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TIPS OF PASSING A SCIENCE EXAM
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Mugyenyi Edison
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TIPS OF PASSING A SCIENCE EXAM
In life, people who fear to undergo testing will never move from one level to
another. Tests come to promote you not to fail you!
Advice from those who’ve been there!
Exam season is an important, yet stressful time of year for pupils. We know the
key to doing well is to study hard right from the day you start school, but many of
us are not very good at it. At this time when you are remaining with a few days to
do PLE, you just need an effective study plan that will work for you.
The following are some of the science study tips from researchers and scientists
that will tell you how to pass science exam with flying colours.
Preparation for a science exam
 Draw up a realistic timetable. The teachers will provide the
time table for UNEB exams, study it properly, make your
own timetable with short and frequent reading sessions.
Look at it every morning so as to remind yourself of what
you are supposed to have and read on a particular day. Set a
target as you read especially past papers: “I will revise this
subject for 45 minutes”.
 Don’t give attention to people who divert you from reading
saying they know what is coming. Many times, learners
emerge devastated because they listened to rumours about
what was coming up. The truth is anything can come up. PLE
papers are designed to be unpredictable.
 Try
teaching
someone.”
Content
shared
is
content
mastered” One of the best ways to test yourself on what
you’ve studied is to try and teach the topic to someone.
Explain to them your reasoning for why you have answered a
Edison Mugyenyi@2022 | Science Examination Tips one should not miss
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certain question in a certain way. Pupils who teach what
they’ve learned show better knowledge retention than those
who simply re-read their study notes. Teaching a topic to
someone else is a good way of testing how much you truly
know and will help you discover gaps in your knowledge. This
will point to areas you need to go over again before taking an
exam.
 You also need to link up your ideas such that you can able to
understand them very well. To clearly link up your ideas in
science, one can use a revision technique known as concept
map. This helps you to revise a huge topic with in the
shortest time
A concept map looks like the one below.
 Practice on old exams- One of the most effective ways to
prepare for exams is to practice with an old version of
previous exams. Also, an old test will help you see the format
and formulation of the questions and it will be good for you
to know what to expect but also as a worthy practice for
measuring the time you need for the actual exam.
 Organize science study groups with friends. Study groups
can help you get the answers you need and finish tasks
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faster. Just make sure the group is focused on the
subject and they are not easily distracted.
 You should not eat unhealthy food while you are in
examination period. Keep your body and brain fit by
choosing natural, fresh and vitamins rich food that is good
for you and would improve your concentration and memory.
 Drink plenty of water. While preparing for science exam and
even during an exam, it is advisable to drink water.
Remaining hydrated is vital and adds to your overall positive
mood.
 Prioritize weak areas or topics in science revision - Aim
to revise everything but devote more time to things you
don't understand or know less well. It sounds obvious, but
it's surprisingly hard to do. Why? Because we like doing easy
things so our tendency, when we revise, is to concentrate on
the things we already know.
 Use memory aids (mnemonics). It can be quite hard to
remember all the things you need to know in an exam, so use
memory aids if you need to. A mnemonic, also known as a
memory aid, is a phrase or word that helps you remember an
idea or order of things. Mnemonics allow us to use more
memorable phrases that tie the concepts we want to
memorize to our minds. They allow us to quickly and
successfully learn, and remember key concepts in science. So
if you’re struggling to remember something, consider making
yourself a mnemonic like the ones below.
To remember the characteristics of living things:
You
can
Edison Mugyenyi@2022 | Science Examination Tips one should not miss
use
3
MRS.GREN: Movement; Respiration; Sensation;
Growth; Reproduction; Excretion; Nutrition
To remember the Order of planets from the Sun:
Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Ura
nus, Neptune, Pluto
My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Nine Pi
neapples
 Ask the teacher- As far as you're concerned, teachers
probably have a single function: to help you pass your exams
and move on to the next stage of your education. Teachers
themselves see things a little differently; don't forget that
they have to get hundreds of pupils through exams each
year. So take advantage of that help and you'll never regret
it. Ask for help whenever you need it: that's what teachers
are there for.
