the situation.
   In your plan…do plan breaks in between to reward yourself or as an opportunity for you to catch up with the revision plan.
   Starting planning today....NOW! (overcome your INERTIA!)
   
   
2. Give up on your favorite but time-consuming recreational activities TEMPORARILY (or you prefer the rights to them to be revoked?).
   A temporary sacrifice on your part shows that you are in control.  Be wise. E.g. XBOX, PSP, PS-II or III, Online chatting, blogging or games etc.
   
   
3. Listen attentively in class, sometimes, not always; teachers will give hints prior to exams as to which units are heavily tested.
   Teachers usually tend to do it unconsciously (by over-explaining etc.)... LISTEN…carefully!
   
   
4. Exercise regularly.
   A good 10-min jog or a 20-min swim regularly keeps our brain alert and keep us healthy.
   (But…don’t use it as an excuse to play basketball with your buddy for 3 - 4 hrs)
   
   
5. Do not attempt any NEW questions on the eve of the exams. (Also a very important rule!)
   Don’t create unnecessary panic.
   
   
6. Never sleep beyond 12 a.m. on the eve of the exam. (Super important too!)
   A clear mind is always better than a jumbled mind filled with knowledge.
   
   
7. There is absolutely no need for last minute study just before entering exam hall.
   Just be confident about your revision done.

During Exam

1. Managed your time wisely…do find out how much time you should spend on each question or section of the paper?
   Avoid rushing through a 20-mark section in 5 min.
   
   
2. Do not get stuck at that one or two diffcult questions that are meant to meant to differentiate the excellent from the rest. (even if you are excellent!)
   Having said that, please do not panick and keep skipping questions (It cannot be that difficult). Be calm and give every question some thought first.
   If you have skipped to the last question in the 30 min… kick your own butt and revise your work after the exam. :P
   
   
3. Always write the formulas before doing the calculations.
   That way, even if your working is wrong, you will get marks for the formula written (at the O levels).
   
   
4. If you cannot do a certain part of a question, never leave the remaining parts unanswered.
   Let the answer be “X” and work out the rest of the parts and you MAY* gain Error Carry Forward (E.C.F.) marks.
   (*depending on the benelovence of the marker)
   
   
5. Take note of Unit and Significant Figures errors. Do not leave answers in fractions (unless specified by qn).
   All numerical answers should be left to 2 or 3 Sig. fig. Besides gradient, all other numerical answer should have a unit.
   
   
6. Heard this very often? Yes…. Check your work!
   If the paper is an easy one (especially at the O levels), carelessness may be your downfall.

Post Exam

1. Avoid discussing with your friends about the paper after the exams.
   If you have done well, don’t make your friends sad,
   If you have done badly, why make yourself sadder.
   
    
2. Stay focused on how to “tackle” the next exam.
   Avoid point no. 1.
   Try not let the previous exam affects your mood. (Its difficult….but try)
   
   
3. Usually taking a 1-hour power nap helps in improving concentration.
   (Just make sure its 1-hr)

All Dar Best in Your Examinations!

LEARNING TO DO BETTER
TUITION PROGRAMMME
O LEVEL REVISION PROGRAMME 2007