Let me begin with a popular saying among students:
“School is fun, but examinations spoil the fun.”
Examinations can also be enjoyable, especially when a candidate is well prepared.
An examination is an evaluation tool used to assess how much of a learning objective has been achieved. Every subject or course has its own objectives—the knowledge, skills and behavioural changes it is expected to produce in the learner. An examination is one of the tools used to determine the extent to which those objectives have been achieved.
The key to success in any examination is preparation. Preparation is an important ingredient for success, while failure to prepare may lead to examination disaster.
Many of us may remember moral stories from comprehension passages read during our primary-school days. In one popular story, Agbo failed to prepare for his examination. Instead, he consulted a traditional healer who gave him a magical ring and some incantations which, he was told, would help him perform well.
When the ring failed to work, Agbo became angry and disappointed and eventually threw it into a river.
Today, the situation may be different, but some students still depend on supposedly “lucky” pens and other writing materials rather than preparing properly for their examinations.
So, how should a student prepare for an examination?
The following tips may help improve performance.
1. Studying
Studying is the most important preparation for any examination. However, the manner in which students study often determines how useful their efforts will be.
Choose a Suitable Study Location
Choose an appropriate place for studying, preferably a quiet and peaceful environment.
The environment in which you study can greatly affect how much you gain from your study time.
Personally, during my undergraduate days, I preferred studying at home. My roommate, however, preferred going to the classroom, where he could study in the company of coursemates.
It depends largely on individual preference. The important thing is to choose a place where you can concentrate.
Begin Studying Early
The best time to begin preparing for an examination is several days or weeks before the first paper.
Many students make the mistake of beginning serious study only a day or a few hours before the examination. Ideally, the final hours should be used for revision rather than learning an entire topic for the first time.
A good practice is to prepare a study timetable one or two weeks before the examination. This allows the evening or morning before each paper to be used for revision or relaxation.
Use Group Study Wisely
Participate in small study groups with classmates when necessary.
Group study provides an opportunity to share ideas, explain difficult topics and learn from others. However, there is no complete substitute for spending quality time studying alone.
Some students move from one study group or tutorial class to another during the examination period without creating time for personal study. This is not an effective way to prepare.
Avoid Cramming
As much as possible, avoid cramming when preparing for examinations.
Students who depend entirely on cramming may become disappointed when they cannot remember exactly what they memorised. This may lead to confusion, loss of confidence and frustration in the examination hall.
Try to understand the ideas, principles and relationships between concepts rather than memorising words without meaning.
Practise Past Questions
Many examination questions are drawn from topics or patterns that have appeared in previous years.
When preparing for an examination, it is advisable to attempt past questions during both personal and group study.
Past questions can help you understand:
the common question formats;
topics frequently examined;
the level of difficulty;
how marks are distributed; and
how quickly you can answer within the available time.
However, past questions should not replace studying the complete syllabus.
2. Staying Free from Stress
For many students, the mention of the word “examination” creates fear and tension.
Unfortunately, excessive tension may affect even a well-prepared student. It is therefore important to remain calm and manage stress before entering the examination hall.
Examinations are tools for evaluating learning, not instruments designed to spoil your fun.
Get Enough Sleep
If you must spend part of the night studying, it is still advisable to go to bed early enough to get proper rest.
It is not uncommon to see students feeling tense, uncomfortable or even sleeping in the examination hall because they did not get enough sleep.
Do not overwork yourself during the night or hours before the examination.
Spend Time with Supportive Friends
Stay in the company of supportive friends when possible. You may discuss light topics, play simple games or share jokes to reduce tension.
However, avoid friends who spread fear by constantly discussing how difficult the examination may be.
Relax and Build Confidence
Put yourself in a relaxed state of mind.
Rather than spending your time worrying, remind yourself of the effort you have made and approach the examination with confidence.
Positive thinking will not replace proper preparation, but it can help you use what you have learnt effectively.
3. Examination Ethics and Conduct
There are proper ways to conduct yourself in the examination hall if you want to maximise your chances of success.
Choose Your Seat Carefully
In examination centres where seats are not officially allocated, choose a suitable seat.
It may be better to sit away from close friends or students who may depend on you for answers. Calls and distractions from friends can affect your concentration and waste valuable time.
Make up your mind to work independently, and let your choice of seat reflect that decision.
Read the Instructions
Always read and understand the instructions in every examination.
Instructions are part of the examination, so do not ignore them.
Before answering, confirm:
how many questions you are expected to attempt;
whether any question is compulsory;
where each answer should be written;
how marks are allocated; and
whether calculators or other materials are permitted.
A student may know the answers but still lose marks by failing to follow instructions.
Answer Questions Strategically
When answering objective questions, do not spend too much time on one difficult question. Move to the next question and return to it later if time permits.
For essay questions, first read through all the questions before selecting the ones you intend to answer.
Where you get stuck on one part of a question, do not waste all your time there. Move to another part and return later.
When questions have marks attached to them, use the marks as a guide to the amount of detail and time required.
A question worth two marks should not take the same amount of time as one worth twenty marks.
Manage Your Time
Use the allocated time wisely.
Before beginning, divide your time among the questions you are required to answer. Avoid spending too much time on the first question and then rushing through the remaining ones.
Always reserve a few minutes for proofreading and corrections before submitting your answer booklet.
Check that:
all required questions have been answered;
your answers are properly numbered;
your handwriting is readable;
calculations are clearly shown; and
your name or examination number is written where required.
Final Advice
These tips are not exhaustive, but they may improve your chances of success when followed properly.
Examination success is not based on luck, magical rings or special pens. It comes mainly from preparation, understanding, confidence and proper conduct in the examination hall.
I wish you the very best in your examinations.
Good luck!
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