 Be honest with yourself- What are you good at and what
are you bad at? Ask your teachers to spend a little time
with you helping you to understand where you need to focus
your efforts.
 Take regular breaks and exercise. Regular breaks are
needed for the brain to regain its focus. Don’t study any
later than 10pm, and if you can find the energy, go for a
walk. It releases endorphins in your brain that make you feel
good about yourself, and it clears your head after hours of
studying.
 During your revision, write the topics which are still a challenge and seek for
teacher’s guidance.
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 Check your diagram work. All science diagrams must be done using pencils. The
labeling should be done using a line not arrow. Look at the example below
 When answering science questions, take time to read and interpret the
questions well. Sometimes science questions are tricky. Read and comprehend
not over sight reading. Sometimes we give answers that may look to be correct
yet scientifically wrong.
Take an example of the following questions in science
1. Give
two
Incorrect
causes
answers:
Vomiting,
of
Sweating,
dehydration.
Diarrhoea
Correct Answers: Prolonged Diarrhoea, Excessive Vomiting and excessive
sweating
COMMENTS
The first answers are incomplete in that they do not show the degree of the condition
that can lead to dehydration. One becomes dehydrated when he/she has prolonged or
severe diarrhoea Vomits excessively and sweats excessively
2. How
Incorrect
is
malaria
spread?
answers; By mosquitoes, By female anopheles mosquitoes.
Correct answer: Malaria is spread when an infected female anopheles
mosquito bites a person
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COMMENTS
The question requires one to state the mode of movement/ transmission of the germs.
NOTE: Be extra careful when answering the HOW questions
3. What vector spreads the germ that causes malaria?
Incorrect answers. Mosquito
Correct answer. Infected female anopheles mosquito spreads the germ that
causes malaria.
COMMENTS
The question requires one to specify the type of mosquito that spreads the germ that
causes malaria because not all mosquitoes spread malaria germ
4. Why
are
Incorrect
vitamins
important
answer:
To
in
one’s
diet?
prevent
disease:
Correct answers: Vitamins are important in one’s diet because they make
the body healthy and protected from diseases
COMMENTS
Vitamins do not prevent diseases neither do they cure diseases BUT they make the
body healthy and resistant from diseases.
5. Why
are
we
Incorrect
advised
answer:
to
To
brush
our
prevent
teeth
regularly?
tooth
decay.
Correct answer: We are advised to brush our teeth regularly to remove the
remaining food particles which may attract the bacteria that causes tooth
decay
COMMENTS
Brushing only does not prevent tooth decay but removes the remaining food particles
that attract the bacteria that cause tooth decay.
6. State
the
Incorrect
type
of
chicken
kept
for
special
purposes?
answers: indigenous, local, Rhode Island, exotic, Sussex.
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Correct answers: The two types of chicken kept for special purposes are
Broilers and layers
COMMENTS
Type of chicken implies the purpose. Then breed of chicken implies the clan e.g. Rhode
Island, black leghorn
7. Mention two types of poultry kept at home
Incorrect
answers:
Broilers,
layers
Broilers
and
dual
purpose.
Correct answers: Hens, turkeys, Geese, Ducks etc.
COMMENTS
Type of poultry implies the examples of poultry or domestic birds kept at home.
Broilers, layers are types of chicken not poultry
8. Mention
the
Incorrect
materials
plants
answers:
use
to
make
Sunlight,
starch.
Chlorophyll.
Correct answers: Plants use water and Carbon dioxide to make starch
COMMENTS
Materials are matter and therefore have molecules. Chlorophyll and sunlight do not
have molecules. Raw materials are those processed to make starch.
9. Why
are
telephone
wires
left
loose
between
poles?
Incorrect answer: To allow contraction, To allow contraction and expansion.
