Prepare adequately for exams

WHEN jacaranda trees bloom, they signal the start of the exam season.

Ordinary and Advanced Level learners who will sit the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (Zimsec) tests in November are working tirelessly in a bid to produce good results.

Zimsec requires a candidate to put everything he/she learnt into the Zimbabwean context so as to solve local problems economically, socially and politically.

Among other things, candidates have been working on the Continuous Assessment Learner’s Activity (CALA) and other question papers. This will help a candidate, come examination time.

However, leading a race is not useful if one does not know the direction. In view of this, I would like to share some tips that are crucial in preparing for exams. These may prove invaluable for candidates out there.

My History teacher, Mrs Stella Ngani, always says: “Failing an examination is harder than passing it.”

Here are the tips:

1. You should not change your attitude towards studying. Enjoy studying.

2. You should co-operate with teachers and other learners. Discussions are of great value.

3. You should prepare well for the exam to avoid pressure and poor self-esteem.

4. You should spend a lot of time preparing study materials.

5. You should not try to venture into “new ground”, especially when you are close to exam time. Stick to what your teacher taught you.

6. You should plan a timetable. It should include school and social commitments, homework, study and free time. Study sessions should be 30 minutes long, with five-minute breaks.

My message to all candidates is that nothing is impossible. Look at the word as: “I’m possible.”

Good luck!