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Board Exam Writing Tips: Achieving success in board exams isn't solely reserved for those who study tirelessly. Interestingly, some students who study moderately often outperform those who are more diligent. A key factor in this discrepancy is 'paper presentation'. The answer sheet is the only representation of your knowledge that the examiner evaluates, as they have no insight into your intelligence beyond what is written.

Many students provide correct answers, yet their disorganized writing can frustrate examiners. Conversely, some students employ 'smart writing' techniques, knowing exactly which points to emphasize and where to include diagrams. Here are three 'secret tricks' that top achievers utilize annually to enhance their answer sheets. Implementing these strategies in your upcoming board exams could potentially increase your scores by 10 to 15 percent.

How to Structure Answers in Board Exams?
To secure a high score, it's crucial to write answers effectively. A well-organized presentation style can significantly impact your results.

1. Utilize Points and Bullet Points

Many students tend to write lengthy paragraphs. Given that examiners have numerous answer sheets to review, they often find long paragraphs tedious.

Tip: Break your answers into concise points.
If a question carries 5 marks, aim to write at least 5-6 clear points. This approach not only makes your answer appear tidy but also facilitates the examiner's ability to locate key terms. Ensure to leave a line gap between each point.

2. Emphasize Keywords
Examiners typically do not read every word of an answer. They focus on significant terms.
Tip: While writing, underline crucial words, dates, or scientific names with a black pen. For instance, when discussing Photosynthesis, underline terms like 'chlorophyll' and 'sunlight'. This directs the examiner's attention to the essential parts of your answer, increasing the likelihood of receiving full marks.

3. Incorporate Diagrams and Flowcharts
A visual representation can convey more than words alone. Including a small flowchart or diagram alongside your theory can make your answer sheet stand out.
Tip: Use flowcharts not just in science and geography, but also in subjects like history and Hindi.
For example, when explaining types of something, use boxes and arrows to illustrate them. This enhances the professionalism of your answer sheet and can help you achieve high marks even with average content.

Importance of Presentation Skills
The saying 'First Impression is the Last Impression' holds true. Keep the first few pages of your answer sheet pristine. Begin with questions you are confident about. If you need to cross out a word, do so with a single straight line instead of scribbling over it repeatedly. Maintain adequate margins on both sides of the answer sheet to ensure a neat appearance.

5 Tips to Impress the Examiner
By focusing on these minor details, you can enhance your marksheet:
- Use two colors smartly: Black for headings and blue for answers. Avoid red or green pens as they are not permitted.
- Maintain spacing between words: Ensure equal gaps between words. Writing too closely can make your answers appear cluttered and confuse the examiner.
- Avoid scribbling for mistakes: If you make an error, simply draw a single slanting line (/). Clean and tidy answer sheets tend to earn more marks.
- Start new answers on a fresh page: Always begin lengthy answers on a new page instead of cramming them onto one page to save paper.
- The 'golden rule' for the last 15 minutes: Reserve the final 15 minutes for revision. Use this time to underline key points and verify that you haven't overlooked your roll number or question numbers.

Excelling in board exams is an art. Remember, examiners are human too; the clearer you write, the more likely they are to reward you with higher marks.