Correct answer: Telephone wires are left loose between poles to leave
space for contraction on cold days
COMMENTS
Contraction will take place even when not allowed and therefore wires are left loose or
sagging to allow them contract freely without breaking
10. How
Incorrect
are
sweets
answer:
dangerous
Sweets
to
cause
our
teeth?
tooth
decay.
Correct answer: Sweets are dangerous to our teeth because remains of
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sweet particles attract bacteria which causes tooth decay (dental caries or
cavities)
COMMENTS
Sweets alone do not cause tooth decay without bacteria. Remember it is bacteria
which has been attracted by the remains of sweet particles that will cause tooth decay
11. Give one modern way of preserving meat in Uganda today.
Incorrect
answer.
Freezing.
Correct answers: Refrigeration/ Dehydration, in the oven, Tinning and
Canning
COMMENTS
Freezing is a change of state of matter where by liquids changes into solids BUT
remember meat is already a solid.
12. Name the type of change that takes place when water changes into vapour.
Incorrect
answer:
Evaporation.
Correct answer: The type of change which will take place when water
changes in to vapour is physical change
COMMENTS
One should note that there are two types of changes that take place in water that is
Physical change and chemical changes
13. Name the change that takes place when water changes into vapour.
Incorrect
answer:
Physical
change.
Correct answer: The change which takes place when water changes into
vapour is evaporation
COMMENTS
The above question just requires one to name the process not the type of change. It is
always a tricky question and requires one to be careful when attempting it
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14. How
does
heat
Incorrect
move
answer.
through
By
gases?
radiation.
Correct answer: Heat moves through gases by convection.
COMMENTS
The first answer is not correct because gas is matter and movement of heat involves
movement of heated molecules which is only done by convection or conduction
15. Why
do
Incorrect
we
wash
answer:
To
our
avoid
hands
germs,
before
To
eating
avoid
food?
diseases.
Correct answers: We wash our hands before and after eating food to wash
off or to remove germs
COMMENTS
Note that germs cannot be avoided but we remove them or wash them away. The first
answer is vague
The day before the exam
 Plan the day of your exams- Check all the rules and
requirements for the exam by UNEB. Plan your route and
the time it may take you to reach the examination sitting
Centre. Then add on some extra time. You should not
arrive late and deal with even more anxiety.
 Avoid dangerous play/games. You have to be cautious to
avoid accidents. Keep calm avoid unruly behaviors at
home and school.
 The day before the test is essential to rest, allowing the
body to sleep for at least eight hours. In this simple way
you will get the body to store energy, which will allow you
to concentrate and to be able with the mental effort
that involves any examination.
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On the day for the exam
 Once you have gotten up, bathe and eat breakfast, you
can review the notes if you think necessary, although it is
very important that before the test begins, leave all the
books aside and concentrate, doing some meditation
exercises, breathing deeply and thinking that you are
prepared.
 Remember to reach the examination centre on time.
Prepare yourself by visiting the toilets to ease yourself.
 Beat your test anxiety. the day before the exam, you
probably will be feeling sick and anxious, relax you are
not the only one who has a fear of the exam. Many get
into the examination room with it but in less than 10m it’s
no more. Be confident about your performance and don’t
worry. The questions supply you with ways to get calm
enough and to write the correct answers.
 Try to eat light foods not heavy meals before the exam.
This makes sure that your most oxygen-rich blood goes
straight to your brain and not your digestive system.
 Dress smartly in your uniform. Also, make sure you have
all the pencils, pens, and erasers you will need so you
won’t feel nervous over their absence.
Entering and during examination
 Remember to maintain the SOPS to avoid COVID-19.
Enter the examination room with prepared tools.ie pens,
pencils, eraser and ruler. your pen must be functioning
not just being new. A new pen may fail to write so
prepare it by using it. Prepare at least three pens.
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 In the first place pray to the mighty for guidance
through the task you are facing. This gives you courage
after knowing that God has answered your prayers.
