CBSE class 10 Exam Tips: ‘Get a good night’s sleep to be alert on the day of the exam’

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has slated the Home Science exam for class X on March 4, 2024. The curriculum covers areas related to: Nutrition and Health: Understanding of balanced diets, nutritional needs, and health-related issues. Resource Management: Skills related to managing resources within a household, budgeting, and planning. Textile and Apparel Designing: Basics of textiles, fabric care, and simple garment designing. Human Development and Childhood: An introduction to various stages of human development, especially during childhood, and Community and Consumer Education: Awareness about community issues, consumer rights, and responsibilities.

According to Sheena Ahuja, a Home Science teacher at Apeejay School, Faridabad, Sector 15, “The exam pattern may include both theoretical and practical components. The theory exam may consist of questions related to the above topics, and the practical exam may involve activities like cooking, stitching, or any other skills related to Home Science.”

So what are the best revision techniques that students should follow to crack the exam well?

Spaced repetition: Spreading out study sessions over time, rather than cramming them all at once, can help improve long-term retention.

Teaching others: Explaining concepts to someone else, whether it’s a study partner, friend, or even just talking out loud to yourself, can reinforce your understanding and help identify areas where you might need further clarification.

Chunking: Breaking down large amounts of information into smaller, more manageable chunks can make it easier to process and remember. Grouping related concepts together can aid in organising information and improving recall.

Regular breaks: Taking regular breaks during study sessions can help maintain focus and prevent burnout. Short, frequent breaks are often more effective than long periods of continuous study.

Ahuja also explained the common mistakes students can commit during the exam and ways to avoid them. They are as follows:

Not managing time effectively: One common mistake is poor time management during exams, leading to running out of time or not having enough time to complete all questions.

Failing to read instructions carefully: Students sometimes overlook or misinterpret exam instructions, which can result in answering questions incorrectly or missing important details.

Answering questions out of order: Another mistake is answering questions out of order, which can lead to confusion and disorganisation. Start by tackling the easiest questions first to build confidence and momentum, then move on to more challenging ones.

Not planning answers before writing: Jumping straight into answering questions. Take a few moments to brainstorm and outline your ideas before writing, especially for essay-type questions, to ensure your answers are well-structured and coherent.

Neglecting to review answers: Many students submit their exams without reviewing their answers, potentially missing errors or opportunities for improvement. Always leave some time at the end of the exam to review your answers.

Getting stuck on difficult questions: Spending too much time on a single difficult question can eat into valuable time that could be used to answer other questions, make a note of it, and move on to the next one. You can always come back to it later if time permits.

Letting anxiety or stress affect performance: Feeling anxious or stressed during exams can impair cognitive function and memory recall. Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, positive visualisation, or mindfulness exercises to manage exam anxiety.

Moving on, the Home Science teacher also lays down several guidelines to follow on the day of the exam to not feel too overwhelmed.

Eat a healthy breakfast: Start the day with a nutritious breakfast to fuel your brain and provide energy for the exam. Choose foods that are rich in protein, whole grains, and healthy fats.

Arrive early: Arrive at the exam venue early to allow time for any unexpected delays and to get settled in comfortably. This will also give you a chance to relax and mentally prepare.

Stay calm: Take deep breaths and try to stay calm if you’re feeling nervous or anxious. Remind yourself that you’ve prepared to the best of your ability and trust in your knowledge and skills.

Read instructions carefully: Before starting the exam, carefully read through all instructions and question prompts. Make sure you understand what is being asked before you begin answering.

Manage your time: Pace yourself throughout the exam to ensure you have enough time to complete all sections or questions. If you’re unsure about a particular question, move on and come back to it later if time allows.

Stay hydrated: Keep hydrated by drinking water during the exam to maintain focus and concentration. However, avoid consuming excessive amounts of caffeine or sugary drinks, as these can lead to energy crashes.

Resist the temptation to compare: Do not compare yourself to others or worry about how quickly they’re working. Stay focused on your own exam and stick to your pace.

Review your answers: If time permits, review your answers before submitting the exam to check for any errors or omissions. Pay attention to details and make any necessary corrections.