In It

To
Win It
“A candidate’ guide to exam preparation

and excellence”

i
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be
reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any
means mechanical or electronic, including
photocopying, duplicating, recording, or by any
information storage and retrieval system, without
prior permission in writing from the publisher
and/or the copyright holder.

Typesetting: Yegaton Publishers

Editing: Yegaton Publishers
Cover Design: The Oracle Creative

In It To Win It: A candidate’ companion to exam

preparation and excellence
Copyright 2025 by Yegaton Publishers
Authors: Thandolwethu Moyo

Proudly T.I.M Innovations

ii
 Table Of Contents
Acknowledgments
Preface
Foreword
Tips for examinations
Conclusion

iii
Acknowledgements
Glory be to God who grants the gift of life, for
his grace and wisdom which enabled me to
complete this project.

Special thanks to the following:

T.I.M Innovations

Contributors
Mrs. S Ndlovu
Mr. Mpunzi
Mr. Mlibazi
Mr. P Khanye
Clive K Mbudaya
Live Dan Chauke
Mr. Chikua
Mr. Gracious Chademana
Mr. Ncube

Friends and family, and everyone else who

contributed to the success of this project.

iv
Preface
This book contains a pack of tips on how one
gets himself or herself geared up for an
examination. Most students want to pass their
examinations, but the sad part is that only a few
are ready to do what it takes for them to pass.

“In It To Win It” serves to equip students

especially candidates with ammunition which
will help them to take down the giant, which is
examinations. It is blessed with tips, not only
from the author, but from professional teachers,
heads of schools, and ZIMSEC markers. Former
students who went through the very same stage
and know how it looks like also contributed.

It also contains information collected through

surveys, interviews and questionnaires from
parents and the general public.

v
Foreword
As you prepare to embark on one of the most
significant challenges of your academic journey,
it's essential to remember that success is not
solely determined by innate ability or intelligence.
Rather, it's the result of dedication, perseverance,
and a well-planned strategy.

In today's competitive academic landscape,

students need more than just a desire to succeed;
they need a roadmap to excellence. That's
precisely what "In It To Win It" provides – a
comprehensive, practical, and inspiring guide to
help you navigate the often-daunting world of
exam preparation.

This book is more than just a study aid; it's a

motivational toolkit, designed to empower you
with the confidence, skills, and mindset
necessary to achieve your goals. Through its
pages, you'll discover proven strategies for
effective learning, time management, and stress

vi
reduction, as well as expert advice on how to stay
focused, motivated, and committed to your
objectives.

Whether you're a student looking to improve

your grades, a teacher seeking to support your
pupils, or a parent eager to help your child
succeed, "In It To Win It" is an indispensable
resource. So, get ready to unlock your full
potential, overcome obstacles, and achieve the
success you deserve.

To the candidates who are "in it to win it," I offer

these final words of encouragement: believe in
yourself, stay committed to your goals, and
remember that excellence is within your reach.

vii
1. Be biblically motivated

1st Philippians 4 vs. 13

"I can do all things through Christ who
strengthens me”. Amen
With God, nothing is impossible. God is bigger
than anything you can ever imagine. He has
never failed anyone, and he will not fail you.
Have faith in him, believe that you can do
anything through Him who strengthens you. You
can pass your examinations through God who
gives you strength.

2. Self-motivation

The battle you are fighting today, the dream

you're striving for, and the goals that you want to
achieve all require one mindset: “I am in it to
win it”. Self-motivation is one of the most
powerful types of motivation, and it is more
effective than external motivation.

If one convinces their mind that they will succeed

in something, they will definitely achieve it, and
the chances of success are high. If one sets goals,
motivates themselves and work hard to achieve
these goals, the resulting strength and
commitment is remarkable, all thanks to

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self-motivation.

However, motivation alone whether by somebody

else or by yourself, is not enough for one to
actually succeed. Discipline, hard-work, sacrifice,
and other essential qualities are very necessary in
this journey.

3. Read! Read! Read!

Motivational speakers and authors may offer
valuable examination tips through different books
and speeches, but still, nothing can ever replace
reading. You can have faith of our father
Abraham and be a prayer warrior, but faith and
prayer alone cannot save you in such a situation.

In as much as the above are essential, knowledge

gained through reading is key to exam success.
Knowledge enables you to provide correct
answers to the given questions. Read your
textbooks and notes, they shouldn't be for
decoration only. Just read and understand them!

4. Effective use of time

Your time is your weapon and most valuable
asset as an examination candidate. Do not spend
it, use it wisely. Each and every hour of your time
counts, and contains the ability to make a

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difference in your final results.

On a daily basis, make it your habit to allocate at

least 2 hours to read, revise and study your
subjects, exclusive of school hours. It is very
useful and effective for one to conduct daily
revisions. Do not forget to take reasonable breaks
when studying to avoid burnouts.

The way you utilize your time daily, dividing it

among various activities, sets a significant
difference between students who pass their
examinations and those who fail. Time is of
essence for a candidate. Train yourself to be time
conscious.

