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Your 3-step guide to revising for essay-based exams.

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Essay-based exams are particularly difficult to prepare for. If you're worried about revising for your essay-based exam, read our blog from Newcastle University student, Robina, on how to get the most out of your revision.

This is the tried and tested revision method I’ve been using since college to pass essay based exams. The 3 R’s of revising…

Missed a lecture or two? It happens! Recap  is going to become your best friend over the break in helping you fill up any gaps you have in your notes.

Another thing I always find useful is to only write down what your lecturer is saying, not what's on the slide . Don't waste your time frantically scribbling down what you could easily access another time. 

Once recapped, you’ve got the basic skeleton of your essay down, now it’s time to put some meat on the bones.

Chances are you’ve got a massive reading list for each lecture. If you have no idea where to start I’d recommend following up any references already mentioned in the lecture , especially when it comes to case studies. Having relevant examples/case studies are  a MUST in essay based exams.

Every essay introduction should start with a basic definition , so look at the first few essential readings on your list, and pick out a definition you think sounds best. Work your way from there. I’d recommend including no more than three references already mentioned in the lecture or on the essential reading in your essay plan.

In order to get a 2:1, you need to show evidence that you’ve gone beyond the reading list and found your own material . So it’s best to get into the habit straight away. Looking at references within references is always a good idea, so picking a key author and seeing who they mention.

The same thing goes for your case studies and examples, refrain from just regurgitating the example your lecturer gave and try to find your own . Especially with a subject like human geography think about current events in the news, even if it is a basic example it will show the examiner that you’ve understood the concept/topic.

3. REHEARSE

This is my golden rule. What works best for me is firstly understanding the topic you’re writing about, but also actually MEMORISING your essay plans .

Do not underestimate the amount of time this step takes.

There is a general consensus amongst psychologists that the most effective way to remember information is through REHEARSAL .

Yes, you could probably cram a few days before but again, studies show that your short term memory can only retain 7+/- 2 pieces of information at any given time. So the TRICK is to get information into your LONG TERM MEMORY . And the only way I’m afraid is by going over your essay plans again and again. So highlight,  make cue cards,  say them out loud, listen to them, use pictures. Do whatever works for you but remember to keep going over them as much as possible.

When something is in your long term memory you have the ability to retrieve it at any time, so this way if you already have say 4 potential essay plans memorised it will save loads of thinking time in the exam.

We hope you have found this blog post useful, should you need a little more surviving exam season, why not read our essential blogs on what to know before accessing our libraries , and how to meditate to manage stress-levels during these especially uncertain times.

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Aptitude tests, higher learning, 7-steps to revising for essay-based exams.

University exams can be daunting. They are very different from school exams. There is often more material, but fewer questions. An entire semesters worth of material can sometimes be assessed on the basis of two essay questions. To do well, you need to construct a solid and convincing argument, and often need to cite specific literature, including the author and date of the research. This can seem impossible if you have never done it before!

In my first year of exams at University of Edinburgh, I barely understood the expectations of my exams let alone how to do well on them. Over the next three years I improved my approach to exam revision and by my final year, I achieved firsts on all my exams.

Here I share my exam revision method. It is important to remember that everyone is different, so it is important to find an approach that works for you. But this is what worked for me, and if you are intimidated or have found yourself struggling, it could work for you too!

Review material and make a module guide

This one is pretty simple. Go through the lectures, tutorials, your own notes, and your coursework. Make a new set of notes that outlines the whole module, including key ideas, concepts, research and readings (highlighting readings which you havent done would be helpful at this stage!).

Even if you will only need to know a couple of topics for the exam, courses are often designed so that all parts are connected in some way. Having a good understanding of the overall course will be helpful in understanding topics in greater detail. This is also a good way of spotting which aspects you are stronger or weaker on. If there is a part of the course you are struggling with, you can meet with your tutor to review these.

Use past papers

By this stage, it should be safe to look at the past papers without risk of causing a panic attack you will have just reviewed the whole module will likely have at least an understanding of what the question is asking and what you might say, if not an idea for an argument.

When looking at past papers, I like to copy and paste relevant questions into a word document (sometimes the syllabus changes and it will be clear that a question or two was not covered this year). This allows you to more easily look at the past few years all together, and cluster questions by topic. Sometimes you will see exact questions repeated over the years! This gives you a good direction for the rest of revision. You can choose topics/questions that have come up frequently and study those in more detail. If the exam involves picking two questions from a choice of six, I would recommend choosing for questions to revise.

Further reading

Once you have your topics picked out, its a great idea to go beyond the compulsory reading list to the optional or further readings section of the syllabus. Discussing further reading in an exam essay is a sure fire way to impress the marker! You can add notes from these readings to the module guide from step 1.

Another tip at this stage you will only need to know the key findings from the research. You probably will not have enough time in the exam to discuss readings in detail. So you have permission to skip the complicated methods section just know the context, key findings, authors and year!

Make condensed notes

With additional reading now included in the module guide, you can make a condensed set of notes of just the topics you have chosen to focus on. This might include definitions, and key readings with a sentence or two about the findings. I like to hand write these writing by hand has been proven to help you remember things! You can make it more fun by adding coloured pens.

Flash cards of key concepts, definitions, and papers

It is really helpful to make flashcards, particularly for the readings. Having the authors and date on one side with the key findings on the other is a great way to commit the literature to memory. I like to use online flash cards there are websites you can use to make them and that have different games you can play with them. Its a great break from all the reading and writing!

Make essay plans including thesis, key arguments, and papers that support those arguments

Choose some of the questions from the past papers and make plans for how you would respond.

I like to break the essay down into five or six parts:

  • Introduction (including thesis)
  • Counterargument (if available)

Each argument and the counterargument should be complemented with the readings. It is helpful to think about the readings in how they support specific arguments.

Play with the flashcards and rewrite the plans until they are committed to memory!

Additional resources:

Three Tips For Better Essay Writing

Test Anxiety: What Is It And How Can I Manage It

Top 5 Best Apps For Students

Additional Links:

Essay Writing Tutors – Study Skills Tutors – GCSE Tutors – A-Level Tutors – Undergraduate Tutors London

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How to Revise Successfully

Last Updated: January 14, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed. . Alexander Ruiz is an Educational Consultant and the Educational Director of Link Educational Institute, a tutoring business based in Claremont, California that provides customizable educational plans, subject and test prep tutoring, and college application consulting. With over a decade and a half of experience in the education industry, Alexander coaches students to increase their self-awareness and emotional intelligence while achieving skills and the goal of achieving skills and higher education. He holds a BA in Psychology from Florida International University and an MA in Education from Georgia Southern University. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 884,944 times.

Your upcoming exams may seem like the end of the world, but there's no reason to fear them! By using some simple and effective revision techniques, you can keep yourself engaged with your studies without turning into a research zombie.

Organizing Your Revision

Step 1 Find a good place to study.

  • Log-out or temporarily disable social media like Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. The effort of logging in or enabling it will deter you and after a day you'll start to forget about it- you lose a lot of time to vines and stranger stalking! Also, science proves that our brains have optimum irritation levels - basically we work better if we're a little too cold, or on a rigid chair. sit to a desk or table- its more formal and re-creates the environment you'll be tested in. Yet feel free to get down to it in your jammies- you can wear comfy clothes on the day. Some people like to designate one specific study-place, while others enjoy moving between the their room, the coffee shop, the library, and other study-places to break up the monotony. Choose whatever works best for you and your habits.
  • Some studies show that studying information in different places allows you to compartmentalize the information, making it easier to recall at a later date if you can associate the information with the location.
  • Some students find studying in public to be more effective, making it more difficult to watch television or fiddle with other distractions found in the home. Know yourself and head your bad habits off at the pass.

Step 2 Draw up a...

  • Alternatively if this isn't your style and your life is more unpredictable, write up a tick list/ to-do list of all the subject areas or units you need to cover. You can do a separate colour or page for each of your subjects and see clearly exactly what you've covered or what needs doing. This allows for chunk revision or a variation of topics in one day.

Step 3 Set reasonable study targets that you know you can reach.

  • You could revise throughout the year by spending 15 minutes each day making notes you'll be able to rely upon later. By doing it in short stretches, you will remember more and feel less stressed. A month before your exam, you will have finished all your notes so you can spend a few hours a day reviewing notes and doing timed writing practice.
  • If your exam is a long way off, (although this is probably not the case for 80% of you) after each lesson write up your new notes on a flash card (it only take a couple of minutes!) and keep it with your work. This way you're consolidating your knowledge and saving time and panic at the end of the year. If you are the 80% of last-minute panickers with 7 exams in 8 days just around the corner - DO NOT PANIC - it is NEVER too late. You've already started the journey here, and stressing out is the last thing you need to do.
  • Prioritize the most urgent and important topics on your schedule. For instance, if you have one exam happening on Monday and another on Wednesday, spend more time studying for the Monday exam as it’s happening first.

Revising Actively

Step 1 Engage your texts.

  • Also, you could: highlight your notes/book, mind map/summarize the ideas on each page or TEACH what you've learned to a friend or family member. The best test of knowledge is if you can teach it-remember: "If you can't explain it simply- you don't know it well enough." (Albert Einstein) By turning your revision into an activity you must participate in, you can liven it up a bit and help your memory work more effectively.
  • Ask open-ended questions of each text or subject you revise by writing questions in the margin, or on a separate sheet of paper. Try to think about the consequences should certain elements of it be changed, or should certain features occur differently. Whether it is science or history, small changes can make big differences and your thinking process is the important part.

Step 2 Recall and summarize.

  • Periodically, Try to repeat the process of summary, writing down on a separate sheet of paper what you know about a given topic or subject without consulting your books or your previous notes. Compare your new notes to your old, finding what you've left out and what you still need to memorize. [4] X Research source

Step 3 Draw or doodle freely while you study.

  • If no one's around, pretend you're on TV or the radio being interviewed about the topic. Ask yourself a series of questions and reply as succinctly and clearly as you can, pretending people are listening and wanting to learn all about it.

Step 5 Try to use a study guide or old test.

  • Try to stick to your schedule. Make sure to check off topics and subjects as you accomplish revising them. It may even be a good idea to reward yourself with a treat on the completion of a target to help you get there. It is a good motivation to not consider giving up as an option.

Finding Support

Step 1 Talk to your teachers.

  • Find ways to test each other, playing revision games as challenges. Use flash cards or structure your study sessions like a quiz game. Chat online if you haven't time to catch up in person.
  • Make sure your revision time with friends is spent actually revising. You may actually be better off revising with classmates you're not friendly with to make it productive.

Step 3 Let your family help you.

  • You may need emotional support as much as other support and if you can trust in someone to talk to about your anxiety or worries, this can help you to offload many unneeded troubles to a caring listener. Even having someone, you can trust like this available online or by phone is better than no one.

Step 4 Stay relaxed.

Community Q&A

Community Answer

  • Don't make pointless notes or just copy huge chunks of text. Look at past exam papers, see how questions could be asked, and base your revision on topics that are likely to come up. As explained above, follow the active revision approach to get the most out of your revising. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • Get somebody to test you, or read texts, cover and repeat. This helps your brain with confidence and memory. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • Have confidence. If you are positive about exams, you are much more likely to take in the necessary information and to remember it when it counts. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

how to revise for essay exams

Things You'll Need

  • Chart, A3/large paper sheet or notebook for revision plan
  • Markers and rulers for drawing up revision plan (bright colours and highlighters are good if you want to remember information easily)
  • Poster tack to place revision plan somewhere visible

You Might Also Like

Study For Exams

  • ↑ https://www.apa.org/gradpsych/2011/11/study-smart
  • ↑ https://www.prospects.ac.uk/applying-for-university/university-life/how-to-revise-for-exams
  • ↑ https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/studying-101-study-smarter-not-harder/
  • ↑ http://www.theguardian.com/education/2014/jan/08/five-secrets-of-successful-revising
  • ↑ https://www.stetson.edu/administration/academic-success/media/STUDY%20SCHEDULE.pdf
  • ↑ https://www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au/study-and-training/help-with-study/how-to-study-better/top-10-study-tips
  • ↑ https://www.fnu.edu/benefits-studying-music/

About This Article

Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed.

