How To Cram for an Exam

Cramming - some say it is an 'inevitable' part of student life. Or at least, part of a government-servants-who-still- have-to-take-PTK-exams life. Heh.

Yeah, so it is not the ideal style of study, but I believe there are many of us who cram, and who like me, wait until the very last minute to submit our assignments (Hubby used to nag me on this - if the paper was due at 12.00 noon, chances were I would be writing my conclusion at around 11.30 a.m. Yes, I'm a self-confessed procrastinator).

So, how to cram for an exam?

1. Compose yourself. Relax, take several deep breaths to clear the mind.
2. Recite "bismillah" and any 'doa penerang hati'. Remember the one we used to read before the Ustaz/Ustazah begin teaching 'Agama', that goes - "Allahummaftah 'alaina hikmataka wanshur 'alaina min khoza inirohmatika ya arhamarrahimin"...
3. Cover the most difficult information first.
4. Review the main points, general ideas and broad, sweeping concepts - this help understanding the more detailed points
5. Read different materials at different speed. Skim lecture notes (your own or borrowed ones); speed-read less important items, deliberate on critical and difficult works.
6. Take breaks to solat, eat, stretch, relax or exercise. As a general rule, one should take a break for 10 minutes out of every hour.
7. Jot down quick notes, questions or thoughts -it helps improve retention of important points.
8. Nourish yourself - go easy on caffeine and sugar, eat good meals with a balanced ratio of carbohydrates to proteins plus plenty of fruits, vegetables and water.
9. Avoid staying up all night. But if it cannot be avoided, I've been told that repetitious reading of surah Al-Lahab might help to keep one stay awake all night long.

* Adapted from "Cram for an Exam", chapter 9 in Collins eHow "How to do just about everything in the Office", 2004