Benjamin Franklin would say “Lost time is never

found again”. Stephen Covey would say “the key
is not to priorities what’s on your schedule, but to
schedule your priorities”. And this is what I have
to say, do not let yesterday’s delay define
tomorrow’s grades.

5. Going the “Extra mile”

The difference between A, B and C students lies
in going beyond expectations. The A student
does more than the expected. He/she researches,
reads ahead, and is very determined in his/her

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work, to mention a few qualities. These efforts
yield higher marks.

6. Join the library

During my primary school days at
Senzangakhona, a mobile library truck would
frequently visit our school. Teachers and the
library staff would encourage us to join,
emphasizing its benefits for improving English
language skills.

We would then relay the message to our parents,

who in response would present to you a rhetoric
question: “How can you read library books when
you cannot even read those at home?”

The difference lies in the environment. Research

by scholars proves that the surroundings
significantly impact understanding. Hence
reading in a library, which has been
recommended for its peaceful environment,
guarantees you deeper comprehension.

It is also because of such an environment that

you commit yourself to a particular subject of
study, free from distractions, which then creates a
conducive environment for your understanding,
and eventually producing good results. Students

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who join the library and maintain consistence in
their attendance, have produced good grades.

Join the library, maintain constant attendance,

know what to read and understand it, then watch
your grades improve.

7. Discipline
Discipline is vital for academic success. It
encompasses conduct, peer pressure resistance,
respect, humility, commitment and dedication to
mention a few.

Respect

1. Respect for yourself

Respect yourself enough not to stoop any low
such as doing drugs and alcohol in or outside
school, amongst other traits of misconduct.

2.Respect your parents/guardians/sponsors

Respect them enough that you do not gain the
audacity of not taking your school work seriously,
whilst they are struggling [I reiterate that all
parents struggle to pay our fees no matter how
affluent they seem to be, life is generally a
struggle] to make ends meet and also pay your

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school fees.

In short, acknowledge their struggles and

sacrifices.

3.Respect school authorities, staff

members/teachers and the school itself
Despite challenges faced by the teachers, they
still put in a lot of effort and sacrifice to be
present in lessons and actually teach. And don’t
make the mistake of saying it’s their duty and job.
It might be, but it’s never your place or position
to cite such factors.

Respect the school rules. Being a candidate is not

a passport to breaking them. This trend of
violating school regulations has been regrettably
noted amongst writing classes.

Brother, becoming a candidate does not mean

you have made in life. Sister, being a senior and
final-year student does not justify inappropriate
behavior - short skirts, flirting with male teachers
[improper association] and other boys at school.

The devil was a distraction in the Garden of

Eden, don’t make the mistake of being the same
in school.

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In-fact, beauty reflects much better when
wrapped. It’s just a stage which does not start or
will end with you. All grown women went
through that stage.

If you are not disciplined, do not expect any

miracles to manifest in your answer sheet.

8. Strategy in studying
Effective studying requires a well-planned
strategy. If you study with no strategy, you are as
good as without direction. Without direction,
your efforts are in vain and progress is hindered.

For the past four years, I have had the privilege

of offering extra lessons to students. Throughout
this journey, I have been blessed by the Lord, and
my students have achieved remarkable academic
success. The best of them would be defending
with either grade B or better.

At some point in time, a parent asked me the

secret to my students’ academic success when she
enrolled her child. My response was simple:
adopting an effective strategy in studying, the
scoreboard strategy.

Most students do not even have graphs for their

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academic performances. They do not even bother
to measure their performance. This term they
score 58 % in mathematics, and the next term
they score 45% which is a drop by 13%, and it
does not even mean anything to them, they just
keep moving, all is well with them.

Well, you should be able to have termly reviews

for your performance, set yourself standards,
strive to achieve them and thus you will improve
gradually. I would run out of ink if I was to
explain the score board strategy here. Contact
the author directly for more information.

9. Study groups
As students we learn differently, and our depth of
understanding differs. We complement each
other’s weaknesses and strengths. What you did
not understand might have been understood by
your study partner and vice-versa, hence you will
explain to each other for better understanding,
thereby academically advancing both of you.

An ideal study group should not exceed 7

members. Many people in the group creates an
environment ideal for playfulness and slows
down progress. Help each other in areas that you
do not understand, revise tests, study topics

8
ahead and ask your teachers where you don’t
understand. It has proven to be very useful in
terms of depth of understanding.

10. Consulting teachers

Teachers genuinely care about students’ academic
success. They may seem against us when they
rebuke or correct us, but this is what every loving
parent would have done, and should do. Do not
hesitate to consult any of your teachers where
you don’t understand in your revisions.

I managed to pass my examinations for both

O’level and A ‘level because of a certain teacher.
I am not saying he was the only teacher who
contributed to my success, of-course they were
others too, but this one teacher became more
than a teacher, he became more like a parent
and mentor to me.

Someone might ask themselves where I am going

with this. Well, I am simply trying to show how
teachers love us and can even sacrifice for us.

The teacher always helped in my studies in any

way possible. He is the same teacher who would
often encourage me to consult my subject
teachers in topics which I did not understand.

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He would even constantly check on my monthly
progress with the other teachers.