 When the invigilator or supervisor gives you the papers,
takes a minute or two to read the instructions. Never try
to save time by skipping the instructions, as they
sometimes contain hints. Besides, not reading the task
instructions can lead to you wasting your time what if the
instructions say “answer one of the following questions”
and you waste your time by answering all of them?
 Take less than 3m to scan the whole paper first to get an
idea of what is in the paper and making sure that no
error with the paper pages. As you may also find that the
answers to some questions are actually given within other
questions. As you’re scanning, try to figure out which
parts will take the most or least time, and organize your
time accordingly.
 Know the time involved: time the science paper takes two
hours and 15 minutes. Plan your time well. At least 80 per
cent of your time will be spent on answering and 20
percent cross checking
 As you begin to write, don’t be afraid to take a pause if
you need to just close your eyes and relax with some
breathing exercises.
 Remember that there are two main ways you can
approach your exam: either by completing your test
section by section or by giving answers to the questions
you know first and then coming back to the ones you are
not certain of. By tackling your test in the second way,
you will have more time to recall necessary information.
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Always review your answers before you the end of the
exam time to make sure you haven’t forgotten any
skipped questions. However, while looking through your
work, don’t second-guess yourself too much correct the
answer only if the mistake is obvious.
 Write in a readable handwriting using a blue pen, avoid
unnecessary crossing of the work. Remember bad
handwriting will lead to lose of marks so make sure you
write to the best of your ability.
 Don’t let yourself be distracted by other pupils who seem
to be writing non-stop. Concentrate on your own tasks
instead, focusing only on how to pass your examination.
Do
not
prolong
your
neck
to
copy
as
this
is
malpractice and will lead to punishment
 Don’t get worried if you do not understand a question at
first. Normally some science questions are very tricky.
Read the question as many times as necessary (at least
3times) until you identify what it requires you to write.
 Carefully choose the correct science words when
answering science questions, At times some words are
pronounced in the same way; meat and meet watch out
for such homophones.
 Read and identify the key word(s) in the question. For
example, if the question says why do people boil water.
The key word is boil. Answer should be; To kill germs.
Base your answers to the key words. Make sure the
answer relates to the question statement.
 Never provide two answers when only one is required,
once one is wrong then you lose it all. Give local and
strong answers. Follow instructions very well
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What to do after the science exam
 This might not sound important, but it is. Why? Because
what you do after an exam will influence what you do in
future exams. At this point it is important to normalize
your mind to its original state
 Once you leave the exam, don’t talk about the exam or
focus on what you did wrong or what score you think you
will get with other people. This will only increase your
anxiety if you think that you did something wrong. It can
also kill your confidence as well as the confidence of your
friends. Remember that the exam is over, you cannot do
anything about it anymore, and no otherr pupils know how
the marking will be done
 Relax and don’t worry after because worrying will not
change your grade, but it can negatively affect your next
one. Instead, put your focus right away on the next
exam.
 Once the exam is finished, leave the classroom and do
not start like crazy to check the answers, since, besides
that will not be useful, it will create in you a feeling of
pessimism, nervousness and stress.
 Don’t be critical of yourself “If you could have prepared
better, or could have performed better during the exam,
resolve to do so for the next paper and move on.
Negative self-talk can sabotage your future efforts. Be
honest with yourself and aim to do better next time.
 After the paper reward yourself by doing something
simple that you enjoy. This could mean meeting up with
friends. Do something that allows your brain and body to
operate outside of the exam-zone for an hour or two, so
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that you can switch off and recharge. Then tackle your
next subject with renewed vigour and determination.
 Lastly “As you leave the exam room, after the last paper,
let whatever happened in there go. What’s done is done,
and you can’t change anything anymore. So release any
residual anxiety and emotional tension, which will allow
you to focus optimally on the challenges that lie ahead.
 Always make good friends that will enrich you and add
value to your life and always yarn for the right things.
Wishing you the best in your academic journey to become the best scientist!
Edison Mugyenyi
Contact: +256772052482. Email: edsonmugyenyi@gmail.com
Edison Mugyenyi@2022 | Science Examination Tips one should not miss
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