The answer key is tempting when a question looks unfamiliar, especially after a long school day. But reading a worked answer can create recognition without showing whether you could solve the problem yourself. A short attempt—even an incomplete one—gives you better information about what to review.
Make an Honest First Attempt
Choose three to five questions from the chapter and set aside your notes for the first attempt. In mathematics, write the known values and the operation you think applies; in a language exercise, draft the response before searching for a model answer. If you get stuck, mark the point where your reasoning stops rather than leaving the page blank.
That mark is useful evidence. It may show that you have forgotten a definition, missed a step in a calculation, or misunderstood what the question is asking. Return to the chapter explanation or revision notes for that specific point instead of rereading everything.
Read Solutions for Their Steps
After attempting the questions, compare your work with the NCERT Solutions or answer section. Follow the reasoning line by line and identify where your method differs, even when both answers look similar. For longer responses, check whether the answer includes the key idea and enough explanation, not only the final phrase.
Write down one correction in your own words, such as a formula you applied too early or a term you confused with another. Avoid copying a full solution into your notes unless the worked example itself is what you need to revisit. A concise correction is easier to use during revision.
Retry Without Looking
Return to the question later and solve it again with the answer hidden. If you can explain each step, the correction has started to stick; if not, revisit the relevant section and try once more. Keep a small set of missed questions for your next study session, so practice becomes a record of what to work on rather than a count of pages completed.