Students find learning historical facts and the analysis of these in the history lessons 'boring', 'not required' or 'irrelevant'. However, the need of the hour is to 'get on top' despite these stumbling blocks in our thinking. There is a scientific way to 'beat' any mind-set. It is the 'how' and 'what' you need to prepare for in the examination. If one could read what has been discussed in the class as a story everyday, it will get ingrained in your mind and you will never forget the facts.

	Gayathri Ramachandran

Important areas in the subject and important questions:
The 'important areas' in the course content always attract the paper setters. You must prepare a list of topics that the course carries and not be satisfied with only preparing the answers.
• You should definitely prepare the sequence of events in the story of our struggle for Independence.
• Gandhiji's role in uniting the people of the country and how his Non-cooperation Movement was different from the earlier methods is a sure shot question as the objective here is to make the youth realise the importance of Non-violence in a world torn apart by violence of every form.
• Focus on instances that brought about Hindu-Muslim unity in the freedom movement.
• The leading movements that Gandhiji launched - the Non-cooperation Movement, the Civil Disobedience Movement and the Quit India Movement and their significance are important. Do not miss out the twin objectives of uniting different Indian communities as well as challenging the mighty British Empire with the strongest-ever weapon -- Non-violence.
• The Congress sessions at Chennai for the resolution of 'Poorna Swaraj', the Karachi session for the resolution on fundamental rights and economic reforms and the Lahore session for the three important resolutions - all have important significance, as they are the building stones of our new policies after gaining independence.
• The Heritage of India is replete with our cultural heritage in literature, monuments, arts, music and architecture. Though the lesson is divided as ancient, medieval and modern, more focus should be paid to the ancient period - art in the Harappan civilisation, Vedic literature, Sangam Literature, the Gupta Period and the Golden Age of Indian literature and architecture with reference to temple architecture. At least one contribution of poets, musicians, dramatists, and rulers in each period must be learned. Prepare a table as you would prepare for a quiz.
• The unity seen in our country despite the various differences is an all time favourite topic for examiners.
A quick take
Now here is the quick-take at the preparation strategy in the remaining few weeks and also a look at how to avoid common errors:
• Prepare topics in History under the heads: social, economic, and political. Reading the textbook without any focus will hinder your recall at the time of the exam.
• Your answers must appeal to the psychology of the examiner by presenting a neatly written answer where the key points are highlighted by underlining them. This is particularly important, as these are the answers that the examiner is looking for. For this reason, be organised in the way you make notes during your revision time. Instead of going over the answer mentally or by writing them or even reading them, it would be beneficial to write only the key words.
• The questions must be read well and understood. Any confusion in the understanding of the question leads to fully or partially incorrect answers.
• While learning an answer in History, look up the place in the prescribed Atlas to be familiar with its location. It helps to remember the place as well as to recall the answer associated with the place effectively.
Good luck!