Long story short, he turned a complete playful

boy into a scholar. Special thanks to him.

What I learned from that experience is this:

developing a strong connection with your
teachers significantly minimizes the risk of
struggling in your studies. A teacher knows how
best to help you to excel in your studies, you just
have to be humble enough to listen to their
advice. To those willing to listen, this wisdom is
clear.

11. Engaging a mentor

A mentor serves as your personal reflection.

A mentor is supposed to:

• constantly review your academic
performance,
• identify areas for improvement
• encourage dedication to school work
• offer constructive criticism

Ideal mentor qualities include:

Truthfulness: a mentor needs to tell you the truth
always no matter how the truth may hurt you. If

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you failed, you failed. If you are too playful, you
are playful. He/she should be able to call a spade
a spade, tell the truth as it is, and not attempt to
comfort you with lies.

Neutrality: unbiased and impartial

A teacher- I would recommend a teacher. They

are the most experienced people in this field.
They know very well and better than anyone else
what a student needs and lacks.

Age difference of 15 years minimum- allows

room for respect.

12. Long term preparation

Preparing for examinations does not start in form
4 or 6 second term. It should start as early as you
enroll for form one, or form 5. Students should
do away with this tendency of deceiving
themselves saying “there is still time”.

Time is always on the run, every minute lost

doing useless activities contains the power of
changing a whole grade U for form fours and F
for U6, into a grade C or better. Think twice
before you waste time.

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Examination boards such as ZIMSEC, often set
some questions based on earlier learning material
[ZJC]. Fortunate are those who would have
attended their lessons fully in those times, and
unfortunate are those who didn’t.

To prepare for examinations starts the very same

day you enroll in school. Momentum, level of
seriousness and concentration might slightly
differ for consistency reasons, otherwise maintain
the pace and you will never go wrong.

13. Short term preparation

This is the time when you are on your final year,
second term, and you are a candidate. Make sure
that you would have almost completed your
syllabus, carrying out thorough revisions and
practicing past examination question papers.

Start practicing to write in an examination

condition, under strict rules with time limits and
other exam regulations. Make sure you do not
allow time to overtake and be ahead of you. Or
else you will sing the song of disorganized
people “we are behind time”.

As I earlier mentioned, time is your best weapon

ever in this game of striving for academic

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success.

14. Just before the examination

Pray for yourself and ask God to help you finish
the exam and that too on time, having written the
correct answers. Calm down your nerves by
breathing in and out continuously.

Cross-check all of your necessary materials and

instruments which you are going to use in the
examination, such as a ruler, pencil and pen etc.
Make sure that you drink lots of warm water
before leaving home.

Do a few exercises such as short distance jogging,

press-ups, push-ups as it helps to rewire your
body and brain. Eat a banana, apple and carrot if
you can afford it. In short, stick to healthy eating,
mostly fruits and vegetables during your exam
period.

Leave home for school in time. Do not run, move

at a moderate pace to maintain the calmness of
your nerves, and to keep fresh. Reach school in
time and familiarize yourself with the exam room
before you write. It has proven to be very useful.

15. During the examination

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Carefully read anything printed in ink on the first
page and adhere to all given instructions. When
given the go ahead to start your examination,
quickly peruse through the question paper pages
reading all questions.

During the exam, keep your time in mind. You

would be given a certain time limit to complete
writing the paper, so use your time well. Do not
rush to finish up the question paper, “kumhanya
hakusi kusvika””, direction is more important
than speed.

Move at a moderate pace, and very careful. After

completing the paper, quickly revise your work.
Check your work for spelling and grammatical
errors, silly mistakes and other irregularities in
your work. Pray for your script, tie your answer
sheets together, and then wait for your
submission.

16. Failing to plan is planning to fail

If you fail to plan your study schedule, you are
planning to fail your examinations. If you are
unable to plan your daily routine, then you are
planning to fail in your life. Effective planning is
crucial; without it, our lives can become
disorganized.

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17. Know your priorities
Know what you want in life, invest in it, work
hard and tirelessly towards achieving your goals.
Obviously you might have other errands to run
such as appointments with your “besties”,
girl/boyfriends, and extra -curricular activities
etc.

You might also have your household chores,

sometimes piece-jobs and also your social media
accounts which need you to keep them active in
order to increase your views and likes, but above
all, know your priorities.

The ultimate secret to succeeding in your

endeavours is to contain the ability to deliberate
on your priorities. Be aware of what comes first,
what comes second and what comes last, and the
reason why. Be able to award your different
activities priority accordingly.

18. Balance your academic studies and

extra-curricular activities
In as much as academics should be your primary
priority, they can only take you as far as

15
university level. It is like your life is all about
books, thus you might end up being a theoretical
person only, lacking practicality which is an
essential factor for success.

However, with extra-curricular activities, you get

exposure to different people from different
spheres and fields of life. You also create for
yourself a strong connection and network.
Remember, your network eventually decides your
net-worth.

Moreover, you also get exposure to various

scholarships. Some scholarships consider
students who exhibit high levels of leadership
skills and have been engaged in school activities,
first. Even if it wasn’t for consideration,
experience outside the classroom boosts
interview success.

