"Smart work, Score more.."
ANNA UNIVERSITY UG EXAMINATIONS
Preparation for the semester examinations starts as soon as we get to know about the study holidays.
Wait.. was that a shock? I mean, we make plans and schedules based on the difficulty of each subject.
But, what about the execution?? Do we stick to our planned schedule and get ready for the exams even before the exam dates are announced? It's a big NO!!!!
But still...is it possible to perform well in the exams?? Definitely YES😃😃.. with an analyzed study plan and smart work.
The 2Ps , i.e., PREPARATION and PRESENTATION play the key role. I'll try to sort out both the processes as simple as possible so that by the end of this post, you will definitely be able to ace your exams.
PREPARATION
I had broken down the entire preparation process into the following simpler steps:
1.ANALYZE THE SYLLABUS
Always have a hard copy of the syllabus throughout your preparation. For any subject, gather up your class notes, text book, any other relevant source of study materials(if any) at your study place.
If you aren't able to find materials for a few topics, mark them on your syllabus(we will get back to them at the end of preparation).
2.ACTIVE LEARNING
This may sound difficult, but, trust me.. it works like magic. You must have a note (or loose sheets if you prefer) and a pen whenever you sit for preparation.
Focus on one topic at a time. Active learning involves five stages.
i. First Reading - You can just go through the entire topic as if you are reading a story (need not remember anything).
ii. Second Reading - Now, read the topic again from the first. You will be able to sort out the key points this time. So, mark them on your material itself (underline/ use marker/ color code/ anything of your choice).
iii. Note Making - It includes reading the topic again, but, only the marked key points. As you do so, write down the key points in your note. Make sure to start by writing the name of the unit first and then proceed with the topic followed by the notes. Try to highlight the formulae, final step of any derivation, diagrams, etc. Keep your notes as short as possible. Do not copy the entire book.
iv. Revise - The most important thing in preparation. Once you have completed making notes, now try to recall. You should be able to remember almost all the key points by now. It is completely normal if you aren't able to remember a few points. Read your notes again and try to recall. So, within two or three revisions, you will become confident.
v. Re-Revise - Once you have completed reading, note making and revising each and every topic in a chapter, take the syllabus copy and look at each topic in that particular unit. As you do so, recall your key points. You can make it simple by recalling only the definitions, diagrams, final equations.
ALERT : You might feel that active learning takes a long time and you can just learn the entire material without any effort. But, as you complete learning and try to recollect before the exams, you will remember only the least possible content. Active learning takes more time comparatively, but it will make the revision process easier and helps in retaining long term memory.
THE DAY BEFORE THE EXAM
Complete the learning process half a day before the exam, i.e., you should complete learning before lunch today if you are appearing for the exam on the next day morning. So, after lunch, take a small break (preferably a nap for 20 minutes) after which you should start main revision.
If you had followed the above steps as mentioned, then this process will become quick and easy. Just have the syllabus copy and your handwritten notes (made during learning) for the revision. Recall chapter after chapter from the syllabus. If you had missed something, have a glance at your notes. If you have some doubt, you can refer your study material.
PRO TIP: There will be some topics in every subject which we tend to forget even after revising a hundred times. On the day of the exam, try to wake up early and just revise those particular topics. That will definitely help during the exam. Now, you are all set to go!!
PRESENTATION
Presentation is more important than preparation. If you aren't able to present properly, the entire preparation becomes a mere waste. Moreover, I personally feel that presentation is an ART.
Having got the question paper, go through it with patience. Make a quick plan on how you are going to attempt it, choose the questions that you are going to attempt.
PART-A
Keep your answers crisp as you will be given defined space for each 2 mark answer.
Including formulae, final equation, small graphs/ circuit diagrams wherever possible will fetch maximum marks.
Do not leave any question unanswered.
PART-B
Present every answer in a structured manner.
In case of theory, start with the definition (or a brief introduction of the topic whichever is suitable), followed by diagrams (if any) and then proceed with the sub topics.
In case of problems, the answer must have three sections: Given, To Find & Solution.
The number of pages that you write an answer is also equally important. The answer booklet has 40 answerable pages out of which 10 pages will be reserved for 2 marks exclusively. Try to fill in 5 pages for each 13 mark answer. Some questions will have two sub-divisions where you can either equally divide for each answer or 3 pages for one and 2 for the other depending upon the marks allotted.
PART-C
Part-c answer will be in no way different from part-b. The same structure will work out. Sometimes, you will require a couple of additional pages for part-c. So, plan accordingly and make any part-b answer concise (wherever possible - some problematic/ derivative answers will occupy less space).
MISCELLANEOUS TIPS
1. Do not leave any topic untouched during the preparation. If you couldn't gather materials for any topic, just make a note of anything relevant from google ( a small definition/ diagram) so that you will be able to write a 2 mark answer on that.
2. Do not leave anything unanswered. Answering all the questions creates a positive impact for the evaluator.
3. Handwriting should be legible with uniform spacing between words.
4. Write the formulae, final equations, solutions to problems within boxes.
5. Try to finish writing ten minutes in advance. During the last ten minutes, underline the topics, draw lines at the end of each answer, draw boxes for the specified areas, check if you had answered all the questions with the question number specified.
I hope I had covered almost all possible guidelines required for the Anna University Examinations.
The active learning process might be difficult for some people, but, if you are consistent in active learning, it will become easier in a couple of times and you will definitely find an improvement in your grades.
If you would need further explanation/guidance, kindly comment below and I will definitely get back to you.
ALL THE VERY BEST!!!
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