Striving for success without hard work is like trying to harvest where you haven’t planted. David Bly.
It has been said that examination is not the true test of a person’s ability. In as much as that may be true, examination is the true test of a person’s preparation. Examinations may not be a true test of ability because of some factors that may hinder effective preparations. The followings are some of the factors that can hinder effective preparations for examinations.
- Illness. Illness is the absence of wellness. This is when a person is not well. Some students become ill just before or during examination period. This affects their preparations and performances in the examination. This may be due to stress, tension or personal heath challenges which were not anticipated. That candidate consequently will not be able to perform according to his/her real ability. The person may even fail the examination. As a result of illness, excellent students may end up with a performance bellow his ability. You need to take care of your health before, during and after the examination period.
- Poverty. Poverty is a situation where you lack resources to finance your desires and dreams. This lack prevents a student from concentration and preparations for the examination. Lack of money for text books, food and other items that could hinder student’s performances. Position yourself for resources before the examination comes up. You may need to let your parents, guardian or sponsor know your needs ahead of time. You can offer to render some services that will motivate your parents and people to assist you. A man decided to be the best in school to qualify for scholarship consistently.
- Cramming. A student can pass an examination by cramming into the brain relevant study materials.However, if a line is forgotten of all that the student crammed, the student may feel lost and not be able to put anything down in the examination. This makes cramming for examination a dangerous exercise for any serious student. Students are encouraged to study long before the examination. They should read and understand the study material. When the materials are well understood there will be no need for cramming. In case any cramming is done and a line is forgotten, the student can then rely on his understanding. Cramming could put a student in a difficult situation if the examiners discover very close similarities in the scripts of students at a center. This could be considered a case of examination malpractices or cheating.
Cheating. A student can copy another person’s work in the examination. Or materials could be sneaked into the examination hall. This practice is cheating. It is highly condemned. If a person passes exam by cheating, that exam is not a true reflection of the ability of the student. Cheating is criminal. Do not be involved. Attend classes, take notes and understand your lessons. Then you will have no reason to cheat. Be honest. Honesty is still the best policy.
- 'Miracle Center'. Examinations center that majors on and known for examination malpractice is known as ‘miracle center’. Usually it is a private school or a public school located in remote places that are not readily accessible to examination officials and security agents like the police. This is responsible for indiscipline in schools since students are sure that they would get assistance to pass exams. These centers can destroy your future. Your result could be cancelled; hence your future could be put on hold. Run from miracle centers. Be a miracle worker by studying hard to pass your exams.
- Teachers Exam Assistance. Some mercenary teachers and professional ‘helpers’ assist students during the examination. This is usually arranged by the school authorities ahead of the examination. The candidates are encouraged or forced to make contributions for the purpose of paying the persons that will assist the candidates during examination. This is nothing but examination malpractice, don’t be involved. Your future is great. Prepare for it.
