Achieving straight A’s in any exams is challenging. Be it O Levels, A Levels, UEC, SPM, etc you need to pour some efforts preparing and studying for them. For my SPM, I find the preparing/studying experience fun and worth it now since I am enjoying the fruits of my labour by getting a string of straight A’s. Getting my SPM results on the results day in my school was deeply satisfying as the hard work had paid off well.

What subjects did you take?

I took 9 subjects for my SPM, namely Bahasa Malaysia, English, Sejarah, Pendidikan Moral, Mathematics, Additional Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. I find all the subjects fun in their own way. My favourite subjects are English, Mathematics, Additional Maths, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.

Are there different ways to prepare for each subject?

Generally, preparing for different subjects might be different because each subject is unique in their own way. For example, Science stream subjects like Physics, Chemistry are more theory based, so one must read the books to understand down to the smallest detail to get the full picture. On the other hand, language subjects like English and Bahasa Malaysia are not so tied down to reading books as we may write an essay or create a story, bounded only by limitations of our imaginations. However, to get good grades, you must be willing to put in the efforts and study consistently.

Did you have a study timetable?

Having a study timetable is good because it keeps you studying in an organized manner and balance your weightage on subjects you are studying. Studying using a study timetable will keep you more balanced and well versed intellectually in the subjects you are taking, as without a study timetable we may tend to study subjects which we like more often than the ones we like less. A study timetable will make your study life much more organized. However, having a study timetable is the same as not having one if you are not following the timetable. So, be disciplined to walk along the tracks of the timetable. From my experience, at the time I studied without a study timetable, my grades are only as good as the efforts I put into each subjects; the ones which I like will at least get an A- and the ones I favor less gets decent results (you know what I mean :)).So, having a timetable will definitely help you organize your efforts into different subjects.

How many hours did you study a day?

Personally, I do not believe in the amount of time I am putting into studying but rather how much did I studied. It may not be fair to say that I had studied five hours just because I opened my book from 2.00 pm to 7.00 pm as some time might just be wasted daydreaming, having a short break, quick naps, having snacks, etc. I see this differently because I noticed some of my classmates said they had “studied” for four hours at the library just because they are there for four hours but most of the time is spent for small talk. Studying something implies that you had learnt it, and able to teach others. That is how you will discover if you had really learnt something. I acknowledge how much did I learnt by comparing my perception on questions or tests before and after I had studied.

Did you take tuition classes?

I do attend tuition classes and I had good and bad experiences too. Some tuition centres have classrooms which are cramped, so it becomes crowded when many people are in the class. In some centres, the classes is too big, there are more students, so the tutor/lecturer might not have time to give personal attention to each students. Hence, a quota should be implemented in a class regardless of size so that the lesson can be conducted properly and the students can learn in an optimum environment. The lecturers/tutors are the backbones of the tuition centre because parents want the best tutors teaching their students because a good tutor displays attractive qualities in teaching which parents and students alike are willing to pay big bucks for. A good tutor is able to make his/her students understand what is being taught the way the tutor wants it. That way, students are able to understand what is taught to them in a correct manner. A good tutor should also be able to make the students interested into a certain subject. In that way, students will become more passionate and more curious about the subject. They will also not procrastinate to study because they do not get bored easily when they have to prepare or study for the subject. A good tutor should also display good characteristics of a role model. They should have a positive attitude when socialising with the society so students can learn to contribute for the society. They should also be respectful to peoples of all ages; from children to the old so their students can learn to do the same.

Conclusively, regardless of what examinations or subjects you are taking, you would always need to work hard if you want to be rewarded. Having said that, I wish you good luck for your examinations!

This article was written by Joshua. Joshua is a straight A scorer for his SPM examination. He shares his wisdom and experiences as a SPM student by writing educational articles for Peekabook’s blog during his free time.