It is through extra-curricular activities that some

students learn how to express themselves fluently.
Students also get their confidence levels boosted.
Such skills are very necessary in an interview.
Without confidence you would even struggle to
answer a simple question such as “Tell us about
yourself”.

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My advice: do both, but strike a balance between
academics and extra-curricular activities. In your
school life, stop existing and start living.
Brighten the corner where you are, make a
difference and strive to be the best.

19. Answer questions directly, don't beat

around the bush
When answering questions, be direct and concise.
Whoever marks your script should not have to
struggle to locate your answer because you chose
to describe it instead of stating it as the question
instructed. Go straight to the point, time for
descriptions will come.

20. Be content and confident about your

answers
If you are not confident with your answers you
might change a correct answer into a wrong
answer. You would be thinking that the correct
answer is wrong, and the wrong answer is
correct.

It's easy to get distracted or overwhelmed when

taking a test, but it's important to stay focused on
the task at hand. Try to take deep breaths, clear
your mind, and answer each question to the best
of your ability.

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Even if you don't know every answer, having
confidence in yourself can help you do your best.
Give yourself a pep talk before the test and
remind yourself of your strengths. This will help
you stay calm and focused during the
examination.

22. A healthy body, a healthy mind

Prioritize your health through:
• balanced diet
• hydrating with clean water constantly
• fresh fruits
• avoiding junk foods

N.B Stay away from drugs and all harmful

substances. You have been lied to, no drug can
make you pass, especially without reading books.
A healthy body fosters a sharp focused mind.
23. Stay focused
Concentrate on the present, ignoring non-urgent
thoughts. Prioritize immediate tasks.

24. Minimize time spent on social media and

dating
This helps you as a candidate to get more time
you need to prepare and study for exams. Abstain
from dating activities and social media for that

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period of time. Exam preparation needs all the
time one has and should give.

Besides, you will have ample time after exams

for all that.

25. Avoid studying with earphones

Studying with earphones plugged in divides
attention between study material and the music
rhythm. Maintain undivided focus for better
understanding.

26. Arrive at school on time

It is very important for you as a student to get to
school on time. It accords you enough time to
prepare yourself, and focus before lessons or an
exam starts.

27. Do not bunk/skip lessons

Attending all provided lessons helps you to build
connections and patterns essential for recalling
information.

For example, in history, if one misses a lesson on

the origins of Great Zimbabwe state, it may be
difficult for them to connect the dots with the next
sub-topic such as the economic
system/organization or decline of the state.

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Missing lessons creates knowledge gaps.
28. Active classroom participation
Pay attention to the teacher attentively during
lessons, and take down notes in short hand.
Classroom learning remains unparalleled in
fostering a profound understanding of theoretical
concepts.

The best way to learn and understand is to listen

to a professional or expert as they talk and
explain. Others struggle with reading and
studying on their own. I am not saying that would
be right, but some students naturally contain a
low concentration span.

Capitalize on classroom lessons in the meanwhile.

This will also help to increase your concentration
levels. Even if you can read and study on your
own, it’s also important that you pay attention in
class. In as much as you would read and study on
your own, you still need a teacher’ explanation.

Do not forget to take down notes. These act as a

point of reference when you are revising.

29. Maintain a positive attitude

Do not develop an attitude towards a subject or

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teachers. Once you do that, your brain will not
take anything from that teacher or subject. It
would have developed a mental block mechanism,
thereby hindering learning.

30. Complete all assignments

Learning strives on practice. Write all your
assignments so as to:
• enhance writing skills
• develop comprehensive understanding
31. Respect and meet deadlines
Submit all school-work on or before deadlines.
Discipline in this area is the mark of a good
student. Passing your assigned work on time
builds resilience essential for top class
performance.

32. Improve your concentration span

Some students find it hard to concentrate in class
or while reading on their own. They even hardly
finish reading a page or two for minimum. To
overcome this, settle down and concentrate on
the task at hand. Focus and avoid distractions.
33. The power of prayer
Child of God, pray consistently without ceasing.
We have numerous unseen enemies, more than
we can even count or imagine. Take it all to the
Lord in prayer. Ask for protection and guidance.

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34. Zero nights
Though not recommended, they come in very
handful as a measure of last resort when you are
behind schedule, with a lot of work load and
assignments. Should you consider this option,
take no stimulants or energy drinks, but only
water.
Energy drinks like dragon cannot keep you up all,
night, and they are hazardous to your health.

Take note, zero nights might be

counterproductive, as they can lead to stress,
exhaustion, and eventually poor performance.
Read on time, and get enough sleep so you can
retain the information and do well in your exams.

Also, you do not need the whole night to catch up,

a few hours after sunset would do. Being up the
whole night is detrimental to your health. Who
will write the exam when you are gone?

35. Quit excuses and unnecessary explanations

It's easy to make excuses for not studying or
doing well on exams, but it won't help you in the
long run. Be practical, and do away with
procrastination.

