Indore: When it comes to taking English language examination for Class XII board, speed is the most important aspect to score well. With examination approaching soon, it is important to know tips that can help you pump up your percentage. English is a subject that tests communication, understanding, vocabulary and creative skills, according to subject expert Rachna Jain who shared following tips with Free Press.
Utilising reading time
Being a lengthy paper, the biggest problem faced by students is inability to complete it. In order to manage time, it is important to practise sample papers. Students should never read complete paper in the given 15 minutes of reading. It results in panic and anxiety. Start by reading questions of comprehension and then continue reading the passage in the allotted reading time. Reading the questions first will give you gist and help you comprehend the passage quickly.
New changes in the exam
Passage has been reduced from 2 to 1, which makes one passage worth 20 marks. Number of marks allotted to note making has been increased from 8 to 10. Formatting changes in questions. From this year on, there are many choices in question. This is likely to confuse students.
The increased number of choices can affect decision making power of students and consume time. In order to handle this, students must pick a choice and stick to it without having second thoughts. Do not change your choice and kill your time. Practising at least two sample papers will help you prepare well.
Strategy for solving paper
Attempt section A first since you have saved reading time. Give only 30 minutes. Passage summary should be lengthier as marks allotted to the summary have been increased to 5 from 3. Move to note making and remember to practise and following indentation. Be specific in note making.
Next, students should attempt literature section. Follow word limits and give 2 value points in 3 mark question, and 4 value points in 6 mark questions. To get value points, prepare synopsis of chapter. Do not depend on summary of chapter as summary does not contain key point. A day before annual paper, read only synopsis as it helps in points and vocabulary.
Give an hour to literature section.
For novel, students should prepare characters, incidents and plot. Students often ignore minor characters but it costs them dear in exams. Attempt this section in 30 minutes. Attempt writing section last. Standard formats prescribed by CBSE must be followed. Attempt 10 marks question first, i.e. debate, speech, article or report.
Then go to 6 mark and 4 mark questions. This section requires creativity and thought. Students can do well if they have built knowledge by reading newspaper and books. Paragraphing is must. Be neat as presentation counts. Write points somewhere before beginning the write-up and carry only one point in each paragraph. Learning quotes from famous authors and adding them will fetch extra marks.
