my Studies @ Unisa - University of South Africa

Plan and write examinations
Examinations are one of the more stressful times you will face as an ODL student, but there are
ways of making it easier. If you have planned well you will have enough time to study and prepare
for each examination. Also take care of yourself, eat well, sleep enough and exercise. This will
help you to deal with the stress.
Know how to get to your exam centre before the time so that you can be seated 15 minutes
before the start of the exam. If you are late, you will not be allowed in. Also make sure that you
know what stationery you need, such as a calculator pens, pencils and whether it is an open book
exam. Take note of the examination rules and regulations which appear on the reverse side of
your final timetable.
Keep your purpose in mind and have a clear goal. Here are a few tips:
Before the examination
Take care of yourself physically to cope with the mental challenges ahead
Get six to eight hours sleep per night
Exercise
Eat healthily (eg fresh fruit and vegetables)
Drink plenty of water
Keep study sessions short and focused;
don’t sit for hours without a break
Set a goal for each session (40-45min)
Take a five to ten minute break
Energise, do exercise
Do five minute of revision
Check your timetable now
Distractions
Write down what is worrying you
Create a possible plan
Switch off the TV/cellphone
Explain to others that you are preparing for your future
Prepare well in advance; budget your time by calculating how much time is
needed for each course
Spread your time properly; don’t overspend on one course
Revise/revise/revise
Test yourself – develop your own exams and complete them
Set actual time limits
Practise in the way you are going to be tested
The day before
Study regularly up to the day before the exam
Then get a good night’s sleep (even if you haven’t finished your work!)
Last minute cramming doesn’t work – you will just be too tired to think in the exam
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