Before you start revising, log out of your social media accounts and go to a quiet place so you won't be distracted. When you’re ready to begin, look over your material and highlight important people, places, dates, and ideas. Stop every 10-15 minutes and write a summary of what you read to help you retain the information. Then, write sample questions that you can quiz yourself with before the test. If you start to feel worn out, take a break to help boost your concentration. For tips on how to create a revision schedule or find study partners, scroll down! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Essay-based exams: A short guide

Before the examination, what you need to bring with you to the examination room, during the examination.

  • Writing and answering
  • Effective revision is, of course, key. The better you have prepared and practised, the more confident you will feel on the day.
  • Sleep well, in order to be able to focus during your exam.
  • If you need technological support for your exam (eg, in the case of dyslexia or dyspraxia), contact your department in advance.
  • If you are used to typing rather than handwriting, we suggest you exercise your hand by answering questions on paper a few days prior to the exam. Otherwise, you may feel hand pain.
  • Arrive at the exam location at least 15 minutes before its start.
  • If you do not know where the particular building and room are, visit them in advance.
  • Eat something beforehand to give you energy.

how to revise for essay exams

  • Your student ID
  • Three or more pens and pencils
  • Water to hydrate yourself, and a snack to eat afterwards
  • A watch (in case the clock is too far for you to see the time well enough)
  • Follow the instructions given by the examination coordinator
  • Read the exam paper carefully
  • Read the exam question several times. Identify the task word. What are you being asked to do? Make sure you answer the question in full, and not the question you would like to answer.
  • You might find it helpful to sketch out a quick plan to organise your approach to the question
  • Make sure you allow enough time for each question
  • Make sure you leave time to go back through your answers to make any edits
  • Next: Writing and answering >>
  • Last Updated: Nov 13, 2023 4:02 PM
  • URL: https://libguides.bham.ac.uk/asc/essaybasedexams

How to Revise: A Step-by-Guide to Revising Your Writing

Matt Ellis

Revising is the stage of the writing process after the first draft where you improve what you wrote with additions, removals, corrections, and rephrasing. Typically, it is the final stage before completion and the writer’s last chance to fix any mistakes. 

Some consider revising to be the most important part of writing, even more important than creating the first draft. That’s why we want to explain how to revise drafts—so your writing can be at its best. Below, we cover how to revise effectively with a step-by-step revising plan plus a revising example so you can see how it’s done.  Give your writing extra polish Grammarly helps you communicate confidently Write with Grammarly

What is revising, and what is its purpose?

Revising is the part of editing that incorporates “big-picture” changes like altering the main topic, reorganizing the order of paragraphs, or modifying the work’s structure. Additionally, it involves detailed changes like perfecting word choice, cutting out redundancies, rephrasing, and fixing grammar and spelling mistakes. 

Why bother revising? When writing a rough draft, it’s hard to focus on every aspect of your writing all at once. Revising gives you a second chance to zoom out and catch mistakes you missed the first time, plus reading a rough draft can reveal some mistakes you hadn’t anticipated. 

No matter which type of essay you’re writing, the methods for revising an essay still tend to follow the same guidelines, covered in the next section. Narrative and fiction writing also use many of the same revision standards, but these have additional literary concerns, such as characterization, imagery, and plot. 

How to revise writing: a step-by-step guide

1 prepare to revise.

Once you’ve finished your rough draft , it’s time to get ready to revise. The revision process will be more effective if you follow a few basic steps beforehand. 

First, take a break from writing after the first draft. Taking a break after the rough draft lets your brain rest so that you can later approach your writing with fresh eyes. If you can, try sleeping on it and starting the revisions the next day. 

Hitting pause before revising gives you a chance to conduct some extra research. While we recommend doing the bulk of your research before the outline , you’ll find that actually writing the paper may reveal new questions or points of interest you hadn’t considered before and that you might want to explore through additional research.

Finally, we recommend getting someone else to read and critique your first draft for a fresh perspective. Often writers miss glaring mistakes or problems because they’re so focused on the details; having a third party review your draft without any preconceptions can help identify problems you might miss on your own.  

2 Reexamine the topic

To begin revising, take a “funnel” approach—start with the most general areas and then gradually focus more on the specifics. With those in mind, your next step should be reexamining the most general aspects of your topic. 

When writing for an assignment, you want to make sure your topic satisfies all the requirements. Often while you’re writing, topics tend to stray from what they were supposed to be. An essential part of revising is making sure that your topic stays on point from beginning to end. 

If your topic did stray, you may want to change topics to better fit what your first draft focused on. For example, let’s say your original topic was the benefits of clean energy, but during the rough draft you spent a lot of time writing about the harm of fossil fuels. You might want to change your overall topic to be a comparison paper between clean energy and fossil fuels instead of just focusing on clean energy. 

Pivoting from one topic to another is not as difficult as it may seem. Most of it, specifically rewriting your thesis statement and introduction to reflect the changes, involves things you know from learning how to start an essay . 

3 Revise the structure

After the topic, the next most-general aspect of writing is its structure. This encompasses the order in which your paper discusses its points, such as the arrangement of paragraphs or sections. 

Structure can be difficult to get exactly right in the outlining phase before you’ve actually put words down. After the rough draft is completed, you’ll be able to see firsthand how each paragraph flows into the next and how certain arguments fit before and after each other. That makes it easier to notice any structural mistakes that eluded you before. 

When you revise, take a deep look at the order in which you make your points, and see if you can rearrange them in a way that’s clearer and a more logical or poignant expression of your message. It helps to look at the topic sentences of each paragraph so you don’t get sidetracked with the details from supporting sentences. 

If reorganizing still doesn’t fix the problem, consider adding a new paragraph or section. Revising isn’t just about changing what’s already there; it’s also about adding what’s missing. Sometimes a new section can fill in the gap and make transitions between existing sections flow better. 

Likewise, if an entire paragraph or section seems superfluous or tangential, feel free to cut it completely. It’s never easy to cut something you spent effort writing, but in the grand scheme of your paper, removing weak areas can strengthen what remains. Just don’t cut anything necessary to your central argument. 

4 Polish the wording

When most people think about revising, they think about polishing the wording . For the most part, the idea of the sentence remains the same, but some of the words are changed to make the message stronger or the communication more efficient. 

We covered what exactly to change in our previous guide on self-editing tips , but in general, you want to tighten up the writing by cutting the unnecessary words and making the necessary words more potent. Here’s a quick list of the most significant red flags:

  • Redundancy: Using multiple words that mean the same thing
  • Inefficient phrasing: Phrases that can be replaced with fewer words
  • Overused sentence structure : Using the same sentence structure over and over
  • Passive voice: The passive voice is when the subject receives the action instead of does it; rewrite the sentence in the active voice if possible
  • No parallelism: With parallelism , if there’s a series of phrases or clauses in a sentence, they should all follow the same grammatical structure
  • Repetition: Using the same word multiple times throughout the entire writing

Recognizing these issues while revising takes some practice, so go as slowly as you need to make sure you catch everything. 

5 Proofread

Lastly, make sure your spelling and grammar are correct. Technical issues like these are the easiest to fix—the hard part is noticing them in the first place. When you’re done polishing the wording, give your writing one final review and pay attention to finding only errors. 

If you’re not confident in your spelling, grammar, or punctuation or just want to save time, you can always download Grammarly to check your writing mistakes for you. There’s even a free version that points out any spelling or grammar errors in your writing and suggests solutions for how to correct them. 

Once you’re done proofreading, your paper is officially finished! At least, until your next round of revisions . . . 

How to revise a paragraph: Example

Want to see precisely how to revise writing? Here’s a before-and-after example of how to revise a paragraph, with a brief explanation of why the changes were made. 

First, let’s start with an example paragraph from a rough draft. The core idea is there, but it’s not quite ready yet.  

Cheerios are a much better cereal than Frosted Flakes. It doesn’t matter if you’re talking about honey-nut, multigrain, or the original flavor, Cheerios always taste delicious and are really good for your health, too. I eat Cheerios every morning. Cheerios contain your basic vitamins and minerals for the day, making them a healthy choice. Cheerios contain fiber that lowers cholesterol, too. Moreover, Cheerios can also be used for other delicious recipes like parfait or muffins. When you start you’re day with Cheerios, you never regret what you ate for breakfast! They’re also gluten-free. 

Now, here’s the paragraph after revising, with the changes in red. Below we explain the purpose of each change so you know what to look for when you revise your own work. 

Cheerios are a much better cereal than Frosted Flakes. (1) Cheerios are the best cereal on the market. It doesn’t matter if you’re talking about (2) Whether it’s honey-nut, multigrain, or the (3) original flavor, Cheerios always taste delicious and are really (4) good for your health, too. I eat Cheerios every morning. (5) Cheerios contain your basic vitamins and minerals for the day, making them a healthy choice. Cheerios contain fiber that lowers cholesterol, too. (6) If you want fiber that lowers your cholesterol, Cheerios have that as well. Moreover, Cheerios can be used (7) you can use Cheerios for other delicious (8) recipes like parfait or muffins. (9) They’re also gluten-free. When you start you’re (10) your day with Cheerios, you never regret what you ate for breakfast! They’re also gluten-free.  

1 The original topic sentence did not accurately reflect what the paragraph was about. It suggested that the paragraph would be a comparison between Cheerios and Frosted Flakes but only discussed the benefits of Cheerios without mentioning Frosted Flakes at all. 

2 The original phrasing was too long and easily replaced with something shorter. 

3 For parallelism, “the” is deleted so “original flavor” matches the same construction as the other items in the series.

4 Words like “really” or “very” are often unnecessary. 

5 This entire sentence is unnecessary. 

6 The original sentence copied the same structure as the one before it, so we changed the structure. 

7 We revised this sentence to remove the passive voice. 

8 The word “delicious” appeared a few sentences before this. 

9 This sentence seemed out of order, so we moved it earlier. 

10 The usage of “you’re” was grammatically incorrect. 

Revision FAQs  

What is revising.

Revising is the stage of the writing process after the rough draft when you make the final improvements for structure, word choice, and grammar. 

Why is revising important?

It’s practically impossible to write a perfect first draft because it’s hard to focus on every aspect of writing at once. Revising allows you to catch whatever fell through the cracks the first time, plus reading a rough draft can reveal some mistakes you hadn’t anticipated. 

How do you revise your writing?

Revising is a mixture of fixing general problems (like topic and structure) and specific problems (like word choice and grammar). 

how to revise for essay exams

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  • How to revise an essay in 3 simple steps

How to Revise an Essay in 3 Simple Steps

Published on December 2, 2014 by Shane Bryson . Revised on December 8, 2023 by Shona McCombes.

Revising and editing an essay is a crucial step of the writing process . It often takes up at least as much time as producing the first draft, so make sure you leave enough time to revise thoroughly. Although you can save considerable time using our essay checker .

The most effective approach to revising an essay is to move from general to specific:

  • Start by looking at the big picture: does your essay achieve its overall purpose, and does it proceed in a logical order?
  • Next, dive into each paragraph: do all the sentences contribute to the point of the paragraph, and do all your points fit together smoothly?
  • Finally, polish up the details: is your grammar on point, your punctuation perfect, and your meaning crystal clear?

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Table of contents

Step 1: look at the essay as a whole, step 2: dive into each paragraph, step 3: polish the language, other interesting articles.

There’s no sense in perfecting a sentence if the whole paragraph will later be cut, and there’s no sense in focusing on a paragraph if the whole section needs to be reworked.

For these reasons, work from general to specific: start by looking at the overall purpose and organization of your text, and don’t worry about the details for now.

Double-check your assignment sheet and any feedback you’ve been given to make sure you’ve addressed each point of instruction. In other words, confirm that the essay completes every task it needs to complete.

Then go back to your thesis statement . Does every paragraph in the essay have a clear purpose that advances your argument? If there are any sections that are irrelevant or whose connection to the thesis is uncertain, consider cutting them or revising to make your points clearer.

