REV ISIO N AND EXAMINAT IO N T

REV ISIO N AND EXAMINAT IO N T EC HNIQUES
R E V I S I O N
T h e r e a r e n u m e r o u s w a y s o f r e v i s i n g f o r e x a m s b u t the most effective
ones involve a degree of active engagement with the material.
Look carefully at past exam papers and seek advice from experienced
tutors. Posed and answered by yourself some questions:
• What are the core or key subject areas which have questions
every year?
• What are trends or patterns in question types common to recent
exams.
• What elements of the course you are strong and confident in and
areas you are not so comptent in? (This will help you to decide on
the amount of attention you need to give to your weaknesses).
• What is your preferred learning style? (when you prepare for
exam revision - Consider whethe you would benefit from revising
with a friend, within a small group or alone).
Drawn up a Revision Plan.
• How much time will you need to devote to various subject areas?
• Break your revision plan into smaller daily chunks and set yourself
realistic targets for each session. (As you successfully cover the
topic(s) set you naturally feel good about it, enhancing positive
reinforcement of your efforts)
Implement your Revision Plan
• Indentify a key revision task for a topic area you enjoy (focus on
these first and move to deal with your weaker subjects later).
• Decide on a time of day or night when you are regularly free and
able to concentrate fully on the task in hand.
• To begin with at least, the task should not be given more than
about 30 minutes, or slightly longer (40-45 minutes) but divided
by a short break
• Trying to do exact scheduled time and ensure the task
uninterrupted for the full duration of the period allocated.
• In starting to work at the same time for each session, the initial
goal is to focus on time allocation rather than completing a
specific task. In other words, you are developing a habit and
establishing a routine
• Try to keep this up over the number of weeks you have decided is
adequate to prepare for the exams you are taking. Track/ record
your own progress.
• Begin with your stronger subjects first, the weaker one after.
• P r e v i e w the text you are about to read.Skim the headings, subheadings, introduction and conclusion.
• H i g h l i g h t k e y i n f o r m a t i o n whilst you read; this can be done by
marking or underlining important areas of the text (photocopied
of course!).
• Summarise the key points separately (one by one), highlighting
patterns and linking main and supporting ideas drawn from
different sources
• Test yourself or have a friend test you on those key points listed in
your summaries. (Again, this is positive reinforcement on the one
hand, and an opportunity to identify and work on weaknesses at
the same time).
• The more organised and timely your revision schedule is, the
more confident you are going to feel.
EXAMINATION
Taking the Exam
• The most important thing about exam preparation is to start it
well before the actual exams themselves. Get your revision plan
drawn up and practice self-discipline in carrying it out. There is
nothing more stressful or less effective in terms of results than
leaving it all to the last minute and frantically involving yourself in
late night ‘cramming’.
• Once the exam is underway it is important not to panic and launch
yourself straight into it without spending some time looking
carefully at the questions and any instructions included.
• Read the question paper through carefully, underlining key words
and instructions.
• If a choice is offered, mark the questions on your stronger topic
areas.
• To ensure that you understand exactly what the question is asking
of you, read it carefully and underline key vocabulary items,
especially action or task words such as: analyse, compare,
c o n t r a s t , d e s c r i b e , d i s c u s s , e v a l u a t e , i d e n t i f y .
• M a k i n g a s i m p l e , b r i e f p l a n f o r e a c h q u e s t i o n y o u d e c i d e t o
a n s w e r i s c r i t i c a l i f y o u a r e t o cover all the key aspects expected
by the examiner..
• Trust the knowledge and skills you have acquired during your
revision.
• Avoid getting into conversations with other students immediately
before the exam. This may add to nervousness or uncertainty.
• Make sure that you allocate enough time to answer all the
required questions. Do not focus on two/three/four questions
only.
• Leave around five minutes at the end of each essay question
answered to ensured that you have covered the points outlined in
your brief plan. Make any necessary corrections or adjustments
• The most important thing about exam preparation is to start it
well before the actual exams themselves. Get your revision plan
drawn up and practice self-discipline in carrying it out. There is
nothing more stressful or less effective in terms of results than
leaving it all to the last minute and frantically involving yourself in
late night ‘cramming’. Try to make the most of your preferred
learning style when revising and be active!