.

Preparing for the HSC Board Exam – Some Tips

For each chapter, do this:

• Prepare a list of definitions, laws, formulae, derivations, etc.
• Prepare a list of diagrams. Draw all diagrams with a properly sharpened pencil and use a scale for drawing all lines
• For every definition, remember the corresponding formula also. If you have to write a definition, write its corresponding formula as well. Often, when you write a formula, you are able to recollect the definition
• Learn the laws and definitions – don’t change the wording as that may change the meaning
• Physics use the language of mathematics to express very complex ideas. Use formulae to explain your point. Avoid flowery language
• Learn all formula with what each symbol stands for.
• Learn the units and dimensions of all physical quantities.
• When reading from your textbook, use a pencil and make notes in the margin – use left-side margin for even numbered pages and right-side margin for odd numbered pages
• Wherever a definition is given in textbook, write DEFN in the margin. Similarly, wherever a law is given in the textbook, write LAW in the margin. This will help you to locate the definition and law easily.
• Highlight important words, phrases and sentences in each chapter.
• Practise all derivations regularly, along with diagrams. Remember the starting point of every derivation. Every derivation must also have a diagram
• Write your descriptive answers in points like (i), (ii), (iii), etc. That way you are unlikely to miss out any important point
• Practise all numerical questions. When answering numerical questions, you must give the formula that you will use, list of given quantities (with units) and list of unknown quantities. Before you substitute the values, check that they are all in same system of units (CGS / SI).
• Don’t omit numerical questions; you are not likely to get good marks if you don’t attempt numerical questions. Some numerical questions are very easy and may just involve a simple substitution and calculation
• All numerical questions must contain the answer with proper units
• Answer to the point. Anything not relevant to the question does not carry marks and you may be robbing another question of its time!
• Don’t spend too much time on any one question.
• Practise all circuit diagrams and pay attention to directions of currents and p.d. polarity
• Solve atleast 5 years question papers and sample papers; that will give you enough confidence
• Carry enough pens and pencils along with a scale and eraser; don’t borrow in exam as it will waste your and other person’s time
• Follow all instructions given in your question paper or any announcements made by the supervisor during the exam
• Write your paper neatly in a legible handwriting; if you don’t take care to write your paper neatly, don’t expect the examiner to go out of the way to understand what you have written