It’s the final countdown! The final examinations are upon us and by now you are probably hard at work studying to get the marks you deserve. Writing and studying for exams are a difficult task and there will be obstacles you will need to overcome. Here are some tips to pass matric 2020.
What are the Requirements to Pass Matric 2020?
There are a lot of myths floating around the internet regarding the matric pass requirements. Firstly, all matric students are required to register to write at least 7 subjects and they may not fail more than one subject. Failing more than one subject means you have failed matric. To pass you need:
- At least 40% for your Home Language
- Pass two other subjects with 40%
- Get 30% for three other subjects

Exam Preparations – Tips to Pass Matric 2020
The most stressful time of the year has to be exam time. With exams come anxiety, stress and self doubt. But there are a few things you could do that could help you during this stressful time. Follow these study tips to pass matric 2020:
Outline Your Goals
The biggest mistake you can make is studying without a goal. Having goals will encourage you to move forward. They can also help you measure how much you’ve improved and what you need to focus on.
Start as Soon as Possible
Get an early start and work through solving problems. The hardest part is always getting started, but you will soon get hooked on learning. Starting early means you don’t have to pull all nighters for cram sessions.
Make Sure You’ve Covered Everything
Avoid getting caught off guard by question papers. Prepare for every curveball they might send to you. Make sure you have covered everything your teachers, tutors and advisors encouraged you to learn.
Things To Avoid
Don’t set yourself up for disaster. There are a few obstacles you will face when studying or your finals. Avoid these common mistakes that may set you back a few steps.
Cram Sessions – There’s too much work to try to understand in just one night. It will create confusion and you may even forget the work you already know. Cramming will only cause unwanted stress.
Distractions – Social media, television, and other disturbances could prevent you from taking in as much work as you can. Rather schedule time or reward yourself with leisure activities.
Procrastination – Stop procrastinating. Get to studying as soon as possible and work through your coursework. Putting things off to the last minute can only harm you.

How to Make Studying a Pleasant Experience
Learning shouldn’t always be a chore. Going to class and finishing homework should not be treated as an inconvenience. To truly succeed, you need to have a hunger and desire for knowledge.
Reward Yourself
It’s important to reward yourself after studying and reaching milestones. Little rewards or treats could encourage you to push beyond your limits to enjoy those pleasures. Rewards don’t have to be big. You can treat yourself to a sweet after finishing a page or chapter, reward yourself with a nap or social media time.
Incorporate Games
We all love playing games, so why not incorporate that into your study session to make it more pleasant. There are old-fashion ways you could incorporate games into your studies, like using quiz questions and leveling yourself up once you’ve answered the question correctly. Think of your favourite games and try to incorporate that into your learning.
Create an Environment That Inspires you to Learn
You will spend a lot of time studying and doing homework in your matric year. That’s why it is important to do it in an environment that you are comfortable with. A great study environment could be the key to your success. Make sure to study where you’re most comfortable, keep your space neat and organised, and make sure the space is well lit.
How to Be a Pro at Revision
With exams fast approaching, you need to be busy with revision and preparing for finals. Revision is something that shouldn’t be rushed. It’s important to begin with it as soon as possible. Revision is one of the biggest tips to pass matric 2020.
Join a Study Group – During this time, it is important to keep company with those who are facing the same struggles as you. You can help each other solve problems and you can get a fresh perspective on how others comprehend different topics.
Create Your Own Mock Exams at Home – Practise for the big day and test your knowledge on the different topics to see what you know. Creating a mock examination at home could help you identify the topics that you may have overlooked.
Past Exam Papers are Your Best Friend – Exam papers from previous years can truly help you with your exam preparation. They could give you an idea on how questions are structured in the exams and can sometimes give you an idea of what will be asked.

Things to do on Exam Day
The big day has arrived. All your hard work and preparation will soon pay off. But first, you need to do a few things to put yourself at ease. Here’s what you can do to maximise your brain power and make the most of your exam day.
Get Enough Rest
You need your brain to function properly. How will you do that? By getting enough sleep before you write your exams. Avoid cram sessions altogether. If you have to cram for the exams, it means you’re not ready.
Eat a Healthy Meal
Don’t write exams on an empty stomach. You need your brain to function properly when you need it most, so give it the nutrients it deserves. Having a full breakfast could make you feel refreshed and help you focus on the exams. You can’t go wrong with a bowl of oats and fresh fruit.
Practice Breathing Techniques
Taking an examination can be terrifying. A lot of pressure is placed on students by their family, friends, teachers and tutors. Don’t let your nerves get the better of you. Calm your nerves and anxiety by practicing breathing exercises. Here’s what you can do:
- Just take a moment, breath in and exhale.
- Try not to focus on anything, but think happy and positive thoughts
- Just focus on your breathing
- Focus on the amount of air you take in and out
Pack Your Needed Supplies
Sharing is forbidden in the exam room. If you get caught, that could be the end of your examination. Make sure you have packed all the supplies you need. For examinations you can’t go wrong by packing two pens (a backup pen is essential), sharpened pencil, ruler, eraser, and calculator.
Focus on You
Don’t lose focus on your goals. It’s common for students to link up before the exams and discuss their exam preparation. This conversation can do more harm than good. Students mean well, but no one truly knows which questions will be asked in the examination. Engaging in these discussions will make you doubt yourself and your ability. So remember to focus on yourself.
What to do if Your Results are not What you Wanted
Your main objective should be focusing on your academic goals. No matter what others say and the societal pressures you may face, there is no rush to the finish line. If your results did not meet your expectations, you may:
- Get your transcript rechecked
- Apply for an exam remark
- Rewrite the subject you failed
- Study without matric
Alternatively, you could try seeking employment opportunities and then apply to redo your matric once you’re financially stable.




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