Organization

Next, check for logical organization . Consider the ordering of paragraphs and sections, and think about what type of information you give in them. Ask yourself :

  • Do you define terms, theories and concepts before you use them?
  • Do you give all the necessary background information before you go into details?
  • Does the argument build up logically from one point to the next?
  • Is each paragraph clearly related to what comes before it?

Ensure each paragraph has a clear topic sentence that sums up its point. Then, try copying and pasting these topic sentences into a new document in the order that they appear in the paper.

This allows you to see the ordering of the sections and paragraphs of your paper in a glance, giving you a sense of your entire paper all at once. You can also play with the ordering of these topic sentences to try alternative organizations.

If some topic sentences seem too similar, consider whether one of the paragraphs is redundant , or if its specific contribution needs to be clarified. If the connection between paragraphs is unclear, use transition sentences to strengthen your structure.

Finally, use your intuition. If a paragraph or section feels out of place to you, even if you can’t decide why, it probably is. Think about it for a while and try to get a second opinion. Work out the organizational issues as best you can before moving on to more specific writing issues.

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how to revise for essay exams

Next, you want to make sure the content of each paragraph is as strong as it can be, ensuring that every sentence is relevant and necessary:

  • Make sure each sentence helps support the topic sentence .
  • Check for redundancies – if a sentence repeats something you’ve already said, cut it.
  • Check for inconsistencies in content. Do any of your assertions seem to contradict one another? If so, resolve the disagreement and cut as necessary.

Once you’re happy with the overall shape and content of your essay, it’s time to focus on polishing it at a sentence level, making sure that you’ve expressed yourself clearly and fluently.

You’re now less concerned with what you say than with how you say it. Aim to simplify, condense, and clarify each sentence, making it as easy as possible for your reader to understand what you want to say.

  • Try to avoid complex sentence construction – be as direct and straightforward as possible.
  • If you have a lot of very long sentences, split some of them into shorter ones.
  • If you have a lot of very short sentences that sound choppy, combine some of them using conjunctions or semicolons .
  • Make sure you’ve used appropriate transition words to show the connections between different points.
  • Cut every unnecessary word.
  • Avoid any complex word where a simpler one will do.
  • Look out for typos and grammatical mistakes.

If you lack confidence in your grammar, our essay editing service provides an extra pair of eyes.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

  • Ad hominem fallacy
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  • Sunk cost fallacy

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How to Revise for Different Types of Written Exams

I’ve talked a lot recently about how not all exam revision techniques are created equal. There are strategies that are a waste of time , and strategies that are super valuable for achieving high grades.

Additionally, a large factor in how you choose HOW to study should be the type of exam you’re going to be taking.

Written exams can be distinguished in 3 different ways: - the type of questions - prior knowledge of the questions - resources allowed in the exam.

This blog post will help you realise what these different types of written exam are. You’ll discover how each type impacts on your revision process, along with tips and strategies for how you should prepare for these exams.

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3 types of written exam question

Multiple choice A multiple choice exam is one where you have to select the correct answer from a selection of incorrect answers.

Pros of multiple choice questions: - The correct answer is there. If you don’t know you can guess (unless your exam penalises guessing/incorrect answers) - There will be more questions, and lower marks per question so the risk of answering a few incorrectly is lower than with other types of exams - The questions are normally simpler and require lower level thinking i.e. define, describe rather than analyse and evaluate.

Cons of multiple choice questions: - A broad range of knowledge is needed - A clear understanding of terms and details is needed to be able to distinguish between similar answers.

Tips for multiple choice exams: - Focus on active revision techniques to ensure you understand the material (not just memorise it) - Improve the encoding of your revision material to improve your recall e.g. create mnemonics, add pictures to your flashcards …etc. - While using practice papers – try to think of the correct answer before you look at the options.

Short-answer A short-answer exam is one where the questions range from around 200-800 words each with a focus on describing, explaining, applying or analysing the material.

Pros of short-answer questions: - You won’t be expected to include all details and points around a topic - You can use the number of marks per question to gauge the detail and length of your answer. For example, a 5 mark question will normally require 5 points or details.

Cons of short-answer questions: - If your exam is also unseen, this mean you’ll need to revise a wide range of topics - For essay-based exams, remember you’ll still be expected to write a coherent answer.

Tips for short-answer exams: - Make sure you understand the question words you might be asked (e.g. describe, evaluate, analyse…etc.) so you are always answering the right question - Use active revision techniques to boost your understanding as recall won’t be enough to allow you to apply the material.

Essay-based An essay-based exam is made up of a smaller number of questions requiring longer, essay-style answers with more detail.

Pros of essay-based questions: - Patterns may emerge over years of exams so you can anticipate possible questions or topic areas - Your exam answer won’t be expected to be as polished, detailed or researched as a normal essay.

Cons of essay-based questions: - If you don’t know an answer you risk losing a lot of marks - Deeper understanding is needed to build a coherent, flowing argument with application, critical analysis and synthesis.

Tips for essay-based exams: - Brush up on your essay writing skills: critical thinking , how to breakdown an essay question …etc. - Use past papers to create skeleton-answers (outlines) for lots of possible exam questions - Focus your note taking on adding your own commentary to the material – don’t just summarise.

Will you have prior knowledge of the questions?

Unseen exam An unseen exam is one where you do not know the questions beforehand. You should, however, always know what range of material the exam could cover.

Pros of unseen exams: - With solid revision focusing on active techniques you should be able to tackle what’s on that question paper.

Cons of unseen exams: - Incomplete or ineffective revision could leave you struggling to tackle all the questions - Not knowing what’s coming can add to exam stress.

Tips for unseen exams: - Make sure you know all the topics that could come up in your exam - Focus on the full spectrum of active revision techniques: mindmaps, flashcards, quizzes and past papers.

Seen exam A seen exam is one where you are told in advance either the topics that will be tested, or the exact question(s), so you can plan your answer in advance.

This seems to defeat the point of an examination. But, for some subjects, a clearer understanding of a student’s ability and understanding of the material can be achieved through essays that allow time for exploration, research and analysis.

To combat the fact that it’s pretty easy to cheat in essays nowadays, some universities compromise with a seen exam by giving you time to prepare in advance but write the assignment in exam conditions.

Pros of seen exams: - You know what the questions will be or cover so you can target your revision - A lot less anxiety because you know what will be tested.

Cons of seen exams: - You still have to revise! You will need a deep understanding of the material - You will need to master your essay writing technique and ensure you can memorise your answer.

Tips for seen exams: - Again, improve your essay writing skills: critical thinking , how to breakdown an essay question …etc. - Prepare your answer in multiple formats: plan/outline; full answer; summary of points…etc. - Practice writing out your full answer by memory, to time, to see if you need to remove material or you have time to add some more points.

What resources are you allowed to bring into the exam?

Closed book A closed book exam is one where you have none of your materials with you and must rely on your memorisation and recall of the information.

Pros of closed book exams: - Most universities won’t expect you to include all relevant details to achieve a high grade.

Cons of closed book exams: - Your ability to recall concepts in the exam is super important.

Tips for closed book exams: - Ensure you’re only revising with active techniques . Don’t waste time creating index cards with tons of bullet points or rereading notes over and over - Improve the encoding of your material with pictures and mnemonics.

Open book An open book exam is one where you’re allowed to bring some or all the course material into the exam with you.

For some exams this means you can have your textbooks, and for others you can bring notes in. You may even be allowed both.

Pros of open book exams: - You have your material in front of you so you don’t have to panic about forgetting a key detail from your notes.

Cons of open book exams: - Your understanding of the material needs to be deeper as the questions will ask for higher level thinking e.g. apply, evaluate and synthesise - If your notes aren’t clear and organised you’ll struggle to find the information you need.

Tips for open book exams: - If you’re allowed your textbook: underline and highlight important points; add your own thinking to the margins ; mark key pages with sticky notes - If you’re allowed your notes: make them clear/legible; always write in your own words; create a contents page and other lists to organise the material.

So now you know what these types are and how you can best prepare for them. Identify which three categories your exam falls into.

For example, is your exam a closed book, unseen exam with essay-based questions?

Or is it an open book, seen exam with a combination of short-answer and multiple-choice questions?

Get clear on the type of your exam so you can prepare in the best way possible.

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Tips for revising for psychology essay-based exams

how to revise for essay exams

Overall tips for essay-based exam questions

Essay-based exam questions when you don’t know what the questions will be can be daunting. Sometimes when you first open the exam book, the essay questions can be worded in a way that might throw you – you might worry that you’ve only revised a very specific part of that essay question, for example. This is a completely normal, and a sometimes inevitable, reaction. Because you have spent a long time revising a topic in a specific way that’s best for you, thinking about it in a different way (that reflects how the question has been worded) can make you question whether you know how to answer the question and get a good mark. If you’ve revised the topic broadly with some key specific information about a topic, then I can assure you that you can answer the question.

Overcoming this initial worry is entirely possible. In many ways, you can do this by turning the question into something you have revised , and answering the question accordingly. This can take a bit of practice, so it’s important to do some practice exam questions before your exam day.

The way to do it is simple: pick out the key parts of the essay question . Sometimes questions can have superfluous information, so the key parts you want are the topic of the question and how to answer it. Remember: You don’t need to talk about everything you’ve revised or covered.

  • If the question says compare and contrast or critically discuss , you know how to write the information. (I’ve provided a couple of definitions below for these key terms below.)
  • If the question mentions a broad topic/phenomenon (e.g. language disorders), then talk about the key aspect of that broad topic that you have revised.

Before writing the essay question I recommend always creating a plan structure for your essay question. (You can scribble it out at the end.) This is a brief structure for the main points in your essay. Doing this at the start can actually help trigger your memory for some other pieces of information you could talk about. I’ve provided a general structure below that you can use to help start planning for any question.

A general structure to use for every essay-based exam question:

  • What is a definition of the topic?
  • This should be a brief overview of describing what the topic in the question is.
  • You could mention an implication of why its important to study this topic.
  • What is a theory of the topic? Or why does it happen?
  • Brief summary of a theory or two of the topic.
  • What is the evidence for the topic?
  • Are there any clinical case studies to use as an example of how this approach has been tested?
  • You could consider how difficult a topic it is to study. Is getting good quality evidence for this topic an easy or a hard thing (and how?), for example.
  • Are there any other ways of assessing or understanding this topic?
  • What assessment tools can we use to understand this topic, are there any other theories you could mention here, any other studies?
  • ­This should always summarise an answer to the question and be reasonably conclusive. You could reiterate all of the key parts of the essay structure above.
  • For example, if your question is asking about compare and contrast two theories, make sure to summarise which you think is better in the conclusion.

What do the key terms mean?

  • Critically discuss/evaluate – go beyond purely describing a theory or an approach. Critically discuss/evaluate means evaluating what our current understanding is of a phenomenon: is the quality of the evidence good, do we have a lot of evidence (if not, what are we missing), are many of the studies outdated, how difficult of a topic is it to study? It can mean using a clinical case study to demonstrate the existence of an approach, and then critically evaluating whether a case study is a good source of evidence. I have a whole blog post on how to demonstrate critical evaluation here .
  • Compare and contrast – Describe two theories/approaches for a topic, and then use critical discussion of which is more effective at explaining a phenomenon. A conclusion should be clear as to which is more effective.

Some pointers to help prepare :

As a general rule of thumb, try to do these things (in order):

  • As it’s impossible for anyone to remember all of the information across a set of modules, which can be overwhelming, it pays to spend time before you start revising to look over your lecture notes and format the information to revise in a way that’s easy for you to read and understand.

This might involve creating a mind map or a table of information on a topic that you feel comfortable revising from. It should include (at minimum) all the parts of the general structure above:

  • A definition for the topic,
  • A description of theory of the topic,
  • A study exploring the topic (which you can critically evaluate in some way and cite; you could search for one that you can remember in detail on Google scholar). This is where you can show further reading (by finding another study not mentioned in the slides), and
  • An alternative piece of information that you can use to contrast the topic (e.g. a theory, another study).
  • Think about any general difficulties of researching each topic. For example, studying language disorders is difficult because they could be a rare phenomenon. Therefore, we rely on case studies to understand the disorder, which do not provide us with a generalizable understanding of the disorder that may apply to everyone with the disorder.

