Class 12 Board exams: Tips and tricks to score well in History

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has ensured that students taking the Board exams have a gap between each paper reducing anxiety and stress. For those students who have opted for Humanities, after the Political Science exam on March 20, the students have eight days to thoroughly revise for the History exam.

At times, this subject can be difficult to grasp. However, the CBSE has divided a total of 15 chapters in the NCERT textbooks into three parts. This makes it easy for the students to tackle the subject part-wise. According to Archana Chaudhary, a History teacher, who teaches class XII, at Apeejay School Svran Global, Faridabad this time should be spent judiciously, and shares tips on how students can score good marks.

Tips to score good marks in History

1.       Draw a flow chart, and note down the timelines. Practice map work; this will help the students visualise the sequence of historical events and their connections. The notes should be arranged in an order that makes sense to students.

2.       Create revision notes of important dates, events, and people. Use the formula of Who, What, When, Why, Where, and How? It will help to analyse and understand important content.  

3.       Make a daily study plan and systematically revise the complete syllabus.

4.       Always read instructions carefully and find out in which section choice is given. DO NOT make the mistake of answering questions for visually challenged candidates.

5.       Make use of the 15 minutes given to read the question paper effectively and wisely. If there is an option in a question, you can mark which question you will attempt to save time later.

6.       The question paper is set from the NCERT books. Thoroughly read the textbooks.

7.       Attempt as many mock papers as possible. Based on the time – 10:30-1:30 – to get used to the time slot.

8.       Write the based on marks allocated to each question along with the word limit. This will enhance speed, time management skills, and also handwriting will become good.

9.       Re-check all questions and answers before submitting the answer sheet.

“One thing the students must absolutely make sure of is that they get enough time to relax and sleep. If they don’t get any rest, they won’t be able to perform well in the exams. They will be completely tired and won’t be as focused as they should be. They must also have a healthy diet. If they eat any type of junk food, it may lead to problems at the time of the exam,” Chaudhary said.

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Create revision notes of important dates, events, and people. Use the formula of Who, What, When, Why, Where, and How? It will help to analyse and understand important content

–Archana Chaudhary, a History teacher at Apeejay School Svran Global, Faridabad

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Practice map work

A.      Book 1: Theme 1: Bricks, Beads, and Bones; Theme 2 Kings, Farmers, and Towns, Theme 4 Thinkers, Beliefs, and Buildings

B.      Book 2: Theme 7 An Imperial Capital: Vijayanagar, and Theme 8 Peasants, Zamindars, and the State

C.      Book 3: Theme 11 Rebels and the Raj, and Theme 13 Mahatma Gandhi and the Nationalist Movement

How to attempt the question paper

Chaudhary said that 15 minutes of reading time before the exam begins should be spent mentally solving Multiple Choice Questions, source-based questions, and map questions. “In long questions of 8 marks students can divide it into three sections — introduction, body, and conclusion. Don’t leave any questions unanswered. Number all the questions correctly. And finally, write neatly and in simple language,” Chaudhary advised.