A Special Cure for Exam Panic

SEASONAL CARE

Examinations! Whoops! Did I just mention a term that you were not prepared
to read? With just less than two weeks before the exams, ‘exam fever’ will
be the new virus. The Library and the Multi-functional Halls in the Student Residence will soon become the new "hangout spots".

Here are some tips to help you to study effectively:
1. Mind-maps: They are an effective and time-saving tool for brainstorming. You start with one topic and make a list of all the important terms in that topic. Do not forget to connect them in a “network”. Yes, it is the easiest way of generating and retaining ideas. Better than reading loads of pages in a jiffy!

2. Diagrams: This is an effective way to memorize correlated processes by drawing flowcharts to represent each step. Something similar to the ‘water cycle’ that you studied in the primary school! Trust me. It works!

3. Mnemonics: You can construct little rhymes (go back to your kindergarten times!) or associate terms with a special object in your memory. For instance, “OIL-RIG,” meaning Oxidation Is Loss, Reduction Is Gain (of electrons), is a popular chemistry mnemonic, according to thinkquest.org. Go there for more or make up a few yourselves.

4. Skim through: Don’t have enough time? Skim through the notes. Chances are that you’ll remember the stuff you ought to. This is a last minute, night-before-theexam aid or a way to recollect and retain what the “early starters” have learnt!

5. Take a shower: Tired of reading? Nothing breaks this monotony like a cool shower! Go and take a shower if you want to! Let the flowing water take away all the stress ;)