Spend time creating this information for each module is important before you start revising.

2. Use general revision techniques to remember this information. Read and make sure you understand the topic.

3. Use practice exam questions and test yourself. Put yourself in the environment you will be in in the exam. Create your own questions based on the information you’ve revised. If you want to write your own questions, keep them reasonably broad for the general topic. Get in the habit of writing the same information twice but in slightly different ways (e.g. to compare and contrast or to critically discuss). You can create practice questions easily by going through your lecturer’s slides.

Want to know what you need to definitely pass?

A final way to help prepare is to know what you’re being tested on. You can usually find this information by looking at the overall learning outcomes for the module . This may include, demonstrating knowledge of the topic, synthesizing literature on the topic, and critically discussing the evidence for the topic. Make sure to include this information in any mindmap/table of information you use for each topic in your revision.

Other useful sources:

  • https://www.oxbridgeessays.com/blog/essay-exams-make-revision-notes/
  • https://tavistocktutors.com/blog/7-steps-to-revising-for-essay-based-exams

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Five secrets to revising that can improve your grades

H ow do you get the most out of your revision time, and end up with the best grades you can? Or, if you're a different sort of student, how can you get the same grades you're getting now, but spend less time revising?

Either way, you need to know how to learn better. And fortunately, decades of research carried out by psychologists about learning and memory has produced some clear advice on doing just that.

As an experimental psychologist, I am especially interested in learning. Most research on learning is done in a lab, with volunteers who come in once or twice to learn simple skills or lists of words.

Wouldn't it be better, I thought, if we could study learning by looking at a skill people are practising anyway? And could we draw links between how people practise and how good they eventually get?

Computer games provide a great way to study learning: they are something people spend many hours practising, and they automatically record every action people take as they practise. Players even finish the game with a score that tells them how good they are.

Using data from a simple online game , my colleague Mike Dewar and I could analyse how more than 850,000 people learned to play . The resulting scientific paper , showed in unprecedented detail the shape of the learning curve, allowing us to test existing theories of learning, as well as suggesting some new ideas on the best ways to learn.

So here are my five evidence-based tips on how to learn:

1. Space your practice

Our analysis showed that people who leave longer gaps between practice attempts go on to score higher. In fact, the longer the gaps, the higher the scores.

The difference is huge: people who leave more than 24 hours between their first five attempts at the game and their second five attempts score as highly, on average, as people who have practiced 50% more than them.

Our finding confirms lots of other research: if you want to study effectively, you should spread out your revision rather than cramming. This is easier said than done, but if you are organised enough, you can spend less time revising and remember more.

2. Make sure you fail occasionally

A new result from our analysis shows that people who are most inconsistent when they first start have better scores later on.

Our theory is that these people are exploring how the game works, rather than trying to get the very highest score they can every time.

The moral is clear: invest some time in trying things out, which may mean failing occasionally, if you want to maximise learning in the long run.

3. Practise the thing you'll be tested on

The big mistake many students make is not practising the thing they will be tested on. If your exam involves writing an essay, you need to practise essay-writing. Merely memorising the material is not enough.

Writing exam answers is a skill, just like playing an online game is a skill. You wouldn't try and improve at a game by trying to memorise moves, you'd practise making them.

Other research confirms that practising retrieving information is one of the best ways to ensure you remember it.

4. Structure information, don't try to remember it

Trying to remember something has been shown to have almost no effect on whether you do remember it . The implication for revision is clear: just looking at your notes won't help you learn them.

Instead, you need to reorganise the information in some way – whether by making notes of your notes, thinking about how what you're reading relates to other material, or practising writing answers. This approach, called "depth of processing", is the way to ensure material gets lodged in your memory.

5. Rest and sleep

New research shows that a brief rest after learning something can help you remember it a week later. Other experiments have shown that a full night's sleep helps you learn new skills or retain information.

Even napping can help consolidate your memories, and maybe even make you more creative . This is great news for those of us who like to nap during the day, and is a signal to all of us that staying up all night to revise probably isn't a good idea.

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How to Revise for Exams Effectively: Guide + Infographic

How to Revise for Exams Effectively: Guide + Infographic

The most stressful time in a university or high school student’s life is definitely the exams period. This is the time when students try to figure out how to revise effectively in a short time.

Exam revision involves reviewing all the study materials again to refresh your memory. We have gathered several techniques and recommendations to help you revise for your exams efficiently.

Exam revision involves reviewing all the study materials again to refresh your memory.

In this article, you’ll find:

  • 6 exam revision techniques
  • 23 revision tips

Learn how to revise for exams and how to make a revision timetable with our guide. To help yourself in this process, check out some essay examples for free on our website, too. Look for works on the same subject and topic to get additional information or maybe gain some insights.

  • 🚦 How to Start Revising
  • 📅 Making a Timetable
  • 📝 Revision Techniques
  • 🙌 More Tips
  • 📊 Infographic

🚦 Revising for Exams: How to Start

So, your exam period is coming! How do you start the revision process?

The best way to revise for exams is to prepare thoroughly. If you prepare for your revision well, you’ll have an easier time remembering the material during the exam itself. Here’s some advice on how to revise correctly and efficiently.

Start Early

It is crucial to start preparing as soon as possible. Many students struggle with their exam revision because they don’t start studying until the last minute.

Here are some benefits of starting your revision early.

  • You can keep your stress to a minimum. When we’re pressed for time, we often become anxious. So, in order to prepare for your exams without getting too stressed out, make sure to start studying a few weeks before the exam.
  • You can boost your grades . By preparing for your exams early, you can deepen your knowledge of the subject matter and improve your grades on your current assignments.
  • You have more time to identify your weaknesses . Knowing what your weak points are early on gives you more time to work on them.
  • You can review past exam papers . If you have more time to study past exam papers, you can begin to predict what your future exams will be like. Sometimes the structure of the exam is more important than the actual questions.

Organize Your Study Space

Organizing your study space is more crucial than it may seem. Here are some tips for tidying your workspace and preparing it for your exam revision.

If you want to learn more about organizing your study space, you are welcome to look at this infographic on the topic .

📅 Revision Timetable: How to Make a Successful Plan

A timetable can help you manage your time effectively. You’ll also be able to decide which topic or subject you need to spend the most time on.

Moreover, a lot of students tend to forget about taking a rest while revising for exams. Having a timetable can not only manage your time for studying but help you put aside time for relaxation.

Decide Where You’ll Make Your Timetable

Think about what kind of timetable is most convenient for you. Some people prefer creating one on Excel or on Google Calendar , while others prefer writing their calendar down by hand. However, there are also many different apps you can use.

The picture contains a list of top schedule-making tools.

Our favorites are the following:

  • Trello Trello provides boards and lists that you can customize and share with others. It is very convenient, but doesn’t have a lot of storage, and doesn’t handle big projects well.
  • Evernote With Evernote, you can sync your notes on all your devices. You can choose from several different formats, including text, audio, photos, videos, and more. However, the app has limited storage and its plans are expensive.
  • myHomework Student Planner This is a student calendar planner where you can track all of your deadlines. It has a simple interface and many different tools. It also has the option to remind you of your deadlines.
  • Marinara Timer

You can also try different apps to help you manage your time via the Pomodoro technique. Marinara Timer is a timer that organizes your study and rest periods.

Set Your Study Goals

After you make your calendar, it is time to set your goals.

  • Start by getting a full picture of your time limit and writing down all the exam dates.
  • Then, you should think realistically about what grades you can get in each of your subjects and what you can do to boost them.
  • Finally, identify your strengths and weaknesses in the subject you’ll be studying. Based on that, you can set your revision priorities.

Break Down Your Goals

Big goals can be hard to achieve. A good way to reach your study goals is to break them into smaller parts.

Let’s say your study goal is to get an A on your Literature exam in college. To do so, you need to break down the process into smaller steps. For example, read the required chapters, analyze the reading material, write down the possible exam questions, etc. It is easier to focus on these smaller steps. Moreover, you’ll be able to watch your progress little by little.

We suggest that you make a to-do list for each of your subjects. Then, estimate the amount of time you need to spend on the steps to achieve the overall goal.

Timetable Your Studies

Now it’s time to make your schedule.

You can start by writing down your everyday activities that have nothing to do with your academic work and exam revision.

Then, identify the empty spots and decide which will function as your revision time.

When preparing for the exams, it is better not to stick to one subject for a long time. Instead, aim to alternate them every so often.

Moreover, it is crucial to switch between your favorite topics to your least favorite ones so that you won’t have to deal with the most difficult material at the end.

Don’t forget to give yourself a day off . For example, choose one day not to study at all. Giving yourself a break can help you avoid burnout.

Stick To the Plan!

Now, all you have to do is stick to your plan. Making a schedule is one of the most crucial steps of exam revision. So, make sure to take your time and prepare it thoroughly.

Remember to follow your schedule and give yourself breaks.

📝 Revision Techniques: Which to Use

Here are six techniques for efficient revision. Choose the best ones for you based on your learning style. You can take a quiz to find out what kind of learner you are.

The picture contains a list of learning styles: visual, aural, reading, kinesthetic, solitary, and social.

  • Visual learning style. As you may have guessed from its name, a visual learner is someone who learns better if they see the material through diagrams, charts, pictures, etc.
  • Aural/auditory learning style. On the other hand, an auditory learner needs to hear the material to learn it better. They usually pay more attention during lectures.
  • Reading/writing learning style. Reading/writing learners are the ones who take notes and write down the explanations to themselves.
  • Kinesthetic learning style. Kinesthetic or physical learning is when you act out what you are learning. If you think that doing something yourself is more efficient than learning the theory, you are probably a kinesthetic learner.
  • Solitary learning style. A solitary or intrapersonal learner is someone who prefers self-study. They like to study in quiet places and generally avoid crowds.
  • Social learning style. Social or interpersonal learners, on the other hand, prefer working and studying in groups. They like to discuss and connect with others to achieve better results.

Technique #1: Summarize Effectively

This technique is usually helpful for reading/writing learners. The idea is to summarize the material in order to deepen your understanding of it.

Here are a few steps that can help you summarize effectively.

  • Read the material . Make sure to read it more than once. Scan the text first, then read it carefully. Finally, reread the text to see if you understand it well.
  • Divide it into smaller parts . Break the text down into smaller parts to make it easier to follow.
  • Find the key point in each section . After you break down the text, identify the key points of each part. Pay attention to thesis statements and topic sentences.
  • Write your summary . Now that you have identified the essential points, it’s time to summarize them in your own words. This step will help you to absorb the information.
  • Double-check your summary . Now, read your summary and make sure you didn’t miss any crucial information.

Technique #2: Make Flashcards

Reading/writing learners might find flashcards useful for their revision too.

You can make your flashcards by hand or use an app. Two websites you can use are:

Why are flashcards efficient?

  • They allow you to choose which material to study.
  • You have to evaluate your knowledge of the subject before creating a flashcard.
  • By writing out the material on the flashcard, you strengthen your memory.
  • Using flashcards makes you go through the same information several times, which solidifies your information recall.

How do you create a good flashcard?

  • Make sure to have a term or a question on one side and a definition or answer on another.
  • Keep it short and precise.
  • You can categorize your flashcards by making them in different colors (one color = one category).

Technique #3: Draw Pictures

Drawing pictures is a good option for visual learners. According to Current Directions in Psychological Science , drawing pictures while studying strengthens memory recall. You may think that you can’t use this technique if you are not creative or not a talented artist. However, according to the research, the quality of your drawing doesn’t matter.

Drawing causes better recognition than writing because of the number of details involved in the process.

Try doodling while memorizing new vocabulary or terms for your exams instead of writing them down.

Technique #4: Try Mind Mapping

Mind mapping is another great option for visual learners.

This technique involves creating a diagram with pictures and lines to structure the information.

The best way for students to create a mind map is to make it big and bright. Try using capital letters and different colors for different sections. Make sure to use textbooks, guides, and books as resources for your map.

