Prepare early for Board exams

Ali Khwaja explains what forms a good foundation for Class 10 Board exams

Schools inevitably finish off Class 9 exams early, so students have a longer time to prepare for their Boards. Some schools even cut down summer holidays after the 9th. Though it may upset some students to continue studying without a break, they can make the most of it by taking advantage of the longer period to prepare systematically.

The first step would be revising the 9th standard portions AFTER the exam ends. This ensures that the foundation is strong and the learning is embedded deep, resulting in greater learning. Discuss with friends and teachers to better understand what was taught in Class 9 and which study methods gave you maximum understanding and retention.

Next, survey all the subjects and textbooks of Class 10. Teachers may start teaching from the first chapters, but if you have an overview of all the topics and sub-topics covered throughout the year, your familiarity with the entire subject will be high.

At this juncture, since there is no pressure on your time, work on exploring and understanding the purpose and benefit of each subject. Inevitably, you will find some subjects tedious or difficult, and your enthusiasm for studying those may be low. But if you understand the benefits and purpose of each subject, you will have higher motivation and will not be studying only to get better marks.

This is also the right time to list out your possible careers. Though it may be too early and a little difficult to decide what career you will be taking up, it is possible to at least narrow down to clusters of careers: Tick out whether you are likely to be in (1) technology (2) pure science or life science (3) health care or human welfare (4) creativity and design (5) communication and media (6) legal or documentation field (7) marketing, events, products, or (8) finance and accounts. This is not an exhaustive list. You may select a field other than the above if you wish. But if you are fairly clear about the professions that appeal to you most from this list, you can start planning what subjects to take after your Class 10.

Many reputed schools and PU colleges start their admission process before your Board exams. They expect you to choose which combination of optional subjects you want to take up.

Make a list of various combinations different institutions offer for +2 studies. For example, there are combinations with or without math or biology in science. Some offer a fourth non-science subject: economics, psychology, or physical education. Be clear about which subjects you would like to opt for, preferably after browsing through the textbooks for Class 11.

Parallel to this, try to make your studies as systematic as possible. Keep track of your attention span and take a short break when it goes down. Evaluate the time of the day you are most alert, and reserve that time to study the difficult or boring subject.

Labelling a subject as boring shows your lack of interest in it. If you can get support and guidance from an expert in that subject, you may find it more interesting than you had thought. Don't you agree that whenever you had a good teacher for a subject, that subject became the most interesting for you?

As there is ample time for the final exam, do read up on each subject beyond your textbook and syllabus. Getting a wider understanding of the subject helps you face any test and gives you a mastery over the topic, thus increasing your confidence.

Start reviewing what study style suits you most: reading softly, reading loudly, writing down bullet points as you read, revising after every page, doing group study, giving yourself a quick test after each chapter, etc.  Once you determine what method gets you the best intake, keep following that technique. It takes constant practice to master a particular method, and if you start now, you can ensure that you will get the maximum benefit from it.

Do not be complacent that exams are a long way ahead. Good study methodology takes you smoothly towards your exams and your learning.  Resist the temptation to procrastinate or get distracted by friends or games, and most importantly—minimise your screen time, which could otherwise become your greatest distraction.

Do get some physical activity or pursue your hobbies, but keep track of how much time you spend on it. Time management is a key skill that will become a part of you and take you through many more exams and challenges of life. So, start now!