Studying for an exam can be quite stressful. The best way to study is to spend several hours with the material going over new information many times until you truly learn the concepts. Most sources say that you don't have to wait until the last five minutes before the exam to study, but if you've actually waited until then, there are a few ways you can use those five minutes to your advantage. You can also use these tips if you have already studied but want to use the last five minutes for additional review.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Relax and Stay Focused
Step 1. Take a deep breath
You only have five minutes left, but don't focus on it or worry about how bad you might fare on the test. Clear your mind and try to think only of the material that you remember learning and that will be evaluated on the exam.
Step 2. Write down your concerns
During a study of highly anxious ninth graders who were required to take a biology final, they found that students who took a few minutes to write down the topics they were concerned about gave a better test than those who sat silently. during those minutes. This technique tends to work especially well with people who worry constantly, because worry clouds your thinking and could cause you to mis-answer questions you may know.
Step 3. Do a simple review
Create a quick list of the most important points of the material: characters and plot, formulas or important dates and events. Try to do it from memory, but if you can't, take a look at your notes for a couple of minutes to get started and then start writing.
Step 4. Use all available time as additional study time
You may actually have more than five minutes if you remember the exam early enough. You could use the trip to school, lunch, a break, or the time between classes before the class in which you will be tested.
Method 2 of 3: Take a look and memorize
Step 1. Carefully select the information that you will read quickly
Since you don't have a lot of time, you should focus on the parts that you think are likely to go into the exam or where you think you can get more points. Read the words in bold in the text and their definitions. If there are no words in bold, then quickly read other important information to review: dates, events, etc.
If you're taking a math test, take advantage of the quick review to review the formulas. Make sure you understand how to solve the problems using the formulas
Step 2. Memorize flashcards, if you have one
Flashcards are a great way to review math formulas and definitions. Go through them as quickly as you can and try to say the definitions or complete the formulas without looking at the back.
Step 3. Say the information you reviewed out loud
Repeating information out loud is very helpful in remembering it. If you made flashcards, repeat the information out loud as you will most likely not be able to use them during the test.
Step 4. Go to the back of the chapter or package and read the review questions
This is a great way to stay focused on what you really need to remember for the exam. Try to remember the most important points the questions make and write them down.
Step 5. Read the study guide
If your teacher has given you a study guide, that's great news! Please read it carefully. If you have time, read it again. And one more time. If it's a study guide with questions, hopefully you've already answered those questions. Most likely, the material in the study guide is what you will be asked on the exam.
Step 6. Repeat the notes to yourself
Whether you are using the chapter review questions or a study guide, try to focus on the most important questions and repeat the answers to yourself quickly.
Step 7. Use rhymes, songs, or mnemonics
A good last-minute memorization technique is to use these resources for the answers to the review questions. Musically inclined students will probably find it helpful to create rhymes or a song to memorize the information. A mnemonic device is a memory association tool that you can use to help you remember something. The most common type is the mnemonic of names, such as: Victoria, Queen of England. V = R • I (voltage equals resistance times intensity).
Step 8. Make a list of the important details
Depending on the subject, make a quick list of dates, characters, plot point, or formulas. Anything you can get from your memory will be a useful review in five minutes.
Method 3 of 3: Ask a friend to review with you
Step 1. Choose a friend you trust
Studying aloud is a very useful way to remember information. If you listen to the information and talk about it, you are more likely to remember it. Just be sure to choose a friend who has surely studied and understands the material.
Step 2. Talk about the material
Ask your friend if they can exchange their notes so you can quickly read theirs. After your friend has told you what he remembers learning during the study, repeat what he said out loud, now using your own words. Doing so will help you better remember what you studied while you are taking the test.
Step 3. Ask questions and pay attention
If you're not sure what something your friend said means, ask about it. Don't stop asking until you've understood everything. Match what you already know to what your friend says and talk about the test material. Finding out together what to watch out for will help both of you.
Step 4. Ask each other questions
Using your notes, ask each other basic questions about what you think you need to know for the test. Chat about how well both of you will do on the test!
Advice
- Be honest. Don't make up lies about why you didn't study and don't cheat. If you are caught lying or cheating, you will get a zero on the test and possibly get additional punishment.
- If you have a genuine reason why you haven't had time to study (soccer practice, then piano lessons, then other activities, or some kind of real family emergency), talk to your teacher. If you are a young student, you could ask your parents to write a note and take it to your teacher. He may give you some extra time before you take the test, but you will need to be understanding if he tells you that you had enough time to study anyway.
Warnings
- If you try to stuff your mind with knowledge at the last minute, chances are you'll get a bad grade. Do your best not to leave everything to the last minute.
- Studying for the exam in the middle of another class is a bad idea. You'll miss out on valuable information from the class you're currently taking, repeating the cycle of trying to stuff your mind with last-minute knowledge.