You can create one yourself or use an app.

Canva provides a mind map maker with templates. With this app, you can:

  • Customize your map
  • Use different elements such as shapes, lines, icons, etc.
  • Color code your map using the color palette
  • Download and share your mind map

After you finish your map, we recommend printing it out and hanging it in your room, where you can see it and review it regularly.

Technique #5: Test Yourself

Solitary learners can try self-testing while revising for exams.

  • You can use online tests or prepare questions for yourself in advance.
  • Another option is to summarize everything you’ve learned. Read the material, then try to write down as much as you can.

This process is great to strengthen your memory recall. If you can remember what you’ve learned, you will be able to use it in the future as well.

Testing yourself can also help you to identify your weak spots. Don’t be disappointed if you make mistakes while preparing yourself. Thanks to these mistakes, you can learn more and do better on the actual exam.

Technique #6: Teach Someone

This method is great for social and aural/auditory learners.

Teaching someone is a very effective way to learn something yourself.

Try to find someone who doesn’t know much about the topic you’re studying and explain it to them as simply as possible.

Another way you can follow this technique is to find a study partner. You can divide the topics between the two of you and explain them to each other. This is an efficient way to revise for your exams that can also save you a lot of time.

Even if there is no one to study with, you can say the material out loud. The act of repeating the material out loud can help solidify it in your memory.

🙌 More Exam Revision Tips

So far, we have reviewed the main revision techniques. Let’s now take a look at some tips and tricks that can make your exam revision easier. These also include psychological tricks that will help you feel better and optimize the entire process.

👨‍🎓️ Exam-Day Tips

The exam day has finally arrived! Here are some tips you can use so that all your revision won’t be in vain.

Check the Time and Place Once Again

As simple as it sounds, make sure to double-check the time and venue. Manage your time so you don’t arrive late, and plan your route to the exam location in advance.

Pack Your Things in Advance

Another simple thing to do is pack your bag in advance. Make sure you have an extra pen and pencil. Pack your things depending on which exam you will take. You may need a calculator or a dictionary, so remember to check your bag before each of your exams.

Sleep Well & Wake up Early

Manage your time so that you don’t stay up all night before the exam. Set your alarm early to have time for breakfast and get to the venue with no rush. Being in a hurry might make you nervous, and you don’t need that before your exam.

Eat Well & Stay Hydrated

It is beneficial to eat slow-release carbohydrates before the exam. Try having oats, apples, or whole grain bread for breakfast.

Don’t forget to stay hydrated too. Dehydration can make you less concentrated and cause headaches. You can usually have a water bottle with you during the exam, so don’t forget to bring it.

Learn more on the topic in an article on brain food for students !

Review Your Preparation Process After the Exam

Your exam is over, so now it’s time to reflect. Ask yourself these questions:

  • Which revision methods were efficient? Which ones were not?
  • What would you change about your performance on the exam?

By answering these questions, you can identify which methods worked for you and apply this knowledge to your next exam revision.

📊 23 Exam Revision Tips: Infographic

Here you’ll find an infographic with the revision tips and techniques we’ve outlined for you. Learn how to track your progress, reward yourself, find time for relaxation, look for support, and stay calm during the stressful exam revision period.

The infographic unites 23 exam revision tips described in the article.

That’s it for our revision tips and techniques! We hope you’ve found this article helpful. What revision techniques do you use? Do you have any lifehacks you can share? Let us know in the comments below, and good luck with your exams!

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Succeed at Exams

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What is unique about essay exams?

What is the difference between a short-answer question and an essay question, how do i prepare for an essay exam, how do i use practise questions, how can i prepare if i get the questions in advance, how can i prepare for a take-home exam.

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Essay exams have a significant written component, such as detailed short answer questions and/or formal essays. These exams may ask you to:

  • Show what you know about the course content and communicate this knowledge effectively.
  • Be analytical and critical about the themes of the course.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the relationships between course content, course objectives, and the practical and theoretical perspectives used within the course.
  • Integrate and apply what you have learned in lectures, readings, and discussions.
  • Articulate connections between the course material in complete sentences and paragraphs.

Both short-answer and essay questions ask you to demonstrate your knowledge of course material by relating your answer back to concepts covered in the course.

Essay questions require a thesis (argument) and supporting evidence, which comes from knowledge gained from course lectures, readings, seminar discussions, and assignments.

Short-answer questions are more concise than essay answers and they generally do not require an introduction, body, and conclusion.

  • Go beyond the topics that are covered and try to figure out the broader themes that the course explores.
  • Use this information to prepare sample questions.
  • Keep the content fresh in your mind.
  • Look for recurring themes, ideas, concepts, and trends.
  • Organize your study notes around these major ideas.
  • Go beyond simply reading your notes.
  • Describe concepts aloud, explain them to a friend, or use a strategy such as concept mapping to organize your thoughts and show how concepts are related or different.
  • Identify the areas that you understand well and the areas where you can strengthen your knowledge and understanding.
  • Review your notes from lectures, seminars, textbook, online notes, and other course materials to create summary or study notes.
  • Formulate practice questions based on the different categories of questions described above. Use old midterms, course outlines, study partners, and lecture and text notes to help you predict and create possible short-answer or essay questions.
  • Create outlines to answer your possible questions. Choose a definite argument and organize the supporting evidence logically.
  • Try mnemonics such as rhymes or acronyms to help you remember your outline.
  • Use a timer to practise answering your questions within a limited time frame.
  • Arrange a study group to discuss possible questions and key issues or concepts from the course.
  • Research the questions from your text, lecture notes, and other supplemental resources, and write down outlines for your answers ahead of time.
  • Memorize an outline or key points.
  • Prepare as if you were going to write the exam on campus.
  • Study before you receive the take-home exam or you may spend too much time researching the material and not enough time writing the exam.
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9 Tips to Ace That Timed Essay

Exams are almost upon us, and a familiar sense of foreboding has settled over the campus. One exam element that can be particularly intimidating for some students is the timed essay: an exam question which demands a full essay on a topic that is typically revealed for the first time during the test. While these kinds of questions may seem scary, there are plenty of ways to make them easy for yourself. Read on for tips about how to prepare in advance of the exam and how to approach timed essays before, during, and after the writing process.

While Preparing for the Exam: Become familiar with the course content. If the professor hasn’t told you in advance what a timed essay prompt will be, it can be intimidating to think that you will have to write about a subject you’ve never seen before. However, this thinking process does not reflect the reality of the situation. In fact, even if your teacher hasn’t given you any hints about the essay question, you do know what it will be about: the concepts and ideas you’ve discussed in the course. Therefore, if you take the time to review your notes and ensure you understand everything that was discussed, it should be difficult for the essay question to catch you off guard. As soon as you read the question, relevant course concepts will start popping into your head, and you’ll just have to organize them into a coherent essay. Start planning if you can. Although the situation described above sometimes occurs, it’s also very common for professors to give their students a fairly detailed idea of what an essay question will involve in advance of the test day. (After all, professors want to mark high-quality essays written by well-prepared students!) This heads-up gives you a great chance to prepare for the exam. If you have the time, consider mapping out a possible essay in point form before the day of the exam arrives. Consider practicing writing under time pressure. You’ve probably written dozens of essays before--the only thing that sets a timed essay apart is that it’s timed. Students often struggle to complete the full essay within the time constraints, particularly if they have to write longhand when they’re accustomed to working on the computer. For this reason, it can be helpful to simulate the conditions of a timed exam before the actual day: pick a practice question, find some lined paper, set a stopwatch, and see how you do! Before You Start Writing: Read the question carefully. The most critical part of the essay-writing process actually happens before you write your first word. When you flip to the essay question, make sure you read it as carefully as you can, noting the difference between words such as ‘contrast’ and ‘analyze’ and highlighting any details which the professor specifically instructs you to include. It’s not uncommon for excellent essays to receive low marks because the student answered a question other than the one that was asked. Make a clear and specific plan. Some students react to the time pressure of essay exams by scribbling down their introduction as soon as they’ve read the question and figuring out their points as they go. While it might seem counter-intuitive, taking five or ten minutes before you start writing in order to draw up a plan will be an enormous time saver. Decide on your thesis, the topic of each paragraph, and the arguments which you intend to cover, then jot down some quick point-form notes. This process won’t take long, and, once you complete it, all that’s left will be to expand those notes into a well-organized essay. Without a clear plan, you run the risk of realizing partway through that you’ve drifted off topic or written yourself into a corner, and fixing these mistakes will consume a ton of extra time. Schedule a set time for each paragraph. On the topic of planning, it’s important to sketch out an idea of how long you want to spend on each section of your essay. (If you know the number of paragraphs you’ll need to write ahead of time, you can do this before the exam even starts!) Take note of the amount of time allotted for the exam and split it into reasonably-sized segments, leaving some time at the end for revision if possible. Without a schedule to follow, it’s easy to become too focused on a single paragraph and run out of time to finish the essay. While You’re Writing: Write clearly and double-space. This tip may seem basic, but it’s easy to forget and it can make a big difference. Both these measures won’t just make it easier for the marker to read your paper; they'll also help you write it. If you have time left at the end of the exam for review, having the ability to skim quickly through your work and write revisions in blank spaces will be incredibly helpful.

Keep yourself on schedule.  Remember the paragraph-based schedule we discussed above? It’ll be useless if you don’t do regular check-ins during the exam. Keep an eye on the clock to ensure you’re always on track. If you realize that you’re falling dangerously behind schedule, it might be necessary to cut some arguments or examples you planned to include. Although making these omissions can be painful, it’s better to leave out a few points from one section than to leave out an entire paragraph because you ran out of time. Don’t worry too much about editing and revision before you finish. When composing essays, many students stop and read over each paragraph once they finish it, making sure that it’s well-written and free of errors before advancing to the next one. This approach is entirely logical when there’s no time pressure involved, but it can actually work against you during an exam. Perfecting paragraphs is a time-consuming process, and, if you spend too much time editing before the essay is finished, you might have to rush through the last few sections or leave them out entirely. For this reason, it’s best to focus on producing a complete first draft before you worry about edits and revisions.

After You’ve Finished Writing: Re-read the question and ensure you’ve addressed all parts. The most important part of writing an essay exam is ensuring that you’re answering the question was posed. Even if you made sure you were interpreting everything correctly before you began, you may have forgotten to address a subquestion or integrate an example as you were writing. Before you submit, read the prompt again and make sure your completed essay matches up! Edit if you have time. If you have enough time left over, read your essay again and make corrections. When you’re working under time pressure, it’s easy to make grammar mistakes or produce hard-to-follow sentences; the final few minutes are your chance to clean up those errors. Unless if you finished way ahead of schedule, don’t worry about major revisions like reorganizing the structure of the essay--it’s better to hand in an essay with an imperfect structure than a paper that’s impossible to follow because you had to stop halfway through the revision process.

Remember to have the right perspective. Once you hand your exam to the professor, relax! It’s easy to work yourself up after an essay exam when you didn’t get the chance to read your work over or you feel like your arguments were weak. However, it’s important to keep in mind that your professor understands the circumstances under which the essay was written. They’re fully aware of the time pressure you were dealing with, and they will judge your work far differently than they would judge a typical essay with a deadline set weeks after the assignment date. If you did your best to write a complete, clear, and insightful essay within the time allotted, you should have nothing to worry about. Best of luck during the upcoming exam season!

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Top tips for taking open book exams 1 - preparation

Posted in: academic skills , exams

Student taking an online open book exam

During the exam period, you may be asked to take a home-based online open book exam. Open book exams allow you to consult external sources such as textbooks and your own notes during the exam time. Here are some tips from former Academic Skills Course Leader Tom Reid to help you prepare for this form of assessment.

Tip 1 - Logistics

Before you do anything, you should find out:

  • when you'll be able to access the exam
  • the time and date the exam should be handed in
  • where, how and what format the exam should be handed in
  • how much time you have to complete the exam
  • the topic areas the exam will cover
  • how long answers should be
  • whether you need to reference
  • the types of questions, essays, short answers, report, etc.

Getting this information should help to steady your nerves.

