First-term Exam Prep: ‘Answer the questions according to the word limit mentioned’

If you have just gone into a new class, especially from class VIII to IX, it can be quite a jump. More so, since you are now in senior school. The pressure is mounting as the Board exams are only a year away. People will tell you how preparing for the Boards is imperative from now. While this is true, there is no need to get stressed or anxious for the upcoming first-term exams.

Santosh Desai, a Sanskrit teacher at Apeejay School, Noida said that the most important aspect to keep in mind while taking the exam is to attempt all the questions with a calm head.

“When you panic, stress, or become anxious, there is a possibility that the student, despite knowing everything, will end up making mistakes. Another instance where students make mistakes is when they become overconfident. My advice: Yes, be confident and well-prepared. DON’T be overconfident,” Desai said and added that from class IX, we start preparing our students along the pattern that the students will find in Board exams in class X.

---

Don’t panic or become overconfident. Most students make mistakes because they think they know everything and are reckless. The mantra is: Be well-prepared

Santosh Desai, a Sanskrit teacher at Apeejay School, Noida

---

She shared tips that can help students

1.       It is very important to read the chapters thoroughly. This will help the students answer questions from them.

“When it comes to attempting unseen passages, it is necessary to read the text at least three times. At first, try to assimilate what the para is saying. At the second reading, keeping in mind what you gathered on the first reading, try and retain it. After the third read, you are better placed to attempt the questions without making mistakes,” Desai explained.

2.       It is also very important to understand the tense of the question.

“A common mistake that students make is that even though they know the right answer, they have written the wrong tense. Remember, answer the question in the tense reflected in the question,” she said.

3.       When it comes to letter writing, see who is being addressed. Is the person in power, your friend, or junior to you? Here, too, the tense you use will change in the words that are given in the brackets.

4.       The pattern of the question paper is on the lines of how the Central Board of Secondary Education will be set. This is to familairise the students with the format.

5.       The marking of the questions is also similar to the format of the Board. The students must write in the word limit that has been given in the paper.

6.       Chronologically attempt the question paper. If you don’t know the answer, leave space for it and go to the next one. Come back to the question when you have completed everything else.

7.       Always keep 15 minutes for revision to correct any mistakes that you could have made.

8.       Practice makes you perfect. Ensure that you practice answering questions at home within a time limit.

9.       DON’T be in a hurry to finish the paper. Time yourself properly.