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36. Familiarize yourself with exam
instruments
Get familiar with all the instruments you will use
during examinations, at least two months prior to
the exam. You do not want to be stuck in the
exam room, unsure of how to use a mathematical
set instrument or calculator. Familiarize yourself
with these tools to avoid last-minute stress.

37. WRITE CORRECTIONS

A normally neglected but key area of study.
Writing corrections helps you to realign the
content ensuring that your work is focused and
on-point when a similar concept is tackled in the
future.

38. Ask questions

Ask questions where you don’t understand. This
strengthens your understanding and clears up
doubt.

39. Overcome procrastination

One of the biggest obstacles to effective studying
is procrastination. This just leads to panic and
poor performance. To avoid procrastination,
break your work into smaller, manageable tasks
and set realistic deadlines for yourself.

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40. Eat well
If resources permit, do not study on an empty
stomach, or go to school on one. Studying in an
empty stomach divides your attention, making
you think about food whilst reading.

41. Maintain academic integrity

Do not cheat in exams, tests, or exercises.
Cheating is unethical and will only lead to
trouble. Instead, focus on your abilities, do your
best to answer questions honestly and in your
own words. “When you focus on the good, the
good gets better”
Do not get used to bad habits like cheating in
exams or class tests where you don’t have an
invigilator. It’s a bad habit, and bad habits always
end badly.

42.

43. Strive for excellence in your assignments

Never write your assignments bearing in mind
that they are corrections. Always aim higher and
strive for your best. Be cautious not to develop a
habit of writing for the sake of writing. It is like
you are writing the assignment for the teacher,

24
and you benefit nothing from it, but the teacher
does.

However, you will be deceiving yourself. The

teacher writes no final examination. He or she is
way past that stage. Think before you submit
your work.

44. Debunking concentration myths

Chewing gum and concentration have zero
correlation. Try concentrating with no aid from
external substances. Once you need a substance
to concentrate, you are no longer yourself, but a
parasite which relies on a non-living thing to
survive the challenge.

45. Invest in personal copies of textbooks

Have your own personal copy of some textbooks
and set-books. Studying the set-books
individually helps you to have a deeper
understanding of the texts. One can annotate the
texts and take notes more efficiently if they
possess the text or copy.

46. The truth about drugs and academic

performance
Drugs and good academic performance have no

25
correlation. Do not believe the myth that certain
substances can help you ace a test. In reality,
these substances can impair your ability to focus
and retain information.

Do not waste your time or money on something

that won't work - just stick to studying the
old-fashioned way. The brain is a complex organ
that cannot be enhanced by a pill or supplement.
47. Come to school soberly minded
Avoid bringing your stress, anger and other
personal issues to class as it may affect your
learning. If you need help, approach your school
guidance and counseling teacher. They will
definitely do what they can to help.

My point remains: if your mind is not free from

alcohol intoxication, if your mind is not free from
being high on drugs, and lastly, if your mind is
not free from stress, then it is not in its best
position to learn. Come to school soberly
minded.
48. Stick around good classmates
Observing and discussing with top performers
can be incredibly beneficial. One learns more by
seeing how others successful write their work. If
you play with criminals, you will eventually
become a criminal yourself. If you play with

26
students who are not serious with their school
work, you too will eventually get fed up of
learning. Pick classmates wisely.

49. Practice makes perfect

If you keep practicing, you will definitely
become the best. Practice past examination
question papers, writing them under exam
conditions, especially in terms of time. Ask your
teachers for questions, answer them, and take
them back for marking.

50. Stay hydrated for better brain function

Drink lots of clean, safe water constantly. This
helps the brain to function better, as it consists of
approximately 73% water. Have at least one
bottle of water with you when going to school.

51. Attend school regularly

Avoid frequently absenting yourself from school
without a valid reason. Repeated absenteeism can
cause you to miss important lessons.
Absenteeism can be a slippery slope; once you
start skipping school, it is easy to lose motivation
and eventually drop out of school.

27
If not so, the school authorities usually deal with
such actions with either suspension or expulsion.
Attend school always and stay safe

52. Take notes.

Taking notes while in class or studying is an
important part of effective learning. It helps you
stay focused on what you're learning, and it also
gives you a resource to refer back to when you're
studying for tests or exams.

Write down the most important points, not

everything the teacher says. Use a notebook
which is not big, or a diary, as it is easier to read.

53. Think without the box at all.

Do not think inside the box, do not think outside
the box, think without the box at all; but do not
think far away from the box to avoid irrelevance.

54. Treat teachers with respect

The teacher is a valuable treasure; treat them with
respect and dignity. Do not make the mistake of
raising up your hand against a teacher, or talking
bad about them. Also avoid taking pride in
standing up against him/her in a conflict.

55. Foster a teacher-parent connection.

28
Encourage your parents/guardian to develop a
connection with your teachers, and attend
consultations. This collective effort between
teachers and parents is crucial for a student’
academic success.

56. The importance of extra help

Getting extra help is a necessity, not a choice.
Extra lessons are very pivotal nowadays. For one
to perform better in their studies, extra help adds
to your class efforts.

N.B Extras should be done with highly qualified

teachers.