Tip 2 - Get organised

During the online open book exam, you may be tempted to have a large amount of notes and resources at your fingertips to make you feel more secure. However, this can lead to confusion, loss of focus and wasted time. It's best to work from a few pages of relevant, concise notes and carefully selected texts.

Before the exam

  • Use tables of contents and index pages to locate relevant sections in the books you plan to use.
  • Bookmark useful chapters or pages with Post-it notes.
  • Prepare brief summaries, e.g. in margins of texts, to provide a quick reference.
  • Prepare a list of key information (formulae, key definitions etc) likely to be used.
  • Use index cards to list key topics and relevant page numbers of texts. Use one card per book. This can help you find information quickly.

Effective note-taking

  • Review the subject to get a good overview
  • Work out the key themes and topics
  • Identify key concepts, information, arguments, theories, conceptual frameworks
  • Make brief and legible notes
  • Summarise important information
  • Use clear headings
  • Organise notes by topic
  • Identify how topics are connected
  • Include real-world examples to illustrate concepts.

Tip 3 - Avoid pre-preparing model answers

When preparing your notes, it's best to avoid preparing a 'model' answer to a predicted question. Essay style questions tend toward a 'free' response rather than a fixed 'single right answer' question, so formula answers just won't work.

Revise around the topic and look for key points, arguments, evidence, examples, relevant conceptual frameworks and theories etc.

In other words, approach your revision for the open book exam in the same way you would approach a 'normal' exam, or even a quick-time assignment.

Tip 4 - Check past papers

The University Library has a large collection of past exam papers , listed by department, course and year. Past papers will provide you with really useful and relevant questions that you can use to revise and practise. Tutors often recycle or adapt existing questions, so it's possible that some questions may make a reappearance!

Remember, don't pre-prepare a model answer and don't second guess the content of the exam.

Tip 5 - Application, not regurgitation

Because this is an online open book exam where, in theory, you have access to unlimited resources, the questions are more likely to focus on testing your ability to critically assess facts, methods, ideas, theories etc rather than simply recycling learnt information or answering true/false type answers.

When studying each topic, you'll need to demonstrate a critical, analytical and evaluative approach in your responses, and consider areas such as:

  • issues and problems related to the topic
  • impact and implications of the study or research
  • arguments for and/or against
  • limitations of research/future research opportunities
  • examples to illustrate successes and/or problems in practice
  • the real-world application of theories/frameworks
  • your overall evaluation of the topic, based on the evidence you have presented.

The video below is also a useful guide to help you prepare for open book exams.

Blog post adapted from: https://student.unsw.edu.au/open-book-and-take-home-exams

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Preparing for open book assessments

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What to expect from an open book exam and how you can prepare for one.

On this page:

About open book assessments

  • What open book assessments test

Revising for open book assessments

  • Check your understanding of academic integrity
  • Practice in advance
  • Always ask for help if you need it

When prepping for university exams, you might have expected to be getting ready for endless rows of students gathered in a large hall, heads down for three hours, with no noise or notes allowed. Well, open book assessments are quite the opposite! 

Open book assessments, such as Controlled Condition Exams or Take-Home Papers allow you to consult reference materials while you’re taking the assessment. You will be completing this using your computer or tablet, most likely away from UCL – in your own space at home or your university accommodation. 

It’s important to note that you are expected to spend roughly the same amount of time on the open book assessment as you would have spent on the examination if you were present in an exam hall. For your own wellbeing, we do not encourage you to use the whole 24 hour or 7 day window of a Take-Home Paper to prepare your answers – longer time spent is also unlikely to lead to significantly improved marks. 

The additional time in some open book assessments (e.g. a 24 hour window) is there to allow for any technical issues that might arise in downloading the paper or uploading your answers.

What open book assessments test 

If you are used to exams that test memorisation, you might think that open book assessments are easy or encourage cheating, but don’t be deceived. They are designed to assess you even when you have access to reference materials and the internet. 

Open book assessments: 

  • focus on higher level learning skills and test your understanding of a subject matter or its application to a real-world problem, rather than recalling knowledge; 
  • draw upon a range of intellectual skills to test your understanding of the “big picture” of your module(s) and how the concepts you have learnt work together; and 
  • typically require students to formulate, compare or contrast, analyse, synthesise, apply or evaluate information, rather than simply remember it. 

For example, you might be given a problem or scenario and asked to apply concepts from different parts of the module to develop your answer.  

Return to the top of the page 

Many of the usual tips for preparing for exams will apply but in an open book assessment, you can make a big mistake by assuming that you can just prepare by having all your reference materials to hand. Your notes, internet sources, textbooks and other reference materials, access to peers by phone, email and on social media can easily become a crutch rather than an asset. Although in some cases, you may have 24 hours or even a week to submit your assessment, please don’t assume that you’ll have time to review your notes and watch lecture casts, re-read your textbook, or discover new information. You won't. 

Indeed, having access to books and other reference materials may actually hinder your performance. By preparing well beforehand, you will be able to manage the stress that is natural, and you will feel a sense of achievement of drawing all the knowledge and skills you have learnt together. You should approach the assessment already having studied all key concepts and topics. 

There are some revision steps you can take to make sure that you to organise yourself well for open book assessments: 

  • Your notes will make or break your assessment. If you sit down with a disorderly mass of papers, you’re going to waste time sorting them and may feel overwhelmed and stressed. 
  • Ensure all reference materials are organized beforehand so you where to find the information you need without wasting time and getting frustrated looking for them. 
  • Identify key concepts, formulas and terms which are likely to appear in the assessment. Use your lecture notes or recordings to help you. You may find it helpful to place post-it notes or online comments with important information in key sections of your printed textbook or pdfs so you can access them quickly.  For maths and science assessments, produce an outline or list of key data and formulas.  Create or reuse any mind-maps. 
  • Work out what material the assessment is likely to cover. Are there any specific chapters or key concepts in your textbook? Which lectures might help most? Is the assessment covering more than one module (this is often known as a synoptic or keystone assessment)? 
  • Identify the most effective sources to cite.  Compile a list of sources and quotes that support key concepts or arguments. You can format these as part of your preparation in a reference list before the test so that you don’t waste precious time organising this and formatting in the correct bibliographic style. 

Check your understanding of academic integrity 

By submitting an assessment on AssessmentUCL, you are agreeing to a Declaration of Integrity stating that the document you’ve submitted is all your own work.   

Under open book assessment conditions, there may be a greater temptation to copy and paste from the resources you have to hand. You should take an academic approach to drawing upon quotes and data to support your answers or argument, but do not rely too heavily on them and always make sure you reference appropriately. 

Click for more  information and guidance on UCL’s academic integrity regulations  and check out these student advice  on avoiding contract cheating  and and  academic misconduct .   

Practice in advance 

For centrally managed assessments, you will use an internet-connected computer or tablet to log in to the AssessmentUCL system to download the exam paper. You will type your assessment response and have access to your own textbooks, notes, and other resources. 

You can log in to the AssessmentUCL platform before the Central Assessment Period begins to practice submitting an assessment. This is your chance to familiarise yourself with the whole process well in advance. See Practice assessment for guidance . 

If you’ve been advised to handwrite some of your assessment response (e.g. where your answers include equations, graphs or diagrams), don’t forget to practise the process for scanning/photographing handwritten content in advance. Check the quality of these ‘mock’ documents is acceptable and seek advice if needed.  

Don't forget you can also access electronic copies of past exam papers from the Library . Note, however, that these papers will have been set for traditional exam conditions, not the open book format.  

Always ask for help if you need it 

The  Exams and Assessments  page is your one-stop-shop for all the relevant instructions and guidance. 

For help with your academic writing and referencing, check out this list of academic communication support resources at UCL .   

If you need to discuss any issues that may be affecting your ability to prepare for your exams, you can contact your personal tutor or UCL’s  Student Support and Wellbeing  Team of expert staff for confidential advice. 

The Students' Union UCL also offer an  Advice Service  via email, telephone and video/voice chat on Microsoft teams. 

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how to revise for essay exams

How to approach a 24-hour exam

The 24-hour exam is, perhaps, the most difficult online exam format, despite being open book. This guide will take you through 24-hour exam technique, tell you how you can organise your time on the exam day and give you some top tips to get through it.

how to revise for essay exams

The 24-hour format sounds the nicest on paper: you have 24 hours to complete an exam you would normally complete in three. Simple? As all university students know (or find out the hard way) you will spend as much time on an assignment as you are given. By this law, the 24-hour exam will take – you guessed it – 24 hours. We all know that spending an entire rotation of the Earth on one exam is not sensible or advisable, yet many of us get quite close. The important thing to remember is that it really isn’t supposed to take this long, and the key to a successful assessment is organisation in the run up to the exam, and a great game plan for the day.

Long-term preparation

The 24hr format is much like any other timed exam in that you need to remember the content. However, UCL’s 24hr exams are open book, and this means that understanding and applying the content is more important than the memorisation. Different methods of revision work for different people – maybe you’re someone who likes flashcards, or someone who prefers to write out notes again and again, or you like trying out exam questions. Whatever works for you works, but for the 24hr format, there are a few things you need to remember.

  • Revision needs to be active! Whatever method of revision you use, you need to ensure that you are embedding your understanding, and the only way to do this is by recalling and applying your knowledge. There are a couple of fantastic ways to do this. One of the easiest is ‘blurting’: write out everything you can recall to explain a topic, after revising using your method of choice. Then, take a highlighter, and check everything you’ve blurted – highlight anything that is missing a key point, or isn’t clear. Go back to revising, and clarify only these bits with yourself – then repeat! This works best when you break down your topics in to short chunks. Another way to do this is by speaking – explain your concepts to a friend without your notes, and get them to ask questions. Simply explaining a topic to somebody will reveal the holes in your own understanding, allowing you to fill them in. Finally, summarise what you have learned every half-hour in your own words. This helps you bring everything together in the big picture and will aid your understanding.
  • Your notes are key . Open book format means you don’t need to memorise everything, but you do need to understand where to find it. This means your notes need to be complete, labelled and organised, whether you write them or type them.
  • Read around the topics . The 24hr format is supposed to take as long as the exam would in a face-to-face context. However, even in an exam hall, you are expected to be able to support your writing with some key papers. With the 24hr format, essays are expected to show some critical insight and to be well supported by a couple of sources. If you’ve read around your topic, it’s much easier to employ those findings in the exam, and you won’t waste time trying to find key sources on the day.

7 days to go

With 7 days to go, it’s time to get super familiar with your exam format. You need to try out some practise papers, and decide what the best approach is for you. This is also a great way to practise recalling information and organising all the knowledge you have. To start with, you might want to try a full mock essay or two, to get the hang of writing the essay start to finish. Don’t spend all your time doing this, unless you are sure it is really helping you – it might be more beneficial to write a detailed plan for each practise question than to slave for hours, answering a question that you probably won’t get in the real exam. To practice planning, start by writing out the key points you must cover according to the question. Think about the content you think is relevant, and write it down in bullet point form. Look at this list, and try to organise it into a structure that fits your word count. Finally, expand on each of the points a little, but not so much that you start to write the whole essay.

In this week, there are a couple of other important things to do. Firstly, get to grips with your mark scheme. Learn what is expected of you in the exam, and think about how you can meet the marking criteria. Secondly, go shopping! You want to make sure you’ve got all the food you need on the day, as it’s a lot easier to attempt these exams with nothing else to think about. Thirdly, let people know you have a 24hr exam. This helps to mitigate interruptions, but also means you have somewhere to turn if you need a break or a chat. Finally, sleep. There is no world in which getting a good night’s sleep won’t help you with an exam, so do what you can to rest up.

On the day…

On the day, you need to be up and ready for when your exam opens – this gives you the longest possible window to attempt it. Make sure you know what you are eating throughout (again, this gives you one less thing to think about and ensures you’ll keep yourself fuelled). More than anything, make sure you have a stable internet connection. For the exam: pick your questions as quickly as you possibly can, and run with them. Deliberating and switching will waste valuable time, and increase the likelihood of pulling an all-nighter. Once you have chosen your questions, plan them out and approach them as your worked out earlier in the week, and once they are planned, get to writing as quickly as possible. Try to use the recommended time allowance for the exam – time pressure can help keep you focused, and means you are more likely to finish the questions in a reasonable amount of time.

