Math Made Easy: 10 tips on how to attempt the question paper

Exams are around the corner and all the students are busy completing their syllabus; some may be in the revision stage. While being prepared for the exam thoroughly is sacrosanct, having studied all the chapters, it is just as necessary to be aware of how to write the question paper on the exam day.

According to Kiran Rai, TGT Math, Apeejay School, Nerul in Navi Mumbai, students should not only be well-versed with each chapter and have a deep concept-based understanding of the topics, but they must also know how to attempt the question paper on the day of the exam. Some students miss out on knowing how they should proceed ahead,” Rai said and shared several tips that can be advantageous.

Read Instructions Carefully: It’s crucial to start by thoroughly immersing yourself in the instructions. Grasping the format and requirements sets the stage for your approach to the exam. This understanding helps avoid common pitfalls such as misinterpreting questions or missing out on crucial parts of the paper.

Manage Time: Efficient time management is the linchpin of exam success. Divide your time proportionally across sections or questions. This strategy ensures you’re not left scrambling in the final minutes, leaving sections untouched or incomplete.

Start with Easy Questions: Initiating your exam journey with questions that are within your comfort zone can boost confidence. It also serves as a warm-up, easing your mind into the exam setting. Additionally, securing these early wins saves precious time for the more intricate questions that lie ahead.

Answer Clearly: Clarity and conciseness in your answers cannot be overstated. Directly addressing the question with focused, well-structured responses demonstrates your grasp of the subject. Rambling or veering off-topic can dilute the impact of your answer.

Review Your Work: If time permits, a thorough review of your answers is invaluable. It’s an opportunity to catch and rectify mistakes, refine answers, and sometimes, add insightful details that might have slipped your mind initially.

Stay Calm: Maintaining a composed and focused demeanor is essential. A calm mind is more adept at logical thinking and problem-solving, which is critical in an exam environment. Stress and panic can cloud judgment and lead to errors.

Prioritise High-Value Questions: Identifying and focusing on sections or questions that carry more weight can significantly impact your overall score. It’s about maximizing the return on your effort, and ensuring that you allocate adequate time and energy to these high-stake questions.

Use Allotted Resources: If your exam permits the use of reference materials or formula sheets, make the most of these resources. They can provide crucial support in answering questions accurately and efficiently.

Don’t Panic if Unsure: Encountering difficult questions is normal. If stumped, it’s wise to move on and not let it hinder your progress. Often, revisiting such questions later can be easier, as your mind may have subtly worked through it while you focused on other parts of the paper.

Proofread: Finally, dedicating time to proofreading can significantly enhance the quality of your answers. It’s not just about spelling and grammar; it’s also about ensuring your answers are logically structured and articulated.

“Remember, thorough preparation lays the groundwork for these strategies to be effective. Familiarity with the material will inherently boost your confidence and ability to apply these tactics successfully,” Rai said in conclusion.