Political science examines the events of politics of both the state and the government. Political science investigates the various forms of political organizations and systems. It encourages a systematic inquiry into the source of these institutions. This subject is very helpful for your future endeavours and needs constant diligence and revision. Political science textbooks can be a little dull and can hinder your learning skills. So, here are some methods to help you prepare for your Political Science apart from studying from your textbook:
- Conceptual Knowledge: Avoid cramming and learn to gain concept-based knowledge. If the key concepts are clear to you, then you will be able to answer any question that comes your way. Create a map for reaching all the concepts one by one and make sure you don’t leave anything untouched. Concentrate on understanding rather than memorizing. For more insight on your topics look into past & present cases related to them.
- Study Material: Exercises given at the end of the chapters in the Class 11 Political Science NCERT Book are very useful and helpful. They should be paid special attention to as they can help in giving you a good practice of what you have learned so far. You should also refer to the external reference book for a better understanding.
- Stay Woke: Get acquainted with all the political news going on around you. Make a habit of reading newspapers and watching the news shows to wrap your head around what are the current topics. Seeing argumentative TV shows can be a great way to learn and formulate an opinion of your own. Opinion-based questions are very prevailing so you will be ready for them. Such TV shows also increase your knowledge on the topic as they are more visual and interactive. Read books other than your textbooks: Reading popular publications revolving around political science is also a great way to grasp the concepts. If you dig in and find the books or autobiographies of politicians then you are able to hear their sides of the story. You are able to connect with the topic on a visceral level.
- Study Evolution: After getting familiar with all the concepts and events you should connect them to how things work nowadays. After careful observation, you would be able to find an evolving pattern in these things and this could be very beneficial in getting the hang of the chapters.
- Follow the syllabus: The syllabus set by the CBSE is very comprehensive and composed. It’s made in such a way that the students are able to get intimate with all the political affairs and events that have ever occurred. If you follow the syllabus obediently then you will be able to crack up your exams without any resistance.
- Question papers: Previous year’s question papers and sample papers are very important for a thorough revision. They help you in getting accustomed to the paper pattern and the marks distribution. After solving a bunch of them you will be able to acknowledge your weaknesses and vulnerabilities. You will be able to self-assess yourself in terms of qualities like time management and conceptual clarity.
- Confidence is key: Developing your confidence is very important. You should not be entering your exam room in a bunch of tremors. Gaining confidence is possible only if you address your weak point and sort them out. You need to face your weaknesses and clear them up because they can be a big reason behind exam jitters.
- Note-making: Notes are very important when it comes to political science. Minute details that might be necessary should all be jotted down in your notes. These details come in handy when you revise for your exams. Making clear and brief notes isn’t very hard and should be done more while taking classes.
- Study groups: You should formulate a study group to get more practised. Study groups are proven very effective and help the student get more knowledge. You get to know the things that you might have left untouched. You can also form debate groups with your friends to have an intimate debate session to hear everyone’s opinion and knowledge.
- Get Help: Clear and discuss your doubts with your friends and teachers. You shouldn’t leave any of your doubts unsolved as they can reflect on your results directly. You can also talk to your seniors as they have been through the same and would be able to guide you better.
- Flashcards: You can use flashcards to remember important and relevant definitions. Flashcards make it very easy and comfortable to go through hard topics. They are an interactive way of learning things. You can also make a pop quiz with your friends.
- Important Topics: You should have all the important topics on your tips. Some of them are:
- Political Theory – (Importance, Application, Success)
- Freedom – (Advantages, Limitations, Freedom of expression, Personal & Economic Liberty)
- Equality – (Natural & Social Inequalities, Economic equality, Equality of opportunity, Equal Rights)
- Social Justice – (Principles, Economic Justice, Political Rights, Legal Justice, Moral Justice)
- Rights – ( Rights of tribal people, Rights of children, Political, Economic & Cultural Rights)
- Citizenship – (Rights of a citizen, Refugee rights, Universal Citizenship)
- Nationalism – (Rights of self-determination, Factors, Emergence of Nationalist feelings)
- Secularism – (Characteristics, Western & Indian model of secularism, Principled distance, Discrimination)
- Peace – (Protection of citizens, Violence, Establishment of peace, Terrorism)
- Sleep: Sleep is an important aspect when it comes to your exams. If you are not sleeping for at least 8 hours a day then you might be making your mind and body unhealthy and unfit. To keep a stable mind during your exam, you should have a good sleeping schedule.
Using these tips will surely help you in achieving what you need. Do not stress and stay cool during your exam as stress can be a killer of grades. Follow a healthy diet so that you don’t feel lazy and bulky while studying. Make a proper area for carrying out your studies and make this place sacred for studying and studying, only.
