Negotiating the vast sea of facts

Satinder Kaur

India is a country with a rich history but it’s sad that a vast majority of students run away from history as a subject. They have more inclination towards science. From a very young age, importance is given to study of maths and science as a result, social sciences take a backseat.

This is more so in case of history for a number of reasons. Understanding the past isn’t considered easy as it’s different from the present. Students don’t relish it as they need to learn lengthy answers. Not only this, they dread the vast sea of facts and dates. For all these reasons many students start hating history, some even go to the extent of dreading it.

However, there’s no escape from it as history is one of the subjects in Class X board exams. Moreover, almost all competitive exams in the country carry a large number of questions from history. So it’s better to take it head on, employ tricks and tools to master it.

History is actually the stories of the past and stories can never be boring — it is actually the way in which these are learnt/taught that is boring. So, instead of hating/dreading the subject, students need to change the way they look at this subject. They need to shed their myths regarding the subject and streamline their efforts to master the subject.

Mastering tips

Here are certain tips which the students appearing for board exams can follow to master the most dreadful subject. These tips will not only make the learning a joyful experience but also improve retention manifold.

1. Let textbooks take the lead

History textbooks prescribed by the NCERT should be followed completely. Remember, the question paper is set from these books. So, go through each and every line, particularly the boxes and glossary. Pay special attention to words given in italics. Try to see a purpose behind it. Even the pictures given there are not to be missed. There have been questions based on pictures in the previous years. Remember to use a highlighter liberally for underlining the important information as you read.

2. Prepare notes

Make your own notes rather than borrowing your friends’. However, making notes should be a regular practice as it’s rightly said Rome was not built in a day. So, when you are taught a topic in class, try to revise it at home and write important points in your notebook. This will prove to be a treasure trove during the last leg of board exam preparation. In case of any doubt, you can always refer to these notes. More importantly, the notes that you make serve as a base on which you can build your preparation. Nothing seems unfamiliar at the last moment as you have already studied it once while making notes.

3. Use information technology liberally

There are umpteen videos pertaining to history chapters available on YouTube. If you find any topic difficult, you can simply search it on YouTube, and view 3-4 videos on it. This will not only clear your doubts but will also enhance learning as videos appeal to multiple senses and improve retention.

4. Use flash cards/timelines

One needs to memorise a number of facts and figures in history where flashcards can help a great deal. By making flashcards, you can take a look at important events and dates whenever you feel like and you never forget the things that you see time and again. However, too much time should not be wasted in preparing flashcards. As chronology is the backbone of history, a timeline can prove to be a handy tool to learn the chronological sequence of various important events pertaining to a chapter.

5. Know the format

Visit the CBSE website for the authentic and latest information on the format of the examination. This will help you in a number of ways. You will understand the paper in one go. You will take less time to decide what to attempt first and what later. On the other hand, no familiarity with the format can lead to indecision, confusion and waste lot of your precious time.

6. Practice model papers

Try solving sample papers given on the CBSE website. This will serve more than one purpose. You will get used to writing long answers which they otherwise dread. You will get a fair idea of if they will be able to complete their paper in time. If not, they can develop a strategy accordingly. It will increase your writing speed and improve your writing style. Remember, practice makes a man perfect.

7. Key words are important

Many students think that they can write long stories in the history paper. They are sadly mistaken as examiners look for the facts/key words while checking your answer sheets. If you miss that, you won’t get marks by any chance. Try to write the answers in points instead of writing in paragraphs.

8. Last years’ papers are

a boon

There are many questions which are favourite among the paper setters. These are usually very general in nature and attempt to assess the understanding of the students. Here previous years’ papers can be a real boon for the students. So just go through last 3-4 years of papers and try to list out the commonly asked questions. I am sure you will not regret this little effort.

9. Guesses are fine

Yes, you read it right. Since there’s no negative marking in the board exam, you can try making guesses for the multiple-choice questions. But be smart in making guesses. Try to recall the topic the question is from and make smart guess as you don’t lose anything even if the answer goes wrong and if you are right it will mean an extra mark.

Syllabus and exam pattern

The CBSE designs the syllabus and also revises it from time to time. This year CBSE has deleted a few topics with a view to reduce the burden on students. Also there are some topics which will be assessed only in periodic tests not in board exams. So it’s very important that the students appearing for the board examination keep abreast of the revised syllabus. It’s the best to keep a copy of the syllabus in your armour so that you can always refer to it whenever required. This can save a lot of time and effort as targeted study always fetches good score. Social Science consists of four parts, i.e history, geography, economics and political science each comprising 20 marks.

Memorise the mnemonics way

Create your own mnemonics to memorize main events and dates. Relate the important dates in the history to the dates that have importance in your life i.e the birthday and anniversary dates of your loved ones. Trust me you will never forget or get confused with dates.

India and the Contemporary World-II

Section I: Events and Processes

• The Rise of Nationalism in Europe
• Nationalism in India

Section II: Livelihoods, Economies and Societies (Any one theme of the following)

• The Making of a Global World
• The Age of Industrialization

Section III: Everyday Life, Culture and Politics

• Print Culture and the Modern World

—satindergmsss37b@gmail.com