0 Exam Tips
0 Exam Tips
0 Exam Tips
CONTENTS
Click on the heading you are interested in to find the correct place in the
document:
Preparing to study
Taking notes
Learning new vocabulary
Approaching a reading text
Approaching a writing task
Taking an exam
Preparing to study
When you are preparing to study, think about the following things:
LOCATION. Make sure you have plenty of space for your books, and plenty
of light to help you read.
ALONE / IN A GROUP. Most people find that they can concentrate best
when they work alone. However, sometimes it can be fun and rewarding to
work with other people, too. Why not ask a friend to test you on vocabulary or
grammar?
FREQUENCY. If you leave all your studying till the last possible moment, you
will find it much more difficult, and you are much more likely to forget the
information you have just revised. It is better to study for shorter periods of
time on a regular basis, than to spend many hours revising all at the last
minute. Remember to take regular breaks, too!
NOISE / QUIET. Many people prefer to study quietly. However, some people
work more effectively while listening to music. Studies have shown that quiet,
instrumental music (such as classical music) is best for helping you
concentrate. Loud rock music is the least effective type of music!
HEALTH. It is important to eat well and take some exercise while you are
studying. This will help your brain, as well as your body. Try not to eat too
much unhealthy, sugary food while you are studying. It will help you
concentrate for a short while, but it can make you feel more tired afterwards!
Taking notes
In class, your teacher will give you useful language tips and vocabulary to help you
with your studies. It is important to take good notes to help you improve your English.
BEFORE CLASS. Read the notes that you made in the last lesson. This will
help you revise and remember new material, and will prepare you more
effectively for the next lesson.
DURING CLASS. Pay careful attention to what your teacher is saying. If she
or he tells you something you didnt know, write it down! Make sure to write
down all the information he or she writes on the board. If you are not sure
about the meaning of a particular word, write a question mark (?) next to it.
You can then ask your teacher what it means, or look up the definition of the
word in a dictionary after class.
AFTER CLASS. Read the notes you have just made. Is everything clear? If
your notes are not clear, write them out again neatly. Check any information
you are not sure about in a reference book or dictionary. If you are still not
sure, ask a friend for help, or ask your teacher in the next lesson.
Taking an exam
Taking an exam can feel quite stressful, but here are a few tips to help you perform
at your best:
BEFORE THE EXAM. Write a study plan and make sure you follow it!
Decide which subjects you are going to study, and when you are
going to study them. Remember: it is better to study each subject
regularly and frequently than to try to revise everything at once. Follow
the tips given in Preparing to study above. Make sure you allow
enough time for fun and exercise, too: it is important to feel healthy
and relaxed.
DURING THE EXAM. DONT PANIC! Make sure your read all the
questions carefully. Try to answer every question, even if you are not
sure of the answer. Allow enough time to read through all your
answers at the end and correct any mistakes.
AFTER THE EXAM. Well done! Now you can relax. Try not to worry
too much about the exam after you have finished it. It wont change
your results, and it might make you more stressed and worried for
your next exam. Make sure you allow some time for a bit of fun and
celebration after you have finished your exams: you deserve it!