ssc 2011 - exam tips - managing_finals

8/6/2019 SSC 2011 - Exam Tips - Managing_Finals

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SSC 2011SSC 2011

Finals 2 WeeksFinals 2 Weeks

Preparation TIPSPreparation TIPS

By Dr. J.S.By Dr. J.S. ParanjyothiParanjyothi DtDt//--1111--0303--20112011


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LONG AWAITING,LONG AWAITING,

final exams are justfinal exams are justaround the corner.around the corner.

Its never too early to startIts never too early to startstudying!studying!How prepared will you be?How prepared will you be?

Use these TIPS to helpUse these TIPS to helpease the pain that finalease the pain that finaltwo weeks can bring.two weeks can bring.


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To Academic Success. ThereTo Academic Success. There

can be many distractionscan be many distractions............................

Some items in this list may beSome items in this list may be

YOUR obstacles ! Answer "Yes"YOUR obstacles ! Answer "Yes"to any item which regularlyto any item which regularly

interferes with your preparationinterferes with your preparation

for your SSC Final Exams.for your SSC Final Exams.

If you have too many "yesIf you have too many "yes

answers, Make a note and startanswers, Make a note and start

working on it.working on it.


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Obstacles of PreparationObstacles of Preparation

1. Lack of a study schedule1. Lack of a study schedule 2. Priorities unclear (What to2. Priorities unclear (What to

study first)study first)

3. Failure to use short blocks of3. Failure to use short blocks oftime constructivelytime constructively

4. Failure to use long blocks of4. Failure to use long blocks of

time constructivelytime constructively

5. When sitting down to study,5. When sitting down to study,

usually too tired or listless tousually too tired or listless to

studystudy


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6. Leaving tasks unfinished;6. Leaving tasks unfinished;jumping from one task to anotherjumping from one task to another

7. Studying on bed & falling7. Studying on bed & falling

asleepasleep

8. Daydreaming8. Daydreaming

9. Can't resume studying after9. Can't resume studying after

study breaksstudy breaks

10. Spending too much time10. Spending too much time

socializing, playing games orsocializing, playing games or

sportssports


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11. Unable to say "no" to11. Unable to say "no" toinvitations and requestsinvitations and requests

12. Making unrealistic time12. Making unrealistic time

estimatesestimates

13. Attempting too much at once13. Attempting too much at once

14. Getting behind in one course14. Getting behind in one course

because of having to study forbecause of having to study for

anotheranother

15. Getting involved in15. Getting involved in

unnecessary detailsunnecessary details


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16. Accomplishing very little in16. Accomplishing very little inrelation to the amount of timerelation to the amount of time

spent studyingspent studying

17. Distracted or frustrated by17. Distracted or frustrated by

cluttered deskcluttered desk

18. Not having or unable to18. Not having or unable to

locate needed materialslocate needed materials

19. Study area faces a window,19. Study area faces a window,

door, TV, phone or otherdoor, TV, phone or other

distractionsdistractions


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20. Interruptions by outside20. Interruptions by outside

interference (phone calls,interference (phone calls,

visitors, noises)visitors, noises)

21. Frequently waiting until the21. Frequently waiting until the

last minute before starting tolast minute before starting to

study or begin major project i.e.,study or begin major project i.e.,Procrastination.Procrastination.


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Make information memorableMake information memorable

Repetition, Repetition, Repetition,Repetition, Repetition, Repetition,

Repetition, Repetition, Repetition,Repetition, Repetition, Repetition,RepetitionRepetition

Read it, Write it, Say it, Explain it, Draw it,Read it, Write it, Say it, Explain it, Draw it,

Ask questions about it.....Ask questions about it.....

Break down words by prefix or suffix.Break down words by prefix or suffix.(Hydro relates to water)(Hydro relates to water)

Use memory tricks:Use memory tricks:

Make silly rhymes or sayings to rememberMake silly rhymes or sayings to remember

lists.lists. Use silly analogies to remember examples.Use silly analogies to remember examples.

Humor is a powerful memory trigger; theHumor is a powerful memory trigger; the

dumber the better.dumber the better.


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1 Study in Short, Frequent1 Study in Short, Frequent

Sessions.Sessions. It has been proven that short bursts ofIt has been proven that short bursts of

concentration repeated frequently are muchconcentration repeated frequently are much

more effective than one long session.more effective than one long session.

So, even if you only have 10 minutes,So, even if you only have 10 minutes,DO IT.DO IT.

Take a break. Then study another10Take a break. Then study another10

minutes. This distributed learningminutes. This distributed learning

approach is highly efficient because itapproach is highly efficient because ithonors the way the brain likes to work.honors the way the brain likes to work.

The brain needs recovery and rechargingThe brain needs recovery and recharging

time for protein synthesis.time for protein synthesis.


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2 Take Guilt2 Take Guilt--Free Days of Rest.Free Days of Rest.