57. Collaboration and resource gathering

Gather resources and advice from former
candidates and other students, such as green
books, and question papers. Collaboration is key
in studying. A clever student will gather these
resources to create a body of knowledge to aid in
studying and revision.
58. Attend off sessions and value them
Not all concepts can be covered in class, given
the time allocated for each subject. To catch up
with the syllabus, teachers might resort to
off-sessions; do attend and value these sessions,
as a lot of ground is covered through them.

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59. Adequate resources
Possess adequate and relevant resources, such as
rulers, pencils and pens. Mr. Tapfumaneyi, one of
my best mathematics teachers, used to say “if
you did not bring it, then it means you do not
need it”. He would say this in our end-of-term
examinations, referring to situations where
students would come to the examination without
essential materials and instruments. When they
needed to use these materials, they would pester
the invigilator to borrow from another candidate
on their behalf, which was quite inconveniencing.

Such instruments help you by boosting your

concentration in studying, and even in the exam
itself. Go get them now!

60. Perseverance in the face of failure

Real failure is self-pity after failing. It occurs
when you fail and then give up. My primary
school, Senzangakhona, had a motto that read,
“Try, Try, Try again; if you do not succeed Try,
Try again”.

It is a simple motto, but it bore a powerful

message: never give up; fight till you win.
Instead of pitying yourself after failing, focus on

30
reviewing yourself and what led to your failure,
so you can avoid it in your next attempts.

61. Vocabulary building

Befriend a dictionary. Many students fail
mathematics, not because they cannot work out
and solve the mathematical problem, but because
mathematics exclusively uses English. The same
applies to other subjects like Geography,
Combined Science, and History.

English is a problem to many students. It might

not be our mother language, but it is a universal
language, which makes it very necessary in our
lives. Befriend a dictionary to boost your English
skills, and this will help you a lot, not only in
your exams but also in the long run.

62. The influence of peer pressure

Keep the right company of friends. You are a
product of an average of five people with whom
you spend most of your time. You eventually
adopt the behavior exhibited by your friends.
Remember, birds of the same feather flock
together.

The moment you associate yourself with bad

company, it becomes only a matter of time before

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you become a bad influence yourself.

To avoid trouble, distance yourself from unruly

students and keep the company of scholars and
people who are serious about school. It’s not
about pride or promoting segregation, but rather
for your own personal benefit.

63. Neatness and clarity

Be neat and clear in your work. This makes it
easier for the one assessing/marking your work to
do so without struggling or assuming what it
looks like.

64. Active participation in class

Actively participate in class works, group work,
and presentations. If you actively participate in
class activities, you stand a better chance to
understand the subject or topic more on a
personal level.

The brain catches information faster and stronger

when it has had direct contact with it, such as
through discussions, sharing opinions, and
listening to others.

65. Scheduled reading

Do not just read; have a schedule for reading. It

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helps you prioritize and balance between
academics and other activities. It also helps you
to effectively practice time management. Produce
a time-table for reading, including all your
subjects, topics to be covered and time to be
used.

Create a regular study schedule. This is so

important! It's much easier to study if you have a
routine and a specific time every day to study. It
doesn't matter if it's one hour or two hours, as
long as you stick to the same time every day.

Setting aside dedicated study time also helps you

avoid procrastination, since you know you have
to start studying at a specific time. This helps
prevent the stress that comes with studying
last-minute.

66. Create a conducive study environment

The type of environment in which you study will
always determine and influence the depth of your
understanding. Read in a peaceful environment,
open space or wide room. When you read in a
closed space the general impression in your mind
is borders and limits.

Many people think that studying at home is the

33
best option, since it's comfortable and familiar.
However, if your home is full of distractions like
your phone, TV, or family members, it might be
better to find a quiet dedicated space elsewhere to
study.

Libraries, study lounges, and coffee shops can be

great places to study because they provide a quiet,
focused environment.

67. Direction over speed

In studying, direction is more important than
speed. Although time is an essential factor in
studying, direction is of greater importance. Do
not rush to finish the syllabus or a topic without
direction. Before moving on to the next topic or
concept in a subject, ensure your understanding.

Make sure you understand what you are learning

or what the teacher is teaching before proceeding.
It may seem like you are struggling academically
or lagging behind when you ask questions, but
always ask when you do not understand.

It’s for your personal benefit, do not be too lazy

to lift up your hand to ask questions, but make it
genuine.

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Speed is necessary student, but with no direction
you will finish the examination way before your
time is up, but still have poor grades. I repeat,
direction is more important than speed.

68. Prioritize academics

Do not make the mistake of allowing your shoes
to shine brighter than your grades.

Some students’ shoes shine brighter than their

grades. Some students are more beautiful than
their report marks, and that is a shame. My
brother, there is no glory in you being too smart,
even if it is important.

My “shoes” and “beautiful” are an embodiment

of the general idea of someone being smart and
extremely neat, presentable and glowing. There is
no glory in all that, because it does not contribute
to your final mark.

Focus more on matters that will change your life

rather than impressing your peers with your
smartness. Intellectuals hardly get time to shine
their shoes, get a fancy hair-cut, alter their
trousers, and trim their skirts to look sexy.

