Mathematics is one of the most important core subjects of high school board exams. While it’s dreaded by about 60% of high schoolers, it’s considered one of the most scoring subjects as well. Since Math is a core subject, it has concepts and theories along with a plethora of formulas and assumptions. To become comfortable with math, you need to become well-versed with its concepts and formulas. Simply mugging up the formulas, however, is not enough. Conceptual understanding of the application of those formulas and the logical steps needed to approach a problem is crucial. This is the reason that most students find math so daunting and tough. However, with command over the concepts and theories and extensive practice, any student can do well in the subject.
The pandemic gave the students extra time to strengthen their concepts, and this has helped them prepare in a better way. However, with schools closed and classes being held online in the comfort of home, students are having a tough time devising the perfect strategy for combat against math exams. Scoring good marks in Math is instrumental to getting a high overall score in the board exam. This article lays down what the students should do and not do while preparing for their board mathematics exam.
· Always focus on one key textbook instead of referring to multiple sources. Focusing on one textbook help develop clear logic and concept in one direction and students can apply that for a variety of problems. Referring to different textbooks could mix up the concepts or way of approach to problems as different authors use different kinds of approaches. Having a clear single direction works best. For instance: RS Aggarwal for class 10th is considered one of the best books for board exam preparation. You can go for it. It has gained its reputation of being a prominent choice for class 10th math preparation because of its crystal-clear concepts and excellent question bank. It also strictly adheres to the CBSE curriculum and is in accordance with the NCERT syllabus. The wide range of problems mentioned in this book is its USP. It contains problems ranging from easy level to higher-order highly conceptual and logical problems. In case, students face problems with any of the questions, they may refer to the RS Aggarwal Solutions book for class 10th for the correct explanation and easy approach.
· Don’t just mug up the formulas without understanding the logic behind them. Always aim for the concept rather than the results. Learning the application of the formulas, the assumptions, and the logical steps involved, together can only yield intended results.
· Formulate the perfect study plan for yourself. You understand yourself the best. Make a study schedule based upon the knowledge of important topics, their difficulty level, and their weightage. Allot proper time to each topic along with practice and test schedules simultaneously. This will help in utilizing the available time effectively and wrapping up the syllabus in time. Stick to this schedule and avoid making frequent changes to it.
· Regular Revision and constant practice are the keys to good marks. Revise the concepts daily so that your brain absorbs them. Concepts are crucial to solving complex problems. Also practising a variety of questions from a single topic and practising questions more often automatically feeds the formulas needed in your mind and there isn’t the need to especially sit and memorize them. Devote at least 2-4 hours to the subject if you aim for 85+ and math is not your strong suit. For instance, after studying the polynomial topic, solve Polynomials Ex 2A RS Aggarwal Solutions for practice and revision.
· Maintain a separate notebook for formulas. Class 10th maths syllabus is huge and so is the list of formulas needed to cover the entire syllabus. To remember them, it’s best to maintain a separate list of important formulas with short notes on their application and assumptions. This helps to catch a glance at them whenever needed. This would also come in handy in case you are stuck while solving a problem and need a reference. This saves a lot of time.
· Develop the habit of timing yourself. Set a time limit while solving questions, but most importantly while giving mock tests and solving sample or previous year papers. This will help to check your calculation speed and gauge yourself. Ultimately, it will help in enhancing your skill-set and speed. This habit will also help you simulate the test conditions at home when time is limited and pressure is huge.
· Try to attempt at least one sample paper or previous year paper or a mock test every week. This will help you to keep a track of the progress you make. Also, you will be able to recognize the gray areas where you need to improve upon. This is very important. Giving mock tests is useless until you decide to work on your weaknesses. You will know which chapters you need to invest time in and which chapters you are confident about.
· Analyze the syllabus properly. Download the detailed syllabus of class 10th mathematics and prepare a guide on the important chapters. Divide the chapters according to their difficulty level and weightage in the board exams. Prepare your study schedule accordingly. Devote more time to building the concepts of more complex topics and practising them. This analysis helps to devise the perfect study schedule for preparation which is crucial to success.
· Avoid stressing over irrelevant topics and sticking to the important part of the syllabus that will fetch the bulk of marks. Be mindful of the recent changes to the syllabus, paper pattern, and important topics that might have changed during recent times.
· Avoid solving decades-old sample papers and previous year papers. The pattern and type of questions asked have changed significantly over the year and solving them will be a waste of time.
· Try connecting mathematics and its problems to real-life situations. This will not only make math fun but also help in grasping the concepts faster. The application-based study is much more efficient than theoretical study and it helps to see mathematics from an entirely different perspective.