This follows the same principle as above,This follows the same principle as above,

but on a longer, daily time cycle. Thebut on a longer, daily time cycle. The

reason for resting is to refresh oneself.reason for resting is to refresh oneself.

However, if you feel guilty (I really shouldHowever, if you feel guilty (I really should

be studying) then your precious rest periodbe studying) then your precious rest periodhas been used to create more stress. Thehas been used to create more stress. The

brain will not absorb new data if it isbrain will not absorb new data if it is

stressed.stressed.

On days off from studying, really enjoyOn days off from studying, really enjoyyourself and do not feel bad about notyourself and do not feel bad about not

studying.studying.


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3 Honor Your Emotional State.3 Honor Your Emotional State.

Do not study if you are tired, angry,Do not study if you are tired, angry,

distracted, or in a hurry.distracted, or in a hurry.

When the brain is relaxed, it is like aWhen the brain is relaxed, it is like a

sponge and it naturally absorbs datasponge and it naturally absorbs data

without effort.without effort. If you are emotionally stressed, your brainIf you are emotionally stressed, your brain

literally repels data.literally repels data.

Forcing yourself to sit and study when yourForcing yourself to sit and study when your

mind is on other things is a complete wastemind is on other things is a complete wasteof time!of time!


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4 Review the Same Day.4 Review the Same Day.

When you learn something new, try to goWhen you learn something new, try to go

over the points the same day. If you wait aover the points the same day. If you wait a

few days and then make efforts to reviewfew days and then make efforts to review

the material, it will seem much less familiar.the material, it will seem much less familiar.

However, a quick review later in the day willHowever, a quick review later in the day willtend to cement the information into yourtend to cement the information into your

brain so that the next official studybrain so that the next official study

session, you will recognize it and it willsession, you will recognize it and it will

seem easyseem easy


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5Observe the Natural Learning5Observe the Natural Learning

Sequence.Sequence. Think of the activities you did when youThink of the activities you did when you

were in nursery school. Believe it or not,were in nursery school. Believe it or not,

this natural learning sequence, moving fromthis natural learning sequence, moving from

large to small, coarse to fine, still remainslarge to small, coarse to fine, still remainseffective even though we are now older.effective even though we are now older.

When you study, if you try first to grasp theWhen you study, if you try first to grasp the

big picture and then fill in the details, youbig picture and then fill in the details, you

often have a more likely chance of success.often have a more likely chance of success.


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6 Use Exaggeration.6 Use Exaggeration.

Why doesWhy does TandulkarTandulkar or any other Batsmanor any other Batsman

warm up by swinging two or three bats?warm up by swinging two or three bats?

Why do runners sometimes strap leadWhy do runners sometimes strap lead

weights to their legs?weights to their legs?

In both cases, exaggeration during practiceIn both cases, exaggeration during practicemakes the final result seem easy.makes the final result seem easy.

This concept can be applied to studyingThis concept can be applied to studying

anything.anything.

For example, if you are studying spelling,For example, if you are studying spelling,exaggerate the sound of the letters to helpexaggerate the sound of the letters to help

to remember them.to remember them.


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7 Prepare Your Study7 Prepare Your Study

Environment.Environment. If you require certain elements in yourIf you require certain elements in your

environment to help you study, try to alwaysenvironment to help you study, try to always

make these a priority.make these a priority.

For example, do you need special lighting,For example, do you need special lighting,silence, music, privacy, available snacks,silence, music, privacy, available snacks,

etc.?etc.?

Pay attention to what works for you andPay attention to what works for you and

repeat it each time you study for bestrepeat it each time you study for bestsuccesssuccess


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8 Respect Brain Fade.8 Respect Brain Fade.

It is normal for the brain to have an attrition rateIt is normal for the brain to have an attrition rateand to forget things. This does not mean thatand to forget things. This does not mean that

you are stupid! Instead of getting mad aboutyou are stupid! Instead of getting mad about

this fact, you should expect it and deal with itthis fact, you should expect it and deal with it

accordingly. See your brain as depositing layersaccordingly. See your brain as depositing layers

of knowledge. As you place more informationof knowledge. As you place more informationon top, the lower levels become older and lesson top, the lower levels become older and less

available to your immediate recall.available to your immediate recall.

Once every two or three study sessions, simplyOnce every two or three study sessions, simply

review older material that you will be stillreview older material that you will be still

needing to remember. Often, a quick overviewneeding to remember. Often, a quick overviewis sufficient. Sometimes, a complete detailedis sufficient. Sometimes, a complete detailed

study session of the older material is required.study session of the older material is required.

Brain fade is completely normal. (Except forBrain fade is completely normal. (Except for

those gifted with a photographic memory)those gifted with a photographic memory)


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9 Create a Study Routine.9 Create a Study Routine.

Generally, if you schedule certain times ofGenerally, if you schedule certain times of

the day to study, you will get into a routinethe day to study, you will get into a routine

and accomplish more.and accomplish more.

