Do you want to get an excellent grade on your exams? Then create a study schedule and set aside at least 30 minutes a day for reviewing materials and study cards. On the day of the test, read the material one more time and try to stay calm during the test. Answer the simpler questions first and go back to the more difficult ones later to avoid wasting time. Don't forget to review the entire test before submitting it to detect possible errors or incorrect answers.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Studying for the Test
Step 1. Pay attention and take good notes in class
Participate during the classes and make sure you understand the material. Take good notes so that you can review them as you study and do all the assigned tasks. If there is something you don't understand about the class, ask the teacher!
- Make sure to keep all homework, pop quizzes, supplies, daily notes, and class assignments so you can study.
- Avoid missing classes, especially during the days leading up to the exam.
Step 2. Start studying the first day you are assigned a job
Ideally, you should start studying as the class goes through the material, rather than planning a few study sessions just before the big day. For example, you can review your notes immediately after school or before doing homework each night.
Check the planned date of the exam in the syllabus and start studying as soon as possible. Set aside at least a few weeks to prepare
Step 3. Study at least 30 minutes every day
To absorb most of the information, it is best to study for at least 20 to 30 minutes every day for the weeks leading up to the test. Set aside a 30-minute block a day to review your notes and flashcards, read new chapters, and take practice tests.
- Short sessions of intense study are more effective than sessions that are too long. Avoid studying for more than 45 minutes without taking a break.
- Try to rewrite your class notes every day to memorize them.
Step 4. Ask your teacher for study materials and information about the exam
Ask your teacher to confirm the chapters that will be covered in the exam, the main topics and the format it will take. Another good idea is to ask if there are any study guides or practice tests that you can use to prepare for the test. The teachers will want you to get a good result and will be happy to provide you with this information.
- For example, you can ask if the test will have multiple options, short answers, or essay questions to give you a general idea of what the test will look like.
- Attend the review sessions that your teacher offers.
- Find out if there are any assignments that provide additional credits that you can complete.
Step 5. Create your own study guides in addition to using the materials provided
Flashcards are an excellent study tool, especially if you have to memorize vocabulary, concepts, names, or specific dates. Spend some time preparing the cards and review them every day until you memorize the answers correctly. You can also create your own practice tests or ask a friend to ask you questions.
- If you don't want to make flashcards by hand, look for free flashcard apps on your phone.
- Try different study methods to find the one that works best for you. For example, you can prepare mind maps, make flashcards, summarize notes, or use a combination of these strategies.
Step 6. Adapt your study strategies to the type of test and the subject to be evaluated
If you have to study for an assessment that requires memorization (like history or science), use flashcards and review keywords. For math tests, it is more important to understand the technique to solve any problem that requires it. Review the practice problems in your book and make sure you do all the assignments. Focus on the underlying concepts, ideas, and themes for essay and literature tests. Try to be able to explain the concepts in your own words when answering essay questions.
- Focus on keywords and concise answers for short answers and multiple-choice test questions.
- For essay questions, make sure you understand and can explain the most important concepts clearly.
Step 7. Study with a friend or study group to commit to each other
Studying with a friend or a group can help you keep up with your assignments. It's also a lot of fun! Pick a few days or weeks to study with other people. They can ask each other questions, seek help with things they don't understand, share study material, and motivate each other to succeed on the test.
If your classmates don't take studying seriously, you might be better off studying alone
Part 2 of 2: Succeed in the test
Step 1. Get plenty of rest the night before the exam
It is very important that you are rested and ready to take the exam the next day. Therefore, make sure you get a good night's sleep. Don't stay late studying or get too anxious. Go through your study material as you normally would and go to bed at an appropriate time.
Step 2. Review the study material before class begins
Bring all your study materials with you on the day of the test. Review them during lunch, between classes, and during all the free moments you have. However, don't pressure yourself to absorb a lot of information at once or allow anxiety to take over. Read the material calmly and be sure to review topics that have been difficult for you in the past.
Go through the flashcards a few times before taking the quiz to get fresh concepts
Step 3. Keep calm before the test.
Meditate, take deep breaths from your diaphragm, and think positive before entering the classroom. Remember that you have studied a lot and that you are fully prepared for the exam. Visualize yourself succeeding. You can do it!
- Make sure to go to the bathroom before the start of the test so you don't have to go during the test.
- It is normal to experience anxiety before a test. Avoid holding on to fear and focus on the task at hand.
Step 4. Take a look at the entire exam before you start writing your answers
As soon as your teacher hands you the test, take a few minutes to review it completely. Read the instructions carefully once or twice. Once you know exactly what the test is about, you can maintain an appropriate pace.
If there is something you don't understand, raise your hand and ask your teacher to explain
Step 5. Circle or underline the keywords as you read the questions
Read all the questions once or twice before beginning to answer everything. Search for keywords in each question and circle or underline or highlight them. For example, a series of multiple choice questions can include important keywords such as "all", "always", "never", "none", "some", "many", "some" and "sometimes".
- Pay attention to important instructions like "check all correct answers" and "write the least likely answer."
- You can also write annotations that arise in your mind in the margins, if allowed.
Step 6. Answer the easier questions at the beginning
Go ahead and get the easier questions out of the way. Don't get bogged down with a question you can't figure out, as you could waste valuable time. After finishing the easier questions, go back to the more difficult ones to solve them.
For example, if your test has a multiple-choice section and an essay question, get the multiple-choice questions out of the way first. Then focus on the essay questions. Solve the easier essay questions first, then focus on the more difficult ones
Step 7. Review all of your answers before handing in the test
Double check everything to make sure you haven't missed questions or pages. Check the back of each page! Reread each question and your answer to detect possible errors. Be thorough and careful. Once you're sure everything seems fine, turn in the proof and pat yourself on the back.
Warnings
- Don't push yourself too hard. Just relax! Study and strive to do your best.
- Avoid procrastinating.
- Do not cheat.