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Effective Exam Study Techniques

This document provides tips for exam technique and effective study techniques. For exams, it advises reading the paper twice before writing, clearly laying out answers with labeled questions, attempting all questions even if blank is left, and using technical vocabulary. It also recommends reviewing answers and checking for mistakes. For studying, it suggests deciding on specific topics to learn, setting a timer for 15 minute active study blocks with breaks, following teacher advice on what is tested, treating homework as study not last minute work, and making study agreements with friends to stay on track. It provides a sample weekly study timetable with blocks for written work and studying different subjects each session.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
11 views2 pages

Effective Exam Study Techniques

This document provides tips for exam technique and effective study techniques. For exams, it advises reading the paper twice before writing, clearly laying out answers with labeled questions, attempting all questions even if blank is left, and using technical vocabulary. It also recommends reviewing answers and checking for mistakes. For studying, it suggests deciding on specific topics to learn, setting a timer for 15 minute active study blocks with breaks, following teacher advice on what is tested, treating homework as study not last minute work, and making study agreements with friends to stay on track. It provides a sample weekly study timetable with blocks for written work and studying different subjects each session.

Uploaded by

eoghan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Exam Technique

1. Read the paper BEFORE you put pen to paper. Every year,
students who do not do this misread questions and make silly
mistakes.
2. Read it again! All teachers allow time in their exams for you to
read the paper carefully.
3. Clearly lay out your answer. Clear, neat writing, no black pens,
highlight with red pen. Label each question clearly. Unless told, do
your favourite question first. It settles you down. In the case of
languages ALWAYS do the reading comprehension first.
4. Never leave a blank, or worse, leave out an entire question. We
can’t give you marks for fresh air but we can try to give you marks
for what you have attempted.
5. The aim of any exam is to show off all your knowledge. Be that
awful showoff!! For languages, use all that lovely new vocabulary
from your text books and notes. We are looking for it. Make sure
your diagrams for Geography, Science etc are clearly labelled and
coloured with pencil.
6. When you have finished, READ OVER what you have written
carefully. You will have made simple spelling mistakes or you
may now remember a question that you originally couldn’t do.

Study Technique.
1. Decide on what exactly you are going to study. Not ‘Im going to
study Geography’, rather, ‘I am going to learn the diagram for
Plates’
2. Set a timer for 15 mins and get into the habit of ACTIVE study.
That doesn’t mean staring at the page hoping the diagram will
sink in, it means actively drawing that diagram, copying
shamelessly from the book, 3 times and then closing everything
and seeing can you do it on your own. If you are staring and
muttering the words over and over, you may as well lick the pages
for all the good it will do you!
3. When making out your timetable, stick rigidly to timed blocks of
15 mins ACTIVE study (muscle memory) Any more than that, you
will drift off and you are wasting time. Better to do 2 active blocks
than sitting down foe an hour day dreaming.
4. Follow the advice of each teacher carefully. What is being asked of
you in the History questions? What are we looking for in Gaeilge
(beautiful vocb and the new grammar we have learned) When
studying a particular subject, make a list of what topics are being
tested and stick to that.
5. Homework IS STUDY! Stop doing it in school, on the dart and at
break. Treat it as study and you will do so much better.
6. Make an agreement with your group of friends to study at the
same time so you are not tempting each other out! Try the
following example of a study timetable:

Mon-Thur: Make two piles, 1 written and 1 study (this will change
depending on how much HW) but get written done first (carefully
because it is study) and then aim for two or three 15 min blocks as
follows
15 min……
2 min break
15 min…
5 min break water etc
15 min
Try and avoid studying similar subjects together. So never French and
Gaeilge or History and Religion
Fri eve. Written only, Uniform sorted, bag emptied and cleaned for a
new week.

Sat morn/ early afternoon Get up as normal (it’s only a couple of


weekends that you are sacrificing) and get 2-3 blocks in before rugby.
Get home, lunch etc and get another 3 blocks in. The afternoon is your
own and you have still studied potentially 6 subjects.
Sunday: Same format as day before. Sun early afternoon- bag packed,
uniform ready plan made for the week re study.

Common questions

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Active study involves engaging with the material, such as drawing diagrams and repeatedly practicing them from memory, whereas passive reading might only involve reading the material without engagement . Techniques that enhance active learning include setting timers for focused blocks of study, creating diagrams, and quizzing oneself . These methods promote muscle memory and better recall compared to passive study.

Studying similar subjects back-to-back, like French and Gaeilge or History and Religion, should be avoided because it can lead to cognitive overload and mixing of similar information, which may lower retention . Optimizing study sessions involves alternating subjects to refresh the mind, ensuring better focus and retention of material .

Organizing homework as part of study ensures that students engage with the material in a deliberate and meaningful way, treating tasks such as assignments as opportunities for active learning . This integration leads to better reinforcement of knowledge, resulting in enhanced academic performance, as students are constantly reviewing and applying what they have learnt.

'Showing off' knowledge in exams is recommended to maximize the demonstration of what students have learned . This involves using specific vocabulary in language exams and presenting well-labeled diagrams in subjects like Geography and Science . By displaying a breadth of understanding, students can potentially earn more points and leave a positive impression on evaluators.

Failing to review completed exam answers may result in missed opportunities to correct simple errors or to recall additional information that could improve answers . This oversight can lead to lower scores due to uncorrected mistakes or incomplete responses, emphasizing the importance of thorough review after answering all questions.

Reading the exam paper thoroughly before answering helps to avoid misreading questions and making silly mistakes . It gives students a better understanding of what is required and allows them to plan their answers, ensuring that they can highlight their knowledge effectively. This thorough approach ultimately leads to a more organized and focused answering strategy.

Peer involvement can significantly enhance effective study routines by providing mutual support and accountability. Friends can agree to study at the same time, helping to minimize distractions and temptations that may arise when studying alone . This collective effort ensures that everyone stays focused and motivated, ultimately supporting each other in reaching academic goals.

Planning and preparing school materials and attire ahead of time, such as having uniforms sorted and bags emptied, reduces stress and distractions, allowing students to focus more on their studies and less on logistical concerns . Such preparation also instills discipline and creates a structured environment conducive to learning.

A strict study timetable fosters discipline by creating a predictable routine that students can follow consistently, reducing procrastination and improving time management . By adhering to set 15-minute study blocks interspersed with short breaks, students can maintain high levels of focus and retention without feeling overwhelmed, thereby enhancing their overall study success.

Attempting every question in an exam, rather than leaving blanks, is beneficial because partial attempts can still earn marks, whereas unanswered questions cannot . Attempting all questions increases the chance of gaining some credit, possibly improving the overall score, and also demonstrates the student's willingness to engage with the material.

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