If you just fit it in during your day, chancesIf you just fit it in during your day, chances

are that there will never be any time.are that there will never be any time. An effective way to do this is to literallyAn effective way to do this is to literally

mark it down in your datebook calendar asmark it down in your datebook calendar as

if you have an appointment, like going toif you have an appointment, like going to

the doctor.the doctor. For example: Tuesday 3For example: Tuesday 3--4:30 P.M.4:30 P.M.

Study.Study.


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10 Set Reasonable Goals.10 Set Reasonable Goals.

One of the main reasons people do notOne of the main reasons people do not

reach their goals is because they set themreach their goals is because they set them

too high.too high.

If you set goals that are manageable, evenIf you set goals that are manageable, even

if they seem too simple, you get in the habitif they seem too simple, you get in the habitof accomplishing them and gradually youof accomplishing them and gradually you

can set higher goals.can set higher goals.

Also, recognize the difference betweenAlso, recognize the difference between

longtermlongterm and shortand short--term goals. Set yourterm goals. Set yourvision on the longvision on the long--term dream, but yourterm dream, but your

dayday--toto--day activity should be focusedday activity should be focused

exclusively on the shortexclusively on the short--term, enablingterm, enabling

steps.steps.


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11 Avoid the Frustration Enemy.11 Avoid the Frustration Enemy.

Ironically, the quicker the persons nervousIronically, the quicker the persons nervous

system, the faster they learn. Yet, this fastsystem, the faster they learn. Yet, this fastnervous system also works overtime innervous system also works overtime in

being selfbeing self--critical.critical.

So they are the ones who always think theySo they are the ones who always think they

arent going fast enough! In contrast, thearent going fast enough! In contrast, theType B, less intense person who learnsType B, less intense person who learns

slower yet is more selfslower yet is more self--accepting, ends upaccepting, ends up

ultimately learning the material in a shorterultimately learning the material in a shorter

period of time.period of time.

This is because he/she doesnt wasteThis is because he/she doesnt waste

energy blocking, getting upset, and thinkingenergy blocking, getting upset, and thinking

that theyre not good enoughthat theyre not good enough they simplythey simply

keep moving forward at a slower (but unkeep moving forward at a slower (but un--

blocked) pace.blocked) pace.


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Some other hints:Some other hints:

HideHide.. Study in an out-of-the-way place. As tempted as you are to study with your

friends, you're best bet is to find a place of

your own where you can think.

Avoid the mass hysteria at the distractioncenters and flee from people wanting to

borrow your notes or disturb you.

Don't chase an old testDon't chase an old test.. Don't spend the

entire night before trying to run down a

copy of last year's exam.

Even if you do find one, you'll most likely

be very disappointed to find that it has little

resemblance to this year's test.


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Stop cramming five minutes before theStop cramming five minutes before thetesttest..

Use this time before the test to relax,catch your breath, and take a minuteto get focused.

By cramming until the last 30seconds before you sit down to takethe exam, you will more than likely

just confuse yourself or walk into awall trying to read and get to yourdesk.


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Read all of the directions carefullyRead all of the directions carefully..

Read through the entire test to see

what you are up against. Determine if you will have any time

pressure and if it is manageable.

Determine where the easy points

are. Answer those questions first if you

think you may be short on time. Thiswill leave the most time to focus onthe harder portions of the exam.


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Stay calm during the examStay calm during the exam.. If at

first glance, the test is overwhelming,remember to breathe!

Do not panic. If you don't know theanswer to a question, move on to thenext question and come back later.

Remind yourself that you are wellprepared, and take the exam onequestion at a time.

You will gain momentum by

answering the easy questions firstand you will do better by keepingyour head in the game.


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Stay for the entire sessionStay for the entire session.. Reread thequestions and your answers to them. Make

sure you understand what the question isreally asking and that you have answeredthe question completely and accurately.

Remain calm after the examRemain calm after the exam.. Even if you think

you did horribly, worrying about itafterwards will not change a thing; it mayhowever, impact how you do on your otherfinals. Keep your head up and move on tothe next exam. Though you were well

prepared for this exam and you did poorlyand if you are going to received 30%(marks) and even then the examinercannot decided to fail you in the final, your

score could still be a better next paper.


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Focus on what you hate first.Focus on what you hate first. Study thesubjects you either dont like or are

struggling with first. This will help you focusmore attention where it is needed. Savingthe subjects you enjoy for later makesthem more of a reward and relieves thestress of the harder classes. Plus, you tend

to do better overall in the subjects you like.

Make sure you eat!Make sure you eat! Eating before youstudy and write exams helps you focus!Certain foods can also help relieve stress.

Healthy snacks like fruits and veggies arerecommended as stress reducers. Avoidfoods with high sugars, grease, junk foodsand carbonated drinks as they canaggravate your stressful condition!


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WISH YOUWISH YOU

ALLALL

THE BESTTHE BEST&&

GOD BLESSGOD BLESSYOUYOU--BigmasterBigmaster

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