If your exam does take a little longer, that’s ok, but there are a couple of things to remember. Firstly, sleep will always help – a refreshed mind can pick out mistakes that the exhausted mind can’t see, so make sure you rest even if your exam is taking longer than expected! Secondly, don’t sit at the desk all day. If your exam isn’t going to plan, take a break, search for a change of scene, and take your eyes away from the screen for half an hour or so. The benefit of the 24hr exam is that you can take a rest break if you need it, and don’t be afraid to do so – it can make all the difference to your focus. Finally, make sure you stay hydrated and eat well; your brain won’t work without any food or water, so help it out!

We hope this exam guide helps you tackle the 24-hour format. It can be tricky to approach, especially with all the distractions at home. Try to be organised and well prepared, but most importantly, do your best to relax and recuperate, even when this is easier said than done!

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how to revise for essay exams

How To Revise English Literature A Level? Tips By A* Students

how to revise for essay exams

Written by:

Max Stevens

Max Stevens

Administrator

Do you know that only 16.5% of English Lit students achieved an A*, and just 20.2% got an A in England in 2022?

Do you want to be a part of the A* team? But you’re struggling to understand and effectively revise for your English Literature A-Level exams? The vast amount of material you have to cover does make studying a daunting task. 

However, with the right approach and strategies, you too can grab that A*/A!

That’s why we ensure our english literature summer school students have 1:1 access to expert tutors. To help them maximise learning and develop bulletproof study skills in preparation for university-level English Literature. 

We’ve also gathered game-changing study tips and strategies to help you ace your A-Level English Literature. Read to discover more!

How can you revise for A-Level English Literature?

Identify your exam board.

Knowing which exam board you’re sitting on when revising for your English Literature A-Level is essential. Why? Because your exam board determines the content and layout of your exams.

Are you studying AQA, OCR or Edexcel?

Make sure you’ve checked the exam materials thoroughly, whichever board you’ve chosen, so you’ll know what to expect. Or you could end up in a real pickle!

In addition, you’ll also need to take note of the Assessment Objectives.

What are the A-Level English Literature Assessment Objectives?

Do you know that the Assessment Objectives (AOs) are the same across all exam boards? 

Here are the 5 AOs you need to know about.

  • How well you express your own thoughts, feelings, and ideas about literary texts. Do you use appropriate language and terms and write clearly and accurately?
  • Are you proficient in examining the techniques and elements used to create meaning in a literary text?
  • Do you illustrate an understanding of how contexts influence how authors write literary texts and how readers receive them?
  • How efficient are you in investigating connections across literary texts?
  • Explore literary texts through different perspectives and understandings.

Why is it essential to know specifications unique to a particular exam board and the general AOs? Because doing so will give you a clear direction. Allowing you to streamline your revision strategy according to your exam board’s criteria. 

It’ll also help ensure you meet your degree’s English literature a-level requirements .

Pro Tip: Keep track of any changes or updates that might affect your course by watching out for the school website for announcements. And stay on top of any news from your exam board. You don’t want to be caught off-guard on your exam day!

Organise Your Notes According To What Information Matters Most

Once you know your exam board, it’s time to organise your notes. How can you best organise them so that they’re easy to understand and remember? According to what matters most, such as:

  • Story’s Theme/Context
  • Character Description
  • Quotes relating to Theme and Characters
  • Literary Techniques

By doing so, you’ll go through each piece of literature with organised notes of textual analysis. This will help you remember the core information during your revision, as well as aid you in constructing better essays on exam day.

Don’t forget to write down any wider reading or background knowledge you may have acquired on a particular text. This is an integral part of analysing literature and can often be included in exam questions. So, it pays to be prepared!

Use Your Notes To Support Your Interpretations and Learnings

You now have sets of organised notes to scan and familiarise regularly. Now it’s time to write down and incorporate your interpretations and learnings.

Knowing the story’s theme or memorising quotes won’t matter if you don’t know how to incorporate them into your learning. That’s why it’s important to understand the underlying message of each text.

  • How do you analyse and interpret the text/character?
  • How do you use quotes and literary techniques to support your point of view?
  • What’s your conclusion, and how does it relate to your life?

Remember, at the end of the day, it’s about what you learned from reading a particular piece of literature. The goal is to enhance your ability to understand what you’ve read and form well-supported opinions about it.

So, write down your interpretations and leanings as you go through the notes. This will help you build a clearer understanding of each text and support your ideas on exam day.

Use Flashcards To Help You Remember

Flashcards are a great tool to help you remember essential information and quotes quickly. How do they work? They contain key points of a particular text, author or theme on one side of the card and its explanation on the other.

For English Literature A-Level exams, this could be anything from character descriptions to quotes that support a particular theme. And by writing and memorising the key points on both sides, you can practise quickly recalling information.

Why use cards when you’ve already written these on your notes? Because you can make a game out of it. For instance, when you see a character quote on one side of the card, can you recall the explanation or context written on the other side?

Try reciting to yourself what you recall. Then turn the card around. Do you remember correctly? 

Plus, you can shuffle cards around and get one at random. Ensuring your brain associates according to logic and understanding. And not just through spatial recall as it usually goes when solely studying via notes. 

Strategically Revisit The Texts

This tip applies if you’ve already read the text in full prior. Allowing you to revisit the text a second time, but now with an intentional eye. In this round, you’d find it beneficial to focus on two particular parts:

  • the chapters or sections you didn’t give much attention to before
  • and those that your professor highlighted during the discussion

Why is it essential to revisit chapters or sections you may not have given much attention to before? Because you’re sure to find character quotes or pivotal themes you may not have noticed. The details you’ll gather here will reinforce your answers during your exams.

Now, focus on the themes and topics your professor discussed.

  • How did they explain it?
  • How did they interpret it?
  • How does this fit into what you already know about the text?

Use the knowledge you’ve gathered to create a bridge between your interpretations and those of your professor. This will help you gain an even deeper understanding of the work.

Revising English literature for A-Levels means writing down notes and intentionally revisiting your texts. This allows you to take insights from your and your professor’s interpretations. And use them to enrich your knowledge and recollection during exams.

Take Full Advantage of Past Papers

Past papers are a great way to prepare for your English Literature A-Level exams for a few reasons. 

To start, they give you a sense of what the exam will be like. For instance,  

  • What are the usual questions? 
  • In what format? 
  • How long do the papers often go? 

Practising with past papers helps increase your confidence. Helping to minimise stress on exam day. 

Another advantage of using past papers is that you can measure your progress. How? By noting which topics or texts you struggled with and then revisiting those specific areas.

You can then test yourself on these topics by trying some practice questions. If you can answer them with quickness and assertion, you know you’re ready for the real thing.

Finally, past papers are an excellent resource for reference. If you have a question in your revision that you need help with, you can look at the corresponding past paper to see how others have answered it. 

This can provide you with some valuable insights and help boost your confidence.

All in all, they: 

  • give you a sense of what to expect
  • help you measure your progress
  • and act as a reference tool

On top of that, you can also double-check your answers via mark schemes. 

Use Mind Maps To Help You Make Connections

Mind maps are excellent in helping you visualise the concepts and themes you’ve learned. How? By drawing lines between characters, symbols, and events. Making it easier for you to create meaningful connections between all the information that makes up a text.

So you can quickly scan your mind map and recall everything you’ve learned. 

Mind maps also make it easier for you to understand the story’s overall structure and flow to remember essential details in a snap. 

You can start by drawing a circle in the centre of your paper to create a useful mind map. This is where you’ll write down the text that you’re studying. Then draw branches out from this central circle and write down the characters, symbols, or events associated with the text.

Let’s say you’re reading Pride and Prejudice and want to study the theme “Marriage.” You can put it in a circle and connect all the quotes, chapters, and scenes where it is discussed or demonstrated. Allowing you to review important details at a glance.

Mind maps are a fantastic way to make significant connections to help you interpret texts when revising for English Literature A-Levels. Hence, you can visualise concepts and remember essential details more easily.

Maximise Revision Guides

Another great way to revise is to use revision guides. These provide a comprehensive overview of the texts and themes studied in your course and are an invaluable resource for exams.

Most revision guides contain:

  • and analysis of each text

Plus, they usually include practice essay questions and their answers to help you prepare for the exam.

The best part? Revision guides are widely available. Most come with topics broken down into manageable chunks and lists. Making it easy to track your progress as you go through each section.

Remember that for all the good revision guides can do for you, it’s there only to aid you . And not to replace actual reading and rereading of the original text! Why? Because as we have mentioned before, what matters most is how you interpret the text.

What revision guides can do is supplement your notes. To fill in the gaps you may have missed. Therefore, giving you a more complete study.

So if you want a comprehensive resource to revise English Literature A-Level, then using a revision guide is beneficial. They’ll help make studying easier for you!

Engage in Study Groups

One of the best ways to revise for English Literature A-Level is to participate in a study group.

By getting together with other students, you can

  • Share ideas
  • Compare notes
  • and discuss themes and characters in the texts

Plus, if there’s something you need help understanding, another may be able to explain it better.

Having a group of like-minded peers to discuss texts can also be motivating and mentally stimulating. It’s always more enjoyable studying with other people because groups often devise creative ways to approach complex topics.

Study groups are also beneficial for practice exams. You can 

  • Quiz each other on various questions
  • Exchange essay plans
  • Compare answers

Providing a more profound learning experience and giving everyone a better understanding of the texts.

Watch Videos For Inspiration

Need inspiration to understand your texts on a whole different level? Consider watching videos for inspiration. This is especially helpful when you’re reading an old text. The unfamiliarity of the

  • Cultural norms of the time
  • The language used (e.g. Old English)

can become huge stumbling blocks to your learning. And you may find yourself stuck in the mire. This is where a full-on visual presentation can throw you the ropes. 

Watching a movie adaptation or an educational video analysis of the text can help you grasp its true depth. Or they can stir your interest and curiosity and make you think, “this story isn’t as dull as I thought it was!”

Many educational videos, such as how to use oxford dictionary APA citations , provide helpful lessons on the texts studied in your course. These are often presented by knowledgeable teachers or professors who can explain complex concepts. 

However, remember this golden rule: read and re-read the original text for the following reasons:

  • Movie adaptations often change or omit details
  • Interpretations won’t make much sense until you read the actual text
  • When answering essay questions, you must cite quotes and scenes from the original texts.

Videos allow you to gain a more vivid understanding of the text and can even help you develop different interpretations. So if you need a lift, take some time to explore videos related to your course and see what great insights they have in store for you!

How To Ace Your A-Level English Literature Exams

You now have a plan of attack for revising English Literature A-Level. So how do you ensure that you ace your exams? The following tips will help you ace your A-Level English Literature exams.

Develop a Consistent Study Routine

A consistent study routine is the best way to ensure you are ready for your exams. How often and for how long should you revise? It all depends on the amount of material that needs to be covered. The important thing is that you find a routine that works for you.

It could be an hour each day or two hours every other day. Figure out which pattern works best for you and stick with it. It can be a flexible schedule as long as it helps you review your texts thoroughly before the exams.

Prioritise Revision Strategies

You should prioritise specific strategies over others to ensure you cover all the critical topics and texts in time. If you feel like you understand the text but don’t know how to apply it to essays, then focus more on developing essay plans.

If you find specific themes or characters particularly difficult, spend more time reviewing them. This strategy will enable you to answer any questions on the exam with confidence.

Evaluate Your Practice Essay According to the Assessment Objectives

When practising essays, evaluate them according to the assessment objectives. This will help you understand what areas you need to focus on to score well on exam day.

You should also practise answering questions under time pressure. So you can develop effective strategies for managing your time and tackling challenging questions.

Lastly, remember to get feedback on your practice essays. Otherwise, how will you find out that you’ve improved? Getting feedback helps you gauge where you’re at in your progress. 

Consult with Teachers/Tutors

When in doubt, it’s always best to consult with your professors or tutors. They can provide you with clarity and help you hone in on the topics that need more work. 

