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Think Positively During an Exam

Take notes and answer questions here.

Review

Talk about how you feel when you take an exam. Do you feel stressed or anxious? What do you do to manage your anxiety during an exam?

Learn

Negative thoughts can add to the stress you feel and make it difficult for you to prepare for or think clearly during an exam. Read the story below about John, a young man taking an exam.

John looked at the clock on the wall nervously. The minutes were passing by, and he was running out of time on his exam. He knew if he passed his exam, he would be able to attend a very good school. If he did not, he would have to wait to retake his exam, and his parents would be very sad.

As John looked at the next question, he imagined his mother’s sad face if he failed his exam. His heart began to beat quickly as he thought about how upset his father would be if he failed. He tried to read the next question, but he could not focus on the paper in front of him, and he could not think of the correct answer. A voice in his mind began to say, “You will fail. You cannot do this. Give up.”

Have you ever felt like John during an exam? Have you felt worried and struggled to focus? One way to manage such worries is to repeat to yourself positive statements like these:

• “I am prepared for this.”

• “I can handle this situation.”

• “These nervous feelings are normal. I am strong and I can overcome them.”

• “I am in control of my thoughts and feelings. I can breathe calmly.”

Read the rest of John’s story below. Notice how thinking more positively helps him.

John took a deep breath. He realized that his thoughts were making it impossible for him to think and focus, and he worried he would not finish his exam. He closed his eyes and said a silent prayer. “Heavenly Father, please help me. I have worked very hard to study for this exam, and I am prepared. Please help me focus and be calm.”

illustration of boy writing on paper

John breathed deeply in and out three times. He felt a peaceful feeling. He opened his eyes, read through the question carefully, and found the correct answer. He said a small prayer of thanks as he continued to work on his exam.

Activity

• What is a negative thought you have had when you were preparing for or taking an exam?

• What are some positive statements you can tell yourself when you are preparing for or taking an exam?

• Share your positive statements with a partner. Write down any additional statements that may help you have a more positive attitude before you take an exam.

Talk with Your Family

Talk with your family about the positive statements you can tell yourself to help you on your exam.