✍️ How I Stay Focused While Writing My Exams
At times, our minds wander or panic when we see tough questions. Over the years, I have learned some simple but powerful ways to stay calm, clear, and focused during my exams. In this post, I will share the strategies that work for me, hoping they might help others too.
🔹 1. Starting with Prayer and Positive Mindset
Before I enter the exam hall, I say a short dua/prayer. This clears my heart, reduces anxiety, and reminds me that success is from Allah. Entering with a positive mindset helps me believe “I can do this.”
🔹 2. Carefully Reading Instructions
When the paper is given to me, I take a few minutes to read the instructions. Many students rush, but I realized that understanding the instructions saves time and prevents costly mistakes.
🔹 3. Answering Easy Questions First
I don’t waste time on the hardest questions at the beginning. I start with the ones I know very well. This builds my confidence and secures marks quickly. Later, I return to the difficult ones with a calmer mind.
🔹 4. Time Management
I divide my time according to the number of questions. For example, if I have 2 hours for 5 questions, I try to spend about 20–25 minutes on each. I also keep 5–10 minutes at the end for checking my answers.
🔹 5. Staying Calm During Challenges
Sometimes a question looks strange or hard. Instead of panicking, I take a deep breath, underline key words in the question, and break it down. This simple step often helps me realize the question is not as hard as it looks.
🔹 6. Neat Presentation
I write clearly and organize my answers with headings or bullet points where possible. A neat script helps the examiner follow my points easily, which may earn me better marks.
🔹 7. Revision Before Submitting
The last thing I do is to quickly revise my answers. Checking again helps me correct spelling mistakes, add missing points, or fix small errors.
✨ In summary, staying focused during exams is about preparing your mind, managing your time, and remaining calm under pressure. These habits have helped me a lot, and I continue to improve them every exam season.