There is no problem with being smart, but there

35
is a problem when you become too smart for
your grades. It deprives you time to read and
focus on school work, and you start being too
concerned about how you look.

I repeat, do not make the mistake of allowing

your shoes to shine brighter than your grades.

69. Take breaks!

This might seem counterintuitive at first, but
taking regular breaks is actually important for
effective studying. It gives your brain time to
process the information you've just learned,
rewire, and helps prevent burnout.

The Pomodoro Technique

It is a time management method that helps you
stay focused and avoid burnout. The method is
based on the idea that people can't focus on a
single task for long periods of time without
losing productivity.

The technique is named after the Pomodoro

kitchen timer, which is a tomato-shaped timer.
You set the timer for 25 minutes and work on a
task without distractions until the timer rings.
Then, you take a 5-minute break and relax or do
something else.

36
70. Finding your most productive time
Find out when you're most productive. Not
everyone is most productive at the same time of
the day. Some people are early birds, who are
most productive in the morning, and others are
night owls, who are most productive at night.

Figure out when you're at your peak productivity,

and schedule your studying for that time. If
you're a night owl, for example, it might not be
the best idea to try to study first thing in the
morning. Schedule your studying for later in the
day, when you'll be able to focus better.

Research has shown that people are most

productive when their circadian rhythm (the
body's internal clock) is aligned with their work
schedule. This means that night owls who are
trying to work in the morning are at a
disadvantage because their circadian rhythm isn't
in sync with their work hours.

This can lead to fatigue, difficulties in

concentrating, and even increased stress levels.
Finding your most productive time of the day and
aligning your study schedule with it is key to
effective studying.

37
Active Studying Techniques

71. Engaging with material

Instead of reading and re-reading your material,
you should engage with it by taking notes,
making flashcards, or trying to teach the material
to someone else. These active studying
techniques are effective at helping people retain
and understand information, and they can also
make studying less monotonous and more fun.

Feynman Technique
This technique involves trying to explain a
concept or topic as if you were teaching it to a
child or someone who has no prior knowledge of
the subject. The idea is that if you can explain a
topic in simple terms, you have a deep
understanding of it.

Cornell Method
It involves dividing a piece of paper into three
sections: one for notes, one for keywords and
questions, and one for a summary. As you take
notes, you'll write down key concepts and
questions in the "keywords and questions"
section.

38
This helps you make sure you're understanding
the material as you go along, and it gives you
something to refer back to later. At the end of
your study session, you'll take the key concepts
and questions and summarize them in the
"summary" section.

This helps solidify your understanding of the

material and makes it easier to review later...

Mnemonic devices
A mnemonic device is a memory aid that helps
you remember information. For example, the
acronym PEMDAS is used to remember the
order of operations in math: Parentheses,
Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition,
and Subtraction.

Another example is using a silly sentence to

remember the names of the Great Lakes in order:
"HOMES" stands for Huron, Ontario, Michigan,
Erie, and Superior. Using mnemonic devices can
be really helpful when studying for a test.

72. Spaced repetition

This technique is based on the idea that it's more
effective to study material over a period of time,
rather than cramming it all in at once. You might

39
study a topic for a short period of time, and then
come back to it again in a few hours, a day, or a
week. This gives your brain time to process and
consolidate the information, which can help you
remember it for longer.

Research has shown that it can help you learn

more efficiently and retain information for a
longer period of time. It can also make studying
less stressful, since you're not trying to cram
everything in at the last minute.
In addition, spaced repetition can help you
identify and focus on areas that you're struggling
with, which can lead to a deeper understanding of
the material.
73. Interleaving
It involves mixing up different topics or types of
problems when you're studying. For example, if
you're studying math, you might work on
problems involving addition, subtraction,
multiplication, and division in one study session,
rather than focusing on just one type of problem
at a time.
This can help you become more flexible and
adaptable in your thinking, and it can make you
better at solving new and unfamiliar problems.

40
74. Retrieval practice
It involves actively trying to remember
information rather than just reading or re-reading
it. You might do this by making flashcards or
creating practice tests for yourself. Retrieval
practice can be challenging, but it's one of the
most effective ways to learn and retain
information in the long term.

75. Dual coding

It involves using both words and images to learn
and remember information. For example, if
you're trying to remember the definition of a
word, you might draw a picture that represents
that word, as well as writing down the definition.
This can help you create a more robust memory
for the information, making it easier to recall
later on. It can also be a lot of fun!

76. Elaborative interrogation

It involves asking yourself questions as you're
learning information. For example, if you're
trying to remember the capital of a country, you
might ask yourself questions like "What makes
this city the capital?", "How does this city
compare to other cities in this country?" or "What
historical events took place in this city?"

41
This helps you engage with the information more
deeply and understand it on a deeper level.

77. Distributed practice

It's the idea that it's more effective to study over a
longer period of time, rather than cramming right
before a test. So, instead of studying for four
hours the night before a test, you might spread
that studying out over the course of a week.

This gives your brain more time to process and

retain the information, and it reduces the stress
and anxiety that can come with last-minute
studying.

