Exam Time

It's Rahul's first exam season. He studies hard, sits for his tests, and later receives his report card.

Meanings in Rahul, Teacher, Anita (mother), Vikram (father)

Key words and phrases

exama formal test of knowledgeThe final exam is next Monday.

syllabusthe list of topics to be studiedPlease cover the whole syllabus before the exam.

reviseto study something again before a testI need to revise chapter three tonight.

markspoints given for correct answersShe scored full marks in maths.

passto succeed in an examHe worked hard and passed the exam.

failto not succeed in an examDon't worry if you fail once; try again.

report carda document showing a student's marksThe report card comes out next week.

resultthe outcome of an examThe result will be announced on Friday.

gradea letter or number showing performanceHe got an A grade this term.

nervousfeeling worried before something importantRahul felt nervous before his first exam.

admit cardan official document allowing a student to sit for an examDon't forget to bring your admit card to the exam hall.

invigilatora person who supervises students during an examThe invigilator walked around checking the hall.

answer sheetthe paper on which a student writes exam answersWrite your name clearly on the answer sheet.

question paperthe printed sheet containing exam questionsThe question paper had five sections.

cheatingacting dishonestly to gain an unfair advantage in an examCheating in exams can lead to serious punishment.

time managementthe skill of using available time wisely during an examGood time management helped him finish on time.

supplementary exama retake exam offered to students who failHe will take the supplementary exam next month.

study leavedays off from regular classes given to prepare for examsThe school announced a week of study leave.

distinctiona very high level of marks awarded for excellent performanceShe passed with distinction in science.

stressmental or emotional strain caused by pressureHe learned to manage his stress before exams.

Useful sentences

Ask When is the maths exam?
Answer The maths exam is on Thursday.
Ask Have you finished revising the syllabus?
Answer Not yet, I still have two chapters left.
Ask How many marks did you get?
Answer I got eighty-five out of one hundred.
Ask When will the report card be given?
Answer The report card will be given next Monday.
Ask Are you nervous about the result?
Answer Yes, a little, but I studied well.
Ask Did you bring your admit card?
Answer Yes, it's in my bag along with a pen.
Ask How many sections were in the question paper?
Answer There were five sections in total.
Ask Did you manage your time well during the exam?
Answer Yes, I finished with ten minutes to spare.
Ask Why did the invigilator stop near your desk?
Answer He was just checking everyone's answer sheet.
Ask Were you stressed before the exam started?
Answer A little, but deep breathing helped me relax.

Dialogue

TeacherRahul, your exams start next week. Are you ready?

RahulI think so, but I still need to revise maths.

TeacherMake a timetable and revise a little every day.

RahulOkay, I'll finish the syllabus by Sunday.

AnitaHow did your exam go today, Rahul?

RahulI think I did well, Mummy. I'm waiting for the result.

VikramRahul, did you remember to carry your admit card today?

RahulYes, Papa, it's safely in my bag with my pens.

AnitaGood. Just focus on time management and don't rush.

RahulI will, Mummy. I've practiced enough to stay calm and avoid stress.

Common mistakes

Saying "I am good in maths" instead of "I am good at maths."
Saying "My marks are less" instead of "I scored low marks" or "My marks are low."
Saying "I gave the exam" instead of "I took the exam" or "I sat for the exam."
Saying "I forgot my admit card at home" instead of "I left my admit card at home" (use "leave," not "forget," for objects left behind).
Saying "Someone was cheating in exam" instead of "Someone was cheating in the exam" (don't drop the article "the").
Saying "I completed answer sheet" instead of "I completed the answer sheet" (don't drop the article "the" before a specific object).

Quick quiz

1. What do you call the list of topics to be studied for an exam?

2. Complete: "He worked hard and ___ the exam."

3. What document shows a student's marks?

4. What document allows a student to sit for an exam?

5. What do you call a person who supervises students during an exam?

6. What do you call a very high level of marks for excellent performance?

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