1. Know your Exam requirements.
Know whether your exam requires a rubber, pencil, a ruler etc. Know the hours of your paper, the
time when the exam will be written, whether it is in the morning or afternoon. Plan accordingly. You
can stick your statement of entry in your room and always read it so that you will not forget the days
your exams will be written.
2. Plan your day.
Plan what you will do everyday. It is now time for serious school business, there is no time to waste.
Time of school gossip, roaming around the school is over. Focus on your school work. Sit down and
read. Use your time wisely.
3. Practice past Exam papers.
After reading a topic or chapter, do past exam papers. Ask for past exam papers from your teachers
and practice answering the question. Where you are not understanding, ask your Teachers for
assistance. The more you do these past exam papers the more you become confident.
4. Prepare flashcards and Flow charts.
Make diagrams, flowcharts and flashcards to simplify your notes. This will help you remember easily
what you were reading. Added to that, you can as well prepare short notes. Writing down short
notes will make you remember what you were reading.
5. Form Study Groups
Study Groups helps sharing ideas and notes. In these study groups you can discuss past exam papers
and topics of difficulty. This helps boosting confidence.
6. Get enough Sleep
Avoid staying late watching movies. Have enough sleep builds memory, so ensure that you get
plenty of sleep. On the day of the examination make sure you get up early in the morning, eat
something and drink good amount of water. This is essential for your brain to work at its best . Arrive
at the exam venue on time.
7. Take deep breaths.
Before you get the question paper close your eyes, take a deep breath and relax. This will help you
deal with any stress or anxiety you may be feeling. Read the exam papers completely before you
start. Follow the instructions, present your work neatly. Remember to number your pages, write
your candidate number, your name and surname on all your answer sheets.
8. Stay Focused
Keep your mind on track. Take a break from your phone and your friends. Do away with distractors
such as having relationships, sex, smoking, drinking alcohol, watching pornography, etc. On the day

of the exam dress properly, have a proper school uniform, proper haircut, proper shoes and
stockings. Avoid any mischief and focus on school work and exams. Above all bath in the morning,
smell good, brush your teeth, be smart and presentable.
On the day of the exam, do not panic, start with an easy question, do not sleep and cheat in the
exam. Do not revise what you wrote after the exam.
Remember God is the source of life. Talk to your God everyday, praising him, asking for strength and
wisdom. With God all things are possible.
Dr Manners Msongelwa
+263 771 019 392
Author/Youth Coach/Teacher