Rules of Passing Examinations

RULES OF PASSING EXAMINATIONS

Never miss a class

All the fine details about what was taught during every class most certainly culminate in better understanding of the subject matter treated. The really funny part if this rule is the fact that in reality, a class could be missed. Circumstances beyond human or logical control could make it impossible to attend all classes. With all the best effort that can be mustered, try and attend all classes set up to impart understanding and knowledge on the various subject matters on which the examination would be set. Whenever any class is missed, notes taken and explanation of what was treated must be got from others who attended the class. Audio recordings and videos of the class missed should be acquired if they are available.

Get the scope of work right

From the start to the finish, the entire content of a subject matter must be clearly defined and spelt out. Trying to go beyond the limit already set by the syllabus or curriculum on a subject matter takes learning from the “must know” to the “good to know”. It is a serious waste of time and energy to read and study beyond the scope of work of a subject matter. Examinations will always test understanding of subject matters whose scope of work or “must know” are clearly defined.

Own all relevant materials

Examinations are passed when textbooks, articles, notes and other materials relevant to the examination have been acquired. Never overlook any material. Keep getting all relevant materials till all subject areas have been covered. No one is asking anyone to buy all the textbooks available on a subject matter but to ensure that the materials needed to pass an examination is owned.

Study comprehensively

Comprehensively is a big grammar, but it fits the description of the studying that needs to be done to pass an examination, succinctly. Leave no stone unturned, make sure all areas of the subject matter is thoroughly covered and understood. If there would be need for study groups, tutorials and extra- classes to boost confidence in taking an examination, they must all be done! The proverbial midnight candle must be burnt if any success in an examination is to be recorded.

Take as many mock examinations as possible

Try to simulate the examination hall atmosphere and answer questions in it as if the real examination is going on. Use time limits, answer as many past questions as possible and ensure that correct solutions are provided to all questions treated. When difficulties arise, friends, course mates and even lecturers/facilitators are always willing to help, especially with problems that are difficult to solve.

Read and follow instructions carefully

Familiarity and generalizations during an examination can mar any chance of passing. Even if the questions have been solved before or what would be needed as answers is so obvious, read and follow the instructions on the question paper carefully. Many examiners have the habit of making little adjustments to typical questions for added difficulty and twists. This makes it imperative to always read and follow instructions on question papers judiciously.

Work quickly but accurately

This is a favorite slogan of aptitude tests. It applies to all examinations for this simple and clear fact, all examinations are timed, in hours, minutes and even seconds. It always grieves the heart of many when they find out that they could have been able to solve more questions if they had more time. There will never be more time during an examination. Like the stopwatch, it is counting down to zero!

Leave difficult questions alone and move on to other questions

“A bird in hand is worth more than two in the bush”, so goes the famous English proverb. Do not waste time on questions whose answers are not at your fingertips. Move quickly to the next question and on and on till all questions properly understood and known have been answered. If after doing this, there is still time left, going back to the problematic questions is a very good idea.

Never be in a hurry to leave the hall

It is very thrilling to be done with an examination long before time is up! The temptation to stand up and submit is very strong. Avoid this pitfall; go over your work again and again. Things you misses or did wrongly would definitely show up for correction.

Never break the examination code

This is very important. In all its forms, shades and variations never break the examination code, “DO NOT CHEAT”.