Exam Preparation: Ten Study Tips
Do not postpone your exam preparations for the last minute. A little bit of strategic planning is all it takes to get the most out of your study sessions. Ten simple practices that can help you stay focused and approach any test with confidence are listed below.
Know about exam pattern and syllabus Make it a point to be absolutely clear about the type of questions, the number of questions, marking scheme, sections covered and duration of the exam well in advance. Analyze the pattern of question papers and get familiar with the format and nature of questions beforehand. The scheme of marking as well as criteria for writing answers can also tell you a lot about how to approach any exam well in advance.
Prioritize the subjects you need to work on: Commit your time to the projects and assignments where you feel you are weak.
Create a time table: Define what you will do while you study by assigning specific time slots to specific activities. For instance, you can reserve one hour in the morning for going through five chapters from your biology textbook. Being specific would increase your focus and organization. This way, you would not feel overwhelmed by all the stuff you have not gone through yet.
Solve practice question papers: This is the easiest way to train your mind to be familiar with the structure of the exam. Practicing on previous year’s question papers, essay topics, and other materials would also keep your exam stress in check.
Stay away from distractions: Avoid checking social media notifications while you are studying. This simple practice can increase your ability to absorb and retain information to a significant extent. It is also expected to help inefficient use of your time.
Take breaks in-between study sessions: Take a five minute break after every one hour of intensive study to keep your mind focused. You can use this time to take a walk, stretch out, or just‘be in the moment’ to allow your body to produce more fuel for studying.
Play music to enhance concentration: According to recent studies, listening to music can have a positive impact on your reasoning and intelligence. Music offers non-invasive noise and elicits enjoyable feelings from listeners, which in turn counterbalances the unconscious mind’s tendency to wander away.
Prepare Notes: Create your own study notes and mark important concepts in bold which would help you a lot when you are revising the topics just before the exams.
Take care of your health: Eat healthy meals, drink lots of water every day, and exercise for at least half an hour daily to stay healthy during exam time. Get sufficient sleep so that your body and mind are fully energized, which in turn can help you to give exams your best shot.
Talk to parents/teachers: Seek guidance from teachers/parents in case you are feeling overwhelmed about the upcoming exams. The positivity and reassurance derived from these meetings can encourage you to do better every day.
Start Now: Start learning, practicing and revising at the earliest. Do not procrastinate.
