Majority of the students consider board exams as the stressful phase. Despite the strict study sessions and the hard work, we somehow end up making small and common mistakes in board exam without even realizing. Most of us perceive language, theories, historical dates, and the grammar as the grade stealer. But, how about maths? Most of the students find maths a tricky subject. The aversion towards the subjects makes us feel clueless as we start practicing maths and it’s clear that the possibility of committing common mistakes in maths exam gets higher.
But, don’t you worry. There is hope. Even the greatest things that equate perfection is the result of consistent practice. Not just in regards to maths, its the same with any skill that an individual seeks to master. So, appearing for the boards this year? Check out the most common mistakes made in maths exams, pointed out by the board examiner that prevents the students from scoring full marks.
1. Not completely understanding the method before using it
Practice is the key to perfection only if the method is correct. Usually, most of us think that we’re clear about the theory that has been explained in the class. But, once we jump into the exercises sections or solving questions that involve the calculus and its applications, we end up feeling totally blank or end up being totally mistaken about a thing when it actually involves entire different meaning. So, before applying any calculus methods and theories, be sure to understand it clearly and thoroughly.
2. Studying and Cramming instead of practicing regularly
Maths is not a subject that can be mastered by cramming the formulas. It is a subject that requires sincere and regular practice. Despite the fact, most of the students tend to ignore maths and postpone the practice for the last minute and eventually end up regretting. Always remember, a few days is not enough for boards. So, practice the covered topics and never wait for the 11th hour.
3. Practicing the previous year questions just before the boards
Previous year questions are the important tools that provide you with a vivid insight into the pattern of the question and the distribution of the marks to the variety of questions given. Most of us neglect the importance of previous year questions and keep it untouched. However, regularly practicing the previous year questions from the beginning will help you master the practical application of the theories that you once find difficult and tricky.
4. Depending only and completely on the school textbook questions
Finishing every single question from the exercise book sounds a big deal.
But sticking to the textbooks alone is not enough when it comes to boards. The school books will not render exposure to the variety of questions and methods that the other books provide. During the boards, it is more obvious that a similar question is asked in a tricky manner. Thus, expose yourself to various questions and do not hesitate to solve the questions from the different textbooks.
5. Not examining previous school-based test papers
The test conducted in your class plays a major part in boosting your performance, enhances your practice, and determines in boosting your final grades. It also brings you a chance to review your performance, the common mistakes in maths exam that you’re likely to make, and gives you a chance to learn from your mistakes. So, it will be beneficial to recheck the questions that you’ve gotten wrong in the class tests and be extra careful from making the same mistake.
6. Regarding calculator as an efficient means
When it comes to calculation, calculators are life-savers not just in everyday life but on boards as well. However, you need to punch the correct formulas to get the accurate answer. Whether they allow you to bring your calculator in the exam hall or not, make sure you to double-check the answer sheet in the end. However, some of us skip this process and end up making this little and common exam mistakes that steal the grades.
7. Using the wrong units
Well, this is a potential stumbling block. Majority of the students do not pay attention to the large difference between the units. Units can be a real trouble for many while solving the maths problems. Many students do not consider paying attention to it at all, resulting in the grades deduction. Thus, you need to be very alert with the units given in the questions, mostly when you’re asked to convert centimeters to meters or vice-versa.
8. Relying on the mental Calculations
It’s fine to skip the steps when it’s about addition or subtraction. However, many students make common exam mistakes by skipping a few steps in problem-solving in by doing mental calculations in order to save time. You may trust in your calculating abilities, but however, all the mental calculations are not always correct. This will lead to the wrong answer even when the methods and the steps are correct. So, this is one of the most common mistakes made in Maths exams that you need to avoid.
9. Unable to manage the time
Yes, it’s board exams and all the students are under the pressure to attempt all the questions under the allotted time without overlooking the accuracy. Thus students should focus on time management and should be mentally aware of not spending too much time on a single problem. However, some of us fail to manage the given time and end up with less amount of time for the questions that are easy.
10. Untidy answer sheet
Writing correct answer is one thing and keeping the answer sheet neat is another thing. Mathematics requires lots of rough works and calculations. So, to avoid having a messy answer sheet, you can to do the rough work on the separate loose sheet that will be provided to you in the beginning. If not provided, then you can draw a margin on either side of the paper to do the rough work calculations.
Apart from the mentioned above most common mistakes made in Maths exams, there are other things that hamper the performance of the students on the boards. Such as laziness, aversion for the subject, unclear concepts of the basics, etc.
Watch: How to beat Maths fear and score FULL marks in Board Exam! (Part 1)
However, the truth is that board examinations are not pressures inflicted upon you, its rather a most interesting way of learning. Despite all the fears and thrills the board exam brings, it is designed to enhance your learning and for your intellectual growth.
We wish you all the best for your exams!
Watch: How to beat Maths fear and score FULL marks in Board Exam! (Part 2)
Also Read: How to Overcome Maths fear and score good
