The pressure of exams effects most of us during the build up towards the exam. Revision should never be left to the last minute as it just adds stress to an already tense period for students. This pressure can be viewed negatively with a view to failure already or positively to encourage you as the student to rise to the challenge of the exam and start revising as soon as you can!!
Below are five principles of effective revision in the study skills handbooks (Cottrell,p310)
Use Past exams papers
- Look for patterns in questions that may reoccur
- It is important to look for what is being asked of you in each question.
Select what to revise
- Work out answers to a range of questions that might come up so you are prepared.
- Select the most important theories
Draw up a time table
- Plan your revision daily coming up to exams
- Stick to your times you set out
- Allow time to relax
A way to start feeling comfortable before your exam is to start practicing essay style writing to help build up your speed under a time constraint. By doing this, this will enable you to get comfortable answering questions in an exam environment.
Before your exam makes sure you don’t start to read too much extra text regarding your topic as this can be very off putting and confusing. The most important thing is to trust your own instincts, be confident of your topic and what you have learned through lectures and your own personal notes.
A great video on exam preperation!!
Hi Dave, I have to say your blog is a great help. I'll be using some of your tips in January. Thanks
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