Planning for SSLC exam

PIECE-OF-CAKE

SSLC exam is just another chapter in student life, and simply needs good planning and discipline to succeed in, writes Dr HS Ganesha Bhata.

Every student appearing for the SSLC Examination would have studied all through the year, with seriousness as he has been stuffed by the society that it is a very crucial level in student’s life. However there is a stigma of fear in most of the students as the final examination comes closer. There is no need for the fear if one plans and prepares in advance. Concentration is the key to success in such an examination.
Be confident, believe in your abilities follow the given tips to face the examination, be a successful student. After reading this don’t simply say it is fine, but difficult to focus, try to follow it to the best extent possible, so that you can see the change for yourself.
Here are a few guidelines for you:

Preparation

- Read all the lessons thoroughly well.
- The questions may be picked up from any part of the lesson. Every sentence in the text is important.
- Consolidate the points that you have studied so far.
- Group the thoughts / concepts together in a logical sequence.
- Frame your own sentences for the concepts that you have learnt.
-Practice writing diagrams, maps commonly given in examination.
- Get yourself well prepared in advance (atleast a weak before) to face the examination.
- While preparing, give importance to tough subjects first.
- Keep ready the materials required, the day before the examination hall ticket, invstrument box, writing pad, pen, pencil, eraser, a piece of cloth, an extra pen).
- Verify the subject of examination properly before getting prepared to the day’s examination.
- Do not burn the midnight oil, just before / during the examination.
- Keep away from head phones, mobiles, computer games and other activities that distract you.
- Do not feel nervous.
- Keep your self cool and calm. Meditate a while, speak to your self saying ‘I CAN DO IT’.
- Be aware of your abilities and limitations.
- Keep yourself away from your friends who have the fear of examination.

Entering the examination hall

- Enter the examination hall with confidence.
- Sit in your alloted place.
- Verify your register number with the hall ticket and write it in the appropriate space on the facing sheet of the answer paper.

How to answer

- Read all the questions with care (look for details).
- Recollect whatever you have studied.
- Be firm, while answering.
- Do not feel that the student sitting next to you knows the correct answer.
- Write the answers in the space provided for each question. Usually more space is allowed than the space actually required for writing the answer.
- DO NOT FORGET to write the correct question number. (You will not have much space in the additional sheet, only one or two answers can be written)
- Write the sentences neatly and legibly.
- Do not over write, rub, or scratch too many times. Be neat.
- Do not be in a hurry to answer the question.
- When you cannot understand a question, do not answer it. Go to the next one and come back to it later. Do not waste time.
- Do not leave any question unanswered. Attempt every question.
- Check whether you have answered all the questions by revising the question paper. (All through keep an eye on the watch)
- Try to complete answering all the questions at least five minutes before the final bell.
- Revise the answers, before you hand it over to the teacher.
- After answering one subject do not worry about it. Prepare for the next.
The SSLC question paper consists of one mark questions, multiple choice questions, short answer and long answer type questions. Answer all these questions as per the given directions.

Multiple choice questions

These questions test the understanding / comprehension abilities of students. They can’t be blindly answered. Guessing/ gambling will not help you in scoring better.
To get the maximum score in these type of questions, you have to do the following:
- Read the multiple-choice type questions carefully.
- Note in your mind what exactly is being asked.
- Read all the alternative answers, keeping the stem in mind. Choose the best one for answer.
- If one of the alternatives is all the above / none of the above, be a little more careful in answering such questions.
- Answer all those multiple-choice questions first, for which you can easily answer.
- In the second round, answer the questions for which another reading is required.
- Answer the very difficult multiple-choice items at the end.
- Think before you - ink, answers once written should not be erased or cancelled, you should answer only once. So answer it very neatly and clearly.  Write the letter of the alphabet and also the correct response in the space provided.

Short answer and essay questions

- These test the following:
Ability to express the answers precisely without leaving-out the important points.
Ability to draw diagrams / graphs and label the parts.
- How to answer:
Write the answers in complete sentences. Underline the important words.
Use proper punctuations.
Write neatly and legibly.

Science

- The questions here will be specific. You should be good at answering to the point.
- If the questions ask you to write two uses / defects / advantages / reasons etc., write only two. There is no need to write more.
- If the question asked is to draw a neat diagram, write the diagram and also label the parts (if asked).

Mathematics

- Statement problems will be given. Read the questions carefully and find out what is to be found.
- Identify the correct formula and substitute the values in the formula.
- Be careful while doing muruplification / fundamental operations. (Generally you do mistakes here and call it “Silly Mistakes” BE CAREFUL).
- Problems in scale drawing. Graph matrix, graph of equations and construction are given in this section.
- Indicate the answers clearly in a box Ex.  x = 5

Social sciences

- Highlight the important points. Do not explain the same point unnecessarily.
- Practice drawing the outline maps and locate the various places, part, or components.

Languages

- Pay attention to handwriting, grammar, punctuation, and formation of sentences.
- Write your answers precisely.
- In English, pay attention to spellings. In other languages, mind the “Kagunitha”.

Note to the parents

- Each child is unique in character; do not compare your child with any other.
- Try to understand his/her needs (physical, mental, or spiritual)
- Do not compel the student to read when he/she is not willing.
- Try to make him/her understand that he/ she should study during the fixed time in the day.
- Speak to him/her positively.
- In case of any problems in studies meet the teacher in person along with the student.
- Make them realize that they have the ability to learn.
- Spend more time with children at the time of examination.
- Keep talking to them, and cajole them, whenever they get tired.
- Do not compel the students to give their answers as soon as they come from the examination hall.
- In case they have not done well in any one of the papers, motivate them to do well in the next.

Food habits

- Do not drink tea / coffee to avoid sleep.
- Drink warm water along with a little lemon / sort / sugar.
- Don’t eat out. Consume home made food as much as possible.
If you find the need to binge while studying, binge on fruits like grapes, instead of fried snacks like chips.  
Remember that this is just another part of student life, and every student undergoes it. It is nothing new. Just relax, plan well ahead, and stick to your plans. All the best!