How often does it happen that when you step out of the examination hall, you expect yourself to score amazing marks, but the result card tells any entirely different story? If you think you are the only person who faces this change of fortunes, we have some news for you. You are not alone! There are thousands and millions of students around the world, who, despite their best efforts, don't get the expected number of marks. So what is it that creates the difference between your answer sheet and the answer sheet of the highest scoring student? If this question has been eating your brains, worry no more, as we have the answer for you!
- When you make an effort, it shows!
When a teacher sits down to read the answers written by the students, apart from checking what is written, a major chunk of attention is also given to how is it written. It is time you understand the importance of coloured pens and highlighters! When you are done with the answer, take a moment to highlight the major points. Following this method ensures that as soon as the teacher looks at the answer, his/her attention goes to the important point highlighted by you.
Think of yourself as a teacher. Reading the same theoretical answers in every sheet would bore the teacher soon and that is where the scores begin to deplete. While writing an answer, always think about what extra can you provide to the answer? Use of data and numbers would certainly give an edge to your answer. At the same time, do not make up bogus numbers as it can backfire if the teacher cross checks it.
- A little diagram can make a big difference
There are times when you think that you have written a great answer because you mentioned all the necessary points. While including all the information is certainly a good practice, the students must never underestimate the significance of diagrams and flow charts. Diagrams show that the student's learning is much deeper than just rote learning. Also, you do not always need to go by the book when you are making a diagram. If you are confident about your knowledge, you can go ahead and present your own diagram. Always label the diagram to ensure that there is no scope for deduction of marks.
Most of the questions come with a word limit. As a student, when you are in your 'flow', you overlook the word limit and overshoot it by a long way. You must remember that you need to answer only what is asked in the question, rather than expressing every bit of knowledge that you had gained from the entire chapter. Also, you need not go on counting all the words in your answer to ensure your answer is within limits. Based on the style of your writing, get an idea of the number of words you usually write in one line, and then multiply it by the number of lines you have written. An ideal answer must be within +-10 words of the given word limit.
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Exams
Answer Strategy
