New pattern of science paper boggles students

CHANDIGARH: Going by the queries received at the CBSE helpline, it seems that a large number of students preparing for their class X examinations are still not clear about the new pattern of science question paper.
What is surprising is the fact that a majority of these students are from reputed schools. The queries show that teachers have not done their homework well while guiding students.
KB DAV, Sector 7, principal Madhu Bahl, who is managing the CBSE helpline, said, "It is surprising that with just a few days to go for the examinations, the students are not even clear on the pattern of the question paper.''''
According to the changed format, this year, the science question paper would have two sections - section A covering physics and chemistry and section B for biology.
The question paper would not have any overall choice, but some of the questions would carry an internal choice. Bahl said that some of the schools had given the old pattern question paper in their pre-board exams. ‘‘This shows a high degree of carelessness on part of the schools,'''' she said.
This year, two examiners--one for physics and chemistry and another for biology--would evaluate the science paper. Laxity on part of the schools would be brought to the notice of CBSE authorities, said Bahl.
Students have also come up with stressrelated problems. Bahl said that a special session would be held on Wednesday on the school premises for students who were facing major stress-related problems. A PGI psychologist would hold personal meetings with the students.
There were many students whose preparations were limited to last few days and were looking for ‘short-cut'' methods to clear the examinations. Bahl said that these students were being advised to go for a thorough study of limited topics apart from consulting the sample papers. Besides the telephone helpline, the CBSE was also providing ecounselling to the students.
The board has created two e-mail accounts--directoracad@hotmail.com and cepavnesh@hotmail.com-- through which students could send in their queries to the CBSE authorities.