Exam and revision techniques

It's important to plan and prepare for your exams at any level of study, to avoid late-night, last-minute revision.

Make the most of your studies and hard work by taking a look at some of our top tips and techniques for revision and exam preparation.

Worried about how to cope in the exam room? We have some advice for you too.

 

Tips for effective exam revision

 

1. Know your learning style

If you are a visual learner:

• rewrite your notes as mind-maps
• use colour to highlight important facts
• draw diagrams and sketches to help you remember points

If you are an auditory learner:

• read your notes aloud
• record yourself reading key points aloud to listen back to
• revise in groups
• try singing the key points and associate them with a tune

If you are a reader and a writer:

• copy out your notes again
• read over old notes
• rewrite key points using different phrases
• try to write key points from memory, and test yourself

If you are an active learner:

• move around the room or carry out an activity as you revise
• mentally test yourself while you are exercising to see what you can remember

2. Develop a routine

• make revision a routine, and avoid simply re-reading notes:

  • Study a section of your notes, and memorise the essential points
  • Hide your notes, and try to write down everything you can remember
  • check what you've written against your notes
  • note don what you got wrong, or forgot, and learn them
• summarise essential points - use these to make flash cards, and make a different one for each topic - take these with you to revise on the go

3. Plan ahead

• make a revision timetable
• set yourself revision targets and goals
• use a checklist to follow your progress
• aim to have revision completed one week before the exam starts to give yourself flexibility, some rest and some extra time to focus on harder points
• aim to balance your time between subjects you're most confident and least confident about

4. Use old exam papers

• use as many old exam papers as you can to practice
• note the questions that come up, and their themes and frequency
• time yourself to get used to exam conditions

5. Pace yourself

• use your time effectively
• remove all distractions and structure your day
• give yourself regular breaks to help with concentration and productivity, avoiding procrastination
• get active during your breaks to rest your mind and keep your body moving

6. You are not alone

• consider revising with other people - they may be able to help you with areas you are struggling with
• hold discussions, debates and conversations - this can help you to remember key points better
• encourage and help each other - share ideas, techniques and resources

7. Reward yourself

• Celebrate targets you have reached, good results and progress (to keep yourself motivated)
• mark your progress on a revision plan or a checklist to visibly see what you have achieved

8. Look after yourself

• try to keep up a healthy diet and take breaks for meals
• avoid working while you eat
• limit your caffeine intake - tea and coffee can increase anxiety levels and make it hard to rest
• make time to exercise - around 20 minutes, two to three times a week. This will increase stamina, reduce stress and help with sleep
• get plenty of rest the night before an exam, and avoid last-minute revision during the night

 

Coping with exam conditions

Many people find sitting in an exam hall a stressful experience, so it's a good idea to be prepared for the big day. Follow our suggestions to help you keep calm and collected.

1. Eat well

Even if you don't feel hungry, try to eat a healthy meal before the exam.

2. Trust yourself

Try to avoid discussing the course and content before and after the exam. Your coursemates comments may make you more nervous or confused, and you may begin to panic. Trust your knowledge and your revision, and focus on your work.

3. Get organised

Arrive at the exam venue in good time and make sure that you have all the equipment you need. Always carry spare pens and pencils, and make sure you know in advance whether or not you need extra equipment like dictionaries or calculators.

 

4. Make yourself comfortable

Make sure that you will be warm enough, and that you are wearing suitable, comfortable clothing. You will be sitting still for a few hours as you complete your exam, so this is important. Don't forget to take a bottle of water if you want to.

5. Calm your nerves

It is normal to get nervous before an exam. Try not to panic, take deep breaths, sit down and drink some water. Remember to focus on doing your best.

6.  Take note of instructions

Make sure you read the instructions very carefully before you begin to make sure you understand them and know what is expected of you. Look through the questions, assess how much time you can spend on them, and allow a few minutes at the end of the exam to read through your paper to check your answers. Make sure you haven't missed any questions on the back of the exam paper - this is a common mistake.

7. Read the question

Make sure you read the questions carefully and be aware of how many questions you have to answer and how many marks are allocated to each. For example, if you are required to answer four questions, you will receive marks for each one. Don't spend all your time on two questions, as you'll never get more than 50%. Attempt to answer all questions if you can to increase the marks you could be given.

8. Be prepared

If you are asked to answer essay-style questions, spend some time jotting down ideas and a brief plan to help you to use your writing time effectively. This is something to practice as a revision technique.

 

We wish you the best of luck with your upcoming exams and revision.

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