Letter to my son who is preparing for the 'Almighty' WASSCE

Thank you for your letter.

It’s amazing how time flies! I am sure that you still remember the day I dropped you off in the first year. We both cried; now look at you; you have grown to be so independent of me and quite confident.

I understand the “butterflies” in your stomach as the exams draw near. You will be fine, just remember to do all that you have been taught on reading skills.

I will like to remind you again about the importance of your reading methods as WASCCE draws so near. Recently, I read about a research done by a Harvard University professor on 1500 students who were asked to read a thirty-page chapter of a history book for 20 minutes and write a short essay on what they read.

Only 15 students were able to do so! The reason is not far fetched, son, after all, it is almost impossible to read through 30 pages in 20 minutes! These 15 students read the SUMMARY. Yes, I put that in bold letters for you to remember. The summary will give you an idea what the author of the textbook that you are reading hopes to pass across.

I know that there is no way you will be able to read word for word, all your textbooks before the exams, but always look out for points; What you hope to learn from each chapter of your book .

You have not forgotten the SQ3R method of thorough study, have you? Well, let me refresh your memory.

SURVEY the chapter you want to read, highlight every topic and sub topic. Topics are like signs; they are leading you to what you need to know about the topic. Read the summaries…try to pen down what the author is trying to say to you. When you write them down, it helps you paint a picture of what the author might be trying to say.

QUESTION. Ask questions son, ask yourself questions as you read along! Where do you think the questions that you will be asked in the exams will come from? The same chapters that you are reading! If for instance, you pick your chemistry book and you want to read the chapter titled “THE PERIODIC TABLE”, ask yourself, “ what is the periodic table?” make sure that you are able to answer that question before you continue reading.

READ: Read the paragraph and write down what the author is trying to explain. If you don’t get the answer the first time , do not fret, just read again and ask yourself again , until you get it right !

RECORD & RECALL. You should be able to pen down what you learned from the paragraph. You should also be able to draw a mental image of what you have read without looking at your notes. Again, son, do not fret if you don’t get it the first time; you just have to keep at it until you can.

RECITE: yes my dear son, say what you have learned aloud and hear you say them. If you can’t answer the questions you ask, how will you answer them confidently in the exam hall?

If you follow this method, you will see that reading your textbooks isn’t as terrible as you have assumed it will be.

Study hard, play less and remain focused.

Love,

Mum.

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