78. The self-explanation effect

This is where you explain the information to
yourself, rather than just reading or hearing it.
For example, if you're learning about a historical
event, you might ask yourself questions like
"Why did this event happen?" or "What were the
causes and effects of this event?" By explaining
the information to yourself, you're making
connections in your brain and building a deeper
understanding of the material.

79. Context-dependent memory effect

It's the idea that if you study in the same

42
environment that you'll be tested in, you're more
likely to remember the information. So, if you'll
be taking a test in a classroom, you might study
in a classroom or a library. By creating a similar
context for studying and testing, you're helping
your brain associate the two events and
remember the information more effectively.

80. Sensory-specific memory effect

This is the idea that if you use multiple senses to
study, you're more likely to remember the
information. Instead of just reading information
from a book, you might also listen to an
audiobook or watch a video on the same topic.

Using different senses to study helps you create

more connections in your brain and remember
the information more effectively.

81. Prioritize your subjects based on your

academic strengths and weaknesses
Not all subjects are created equally, and everyone
has subjects they're naturally good at and subjects
they struggle with. Focus your efforts on the
subjects you're weaker in, while maintaining a
good standard in your stronger subjects.
That way you can make sure you don't neglect
your weaker subjects while still getting good

43
grades in your stronger ones.

82. Writing notes

Writing notes is very important. Below are some
of the reasons why:
1. It helps you remember what you learnt.
2. It helps you to reorganize the information
in a way you best understand.
3. It is an active study method, which
promotes your concentration tendency.
4. It is useful for revising material for
examinations and test.

83. After the examination

After the examination, just lay calm. Above all,
thank God for his assistance and guidance, and
don’t bother yourself with facts you cannot
change, the script has already been submitted.

44
By Live Dan Chauke
Welcome to the transformative odyssey that is "In
It to Win It," a detailed roadmap navigating the
intricate waters of O level and A level exams.
Beyond a mere anthology of knowledge, this
guide is a symphony of self-discipline, respect,
and the unwavering dedication to exceed
ordinary expectations.

In the school corridors, respect echoes through

time. As the saying goes, "Respect for ourselves
guides our morals, respect for others guides our
manners." Upholding respect for elders and
oneself sets the stage for a harmonious learning
environment, and fostering relationships crucial
to academic success.

Self-discipline, the master key to academic

achievement, is encapsulated in the profound
words, "With self-discipline, anything is
possible." It's the force propelling you forward
when challenges seem insurmountable, shaping
character and fortitude for a fulfilling educational
journey.

This guide encourages you to transcend

prescribed boundaries. In the words of Albert

45
Einstein, "Education is not the learning of facts,
but the training of the mind to think." Going the
extra mile isn't a mere metaphor; it's an
unwavering commitment to surpass expectations,
embodying Winston Churchill's timeless wisdom:
"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the
courage to continue that counts."

Consider the dynamic realm of study groups – an

intellectual haven where ideas flourish and
understanding expands. An African proverb
wisely notes, "If you want to go fast, go alone. If
you want to go far, go together." Engaging with
peers allows you to tap into a collective pool of
knowledge, offering diverse perspectives that
enrich your academic journey.

Time, the most precious of commodities,

demands thoughtful management. Good time
management, often the secret to success, is
encapsulated in Benjamin Franklin's timeless
advice: "Dost thou love life? Then do not
squander time, for that's the stuff life is made of."
Learn to navigate the academic terrain efficiently,
balancing study sessions, leisure, and rest to
maximize productivity while maintaining a
harmonious equilibrium.

46
You too have the potential to turn challenges into
triumphs. "In It to Win It" is your guide, your
companion on this transformative journey.
Success awaits, and you are undeniably IN IT,
TO WIN IT!

47
Other books and services by T.I.M
Innovations

Services:
Child leadership/ Prefects Board Training
Media Coverage for Schools
Academic Mentorship Programs
Coaching Services [Debate, Public Speaking,
Drama & Poetry]
And Many More

48
About T.I.M Innovations

Founded in 2022, T.I.M Innovations is a

youth-led and focused non-governmental
organization registered with the Ministry of
Youth, Arts, Sports, and Culture. Our mission is
to combat social ills such as drug and substance
abuse, bullying, and teenage pregnancy through
creative literature and educational materials.

Our Achievements

Since our inception, we've been driven by the

motto "Possibility is an Option." We're proud of
our accomplishments:

1. Established Live To Inspire, a charity

organization.

2. Conducted donation drives (stationery, food,

clothes) at Samathonga Primary School.

3. Hosted a fun day at Zara Center Trust.

4. Organized an anti-drug and substance abuse

campaign at Nketa 8 Community Hall.

5. Published 5 books, including a collaborative

anthology with local high schools and youths.

49
Recent Milestones

Launched a Mentorship Program in 2024, with

majority of beneficiaries achieving Grade B or
better in their exams.

Produced a collaborative public speaking manual

and established More Than A Speech Public
Speaking Academy.

T.I.M Innovations continues to create positive

change in our community through innovative
initiatives and collaborations.

50