By Asha Varma ’20, Staff Writer

Before we all left school for two weeks to celebrate the holidays, we had to get past those hard few days of exams. This year, students from grades seven to twelve took exams in Math and Humanities, while the sixth grade performed their holiday concert. For seventh graders, taking exams for the first year might seem scary. To get a better understanding of how they felt about taking exams, I interviewed my friend Isabel Armas who is a seventh grader.

Q: How do you feel about taking exams for the first year?

A: I am feeling very anxious about taking exams for the first time because I don’t know what to expect on the exam.

Q: What was your reaction when you found out that the subjects we are being tested on are math and humanities?

A: When I found out that I had to take a math exam I was relaxed because math is one of my best subjects. When I found out about humanities, I was on the verge of tears because American Studies is one of the hardest courses this year.

Q: Which subject are you more nervous for and why?

A: I am nervous for both subjects but in math you only have to remember a formula and there is only one answer. American Studies is the complete opposite because a lot of it is about writing and using evidence and your own opinion to support your ideas, as well as remembering dates, people, and events.

Q: What knowledge have you gained about exams from previous 7th graders?

A: Previous 7th graders have told me that exams are not that hard if you are prepared and that exams are just tests on everything that you have learned so far in the class.

Q: From your prior knowledge, what did you expect the exams to be like?

A: I expect the exams to be the same format as the tests completed in class. I also think that the week before exams will be very stressful and tiring.

Q: Do you have a study plan or strategy yet to prepare?

A: I have been making flashcards for American Studies and math and I am expecting to study from those. I am planning on starting gathering all papers and organizing tests the weekend after thanksgiving to prepare in advance.

Q: When are you going to start studying?

A: I plan to start studying the material the first weekend in December.

Q: How often do you plan on studying?

A: I plan on reviewing for at least two hours on Saturdays and on Sundays.

Q: How do you think studying will affect your stress level and the outcome of your exam?

A: I think by studying I will realize how well I know the material and it will ease me to know that I did the best I could to prepare for exams.

From this interview with my classmate, it is clear that exams caused a lot of stress. Beginning to study after Thanksgiving break is a good time to study, because it gives you enough time to review all of the material that you learned in the course so far. If there is a topic that you are confused about, there will be enough time to meet with a teacher and make sure you understand the material completely. Planning ahead will benefit you because you will be prepared and confident when you walk in and take your exams!