For instance,

  • How else can you interpret a text? 
  • What are some other approaches to look at when answering essay questions? 
  • Are there literary theories you haven’t applied yet? 

Your professors or tutors can answer all these questions. So make sure to consult them if you’re feeling stuck. And if you’re looking for top-ranked UK universities for English Literature.

There you have it! If you’re wondering, “how do you get an A * in A-Level literature?” Simply look towards the study tips above. 

Remember, revising for an A-Level English Literature exam is no easy feat. Still, with these game-changing tips and techniques, you’ll be well on your way to acing it!

How to Revise for English Literature A-level Poetry?

Revising poetry for A-Level English Literature can seem intimidating at first, especially when you’re not used to reading it. It can even be more difficult when a poem contains unfamiliar words or uses a style you’re not familiar with. 

So here are some strategic tips you need to know for poetry English literature revision.

  • Read the whole poem, each time with one specific intention in mind, including the following:
  • Personal Reaction
  • Context according to the author, date, literary context, etc.
  • The Technique used, such as form, structure, and language and how it contributes to meaning.
  • As you go through each read, annotate the poem with your notes. Remember to highlight the key themes, symbols, and literary devices.
  • Check out what other English students and teachers have said about the poem.
  • Once you have your notes, refresh your memory by rereading them regularly.
  • Use flashcards to familiarise yourself with key quotes and lines from the poems.
  • Practice answering essay questions under timed conditions.
  • Make sure to answer different types of questions, including close reading questions, context questions, and comparison questions.
  • Get feedback on your essays and practice papers from your teacher or a tutor.
  • Need more motivation? Revise with a group! You’ll learn valuable insights from like-minded people.
  • Make sure to balance studying and relaxing well so you don’t burn out before the exam.
  • Finally, stay focused and organised. Make a study schedule and stick to it!

How Many Texts Do You Study in A-Level English Literature?

Your exam board determines how many texts you study in A-Level English Literature. For instance, AQA requires students to study three texts. What are these texts? One poetry, one prose, and one drama.

Edexcel also requires the study of three general texts (poetry, prose, and drama.) With a total of eight texts under these three categories.

Hence, the number of texts you need to study depends on your exam board. That’s why it’s best to check your specifications so you can adjust your revision sessions accordingly.

Is English Literature Hard in A-Levels?

Yes, English Literature is hard in A-Levels. At least when you compare it to Mathematics based on the percentage of students who gained an A*. But English Literature is a bit easier compared to Biology, and about similar difficulty levels to Chemistry.

What percentage of A-Level students achieved A*s and As in English Literature? The table below reveals that around 16.5% got an A*, and 20.2% obtained an A.

When comparing A-Level English outcomes to Maths, we have

The table above shows that there are less English Literature students who achieved A* (16.5%) than Maths (22.8%.) How about for A? English’s 20.2% is to Maths’ 24.3%. Hence, English Lit is more difficult than Maths. 

Let’s now compare English Literature vs Biology. 

You’ll see above that more English students received an A* (16.5%) than Biology (12.8%.) The same trend goes for the number of students who got an A, but only by a 1% difference. So English Literature is a bit easier than Biology.

Last but not least, let’s examine whether English Lit is harder or easier than Chemistry by looking at the table below. 

The table shows that more English students achieved an A* (16.5%) than Chemistry students (24.4%.) But when it comes to A, the reverse is true. Less English Literature students got an A (20.2%) than Chemistry students (24.4%.)

So students find English Literature and Chemistry at similar difficulty levels.

Looking back across the tables, you’ll see that based on the percentage of students who achieved A*s and As

  • English literature is hard when compared to Mathematics
  • But a bit easier compared to Biology
  • And similar in difficulty level to Chemistry

Is it Hard to Get an A in A-Level English Literature?

Yes, getting an A in A-Level English Literature can be hard. Ofqual Analytics states that only about 16.5% of English Literature students in England achieved an A*, and about 20.2% got an A. 

Do you want to get an A grade in your A-Level Engli Lit? Then, incorporate the revision tips listed above into your study routine. 

Acing your A-Level English Literature exams requires a combination of consistent study habits and effective revision strategies. Having the willingness to seek feedback and guidance is also essential. 

You’ll ace English Literature in no time when you follow these tips to develop a deep understanding of the texts and hone the ability to analyse and interpret. So remember to stay focused and motivated, and you will do great!

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How To Revise For Your Medical School Exams

These revision strategies will help you prepare for your Med School exams, with tips to tackle the different types of questions you’ll face.

  • Revision Strategies
  • Med School exams explained
  • How to answer different questions
  • Replay our revision strategies webinar

Jump to Section

  • Deciding on Medicine
  • Work Experience
  • Choosing a Medical School
  • Personal Statement
  • Interview Guide
  • Interview Questions
  • NHS Hot Topics
  • Medical Ethics
  • Graduate Entry
  • Studying Abroad
  • Study Medicine Abroad In Europe
  • Studying Abroad in the USA
  • Study Abroad in Ireland
  • Study Medicine In The Caribbean
  • Study Abroad in Australia
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  • Your First Week
  • Your First PBL Lesson
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  • Note-Taking Strategies
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  • Veterinary Medicine
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  • Physician Associate
  • The NHS Guide
  • Parents’ Guide

Use these revision strategies to make sure you’re ready for your Medical School exams.

What Type Of Exams Will I Do At Med School?

In general, Med School exams can be separated into:

  • Written exams
  • Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OCSEs)

Some universities expect students to do both of these exam types from the first year, while some universities save OCSEs for later in the course.

Written Exams – Multiple Choice Questions

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) offer you multiple answers to choose from. In Med School exams, you will frequently be presented with five possible answers and you’ll need to select the best one. 

Sometimes several of the possible answers (or even all of the answers) are valid in some way, so you’ll need to make a value judgement as to which answer is the most relevant. For example, you might be given a scenario, e.g. a patient has presented with certain symptoms, and you must choose the best way to proceed.

MCQs can be text-based or picture-based. You might be familiar with this type of question from your UCAT or your BMAT .

How To Answer Multiple Choice Questions

To find the best answer to a multiple choice question, you should use a process of elimination. This is a key skill that Doctors use on a daily basis (e.g. when figuring out what is likely to be a patient’s diagnosis based on their symptoms) so it’s an essential thought process to get to grips with.

For example, think about how you would tackle the following multiple choice question:

What best describes the mechanism of action of the combined contraceptive pill in preventing pregnancy?

  • Increase cervical mucus thickness
  • Prevent endometrial proliferation
  • Prevent ovulation
  • Physical barrier for sperm to enter the endometrium
  • Toxic to sperm cells

Using a process of elimination, you can firstly rule out D and E because these options are inaccurate. You can then rule out A and B because these are both secondary actions of the combined contraceptive pill. Option C is the primary action, so it is the best answer to the question.

If you’re in a situation where you’ve read the options and have no idea what the answer is, you can also use a process of elimination to make an educated guess. You should always try to answer every question!

A useful revision strategy for this type of question is to practise coming up with your own MCQs. This can help you to get inside the mind of the examiner and gain a better understanding of how these questions work.

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Written Exams – Short Answer Questions

It’s likely that you’re already familiar with Short Answer Questions (SAQs) from your A-Level science exams. 

You’ll be required to give answers that range from a few words to a few sentences long. You could also be asked to draw a diagram or label a diagram in some instances. 

How To Answer Short Answer Questions

When answering a short answer question, you’ll need to read the question carefully and focus on any keywords that it contains. If stated, think about the marks that are available and whether your answer includes a sufficient amount of information to be awarded these marks.

Make sure your answer is focused and specific, and think about what the examiner will want to see. Remember, you only need to answer the question that you’ve been given!

Written Exams – Essay Questions

Essay questions are less common in Med School exams than MCQs and SAQs are, but some universities include them. You might be familiar with this type of question if you sat the BMAT .

How To Answer Essay Questions

Preparation is vital for answering essay questions. If you begin by planning your essay structure, this will make your essay better and save you time later on. While writing your essay, make sure it stays focused and answers the question at hand, without going off on unnecessary tangents.

When it comes to writing scientific essays, less is more – so try to be concise. Write in a scientific style by using technical terms and including sufficient evidence to back up your points. It’s also a good idea to prepare by reading scientific papers to get more familiar with this writing style.

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Objective Structured Clinical Examinations

OCSEs will test your ability to communicate with patients, examine them, and perform practical procedures. Depending on your university, you might be required to do OCSEs in your first year or later in the course.

This type of exam has a similar format to MMI interviews , with multiple stations lasting 5-10 minutes each. You could be asked to, for example, talk to a patient about their problem and perform a relevant examination on them, or you might be asked to take someone’s blood pressure.

How To Prepare For OCSEs

OCSEs are different from other types of Med School exams because they’re practical, so you can’t really revise for them by reading or writing. It could be helpful to practise for them with friends or family members, or you might want to start/join a study group with other Med students.

Another good way to prepare for OCSEs is to engage as much as possible when you’re on clinical placements. Talk to patients and colleagues, observe and offer to help with clinical examinations, and ask for feedback so that you’re constantly learning.

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CBSE Class 12 Practice Paper with Solution for Board Exam 2024 for All Subject, Download PDF

 cbse class 12 practice papers 2024: get here practice papers with solutions for all subjects of cbse class 12. download pdf of questions by subject experts and boost your cbse board exam preparations..

Roshni Yadav

CBSE Class 12 Practice Papers 2024: CBSE Class 12 Board Exams 2024 will start on February 15, 2024. As less than two weeks are left until the final exams, it is a crucial stage for students to intensify their preparations. At this point, last-minute revision and practice of a sufficient number of questions become of great importance, as they will not only help students consolidate their knowledge but will also help them assess their level of preparation.

Students are advised to revise all chapters, especially important topics, and practice sample papers or model papers to understand the demands of the paper. Through solving practice papers, students will be able to develop an efficient time management strategy.

CBSE Class 12 Practice Papers with Solutions, Download PDF

Team Jagran Josh presents below the subject-wise practice papers for the CBSE Class 12 Board Exam 2024. The practice papers have been developed according to the latest CBSE syllabus , exam pattern, and official Class 12th sample papers . You can also check the marking scheme and solutions for each practice paper to help you with quick revision and achieve high scores in your upcoming board exam.

Features of CBSE 12th Practice Question Papers

  • The subject-wise practice papers are prepared on the basis of the latest CBSE Class 12 syllabus.
  • Question formats and language are entirely aligned with the latest CBSE Class 12 sample papers.
  • Practice papers are developed by subject experts. 
  • Practice papers cover the key concepts and topics carrying high weight for the board exam.
  • Solutions have been provided for self-assessment and attaining a clear understanding of concepts. It will help you improve your answering skills.
  • Direct download links to practice papers and solutions are provided for quick access.

Consistent practice is considered the key to success, and in this context, the subject-wise practice papers provided here are indispensable tools aiding students in performing well and securing high marks in their CBSE Class 12 Board Exam 2024.

Important Study Material for CBSE Class 12 Board Exam 2024

  • CBSE Class 12 Syllabus 2023-24 PDF (All Subjects)
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Students can also solve the previous year question papers,  question banks and additional practice papers. Through solving questions students will be able to overcome their board exam fear and will be able to score higher marks in the final exams. 

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  1. How to Revise an Essay

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  3. How to Revise an Essay in 3 Steps

    how to revise for essay exams

  4. How to Revise an Essay and Make It Better Than Ever

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  5. How to revise for exams كيف تراجع من أجل الامتحانات

  6. CSS Essay by Essay Topper

COMMENTS

  1. Your 3-Step Guide to Revising for Essay-Based Exams

    Your 3-Step Guide to Revising for Essay-Based Exams By Robina Essay-based exams are particularly difficult to prepare for. If you're worried about revising for your essay-based exam, read our blog from Newcastle University student, Robina, on how to get the most out of your revision.

  2. 7-steps to revising for essay-based exams

    7-steps to revising for essay-based exams University exams can be daunting. They are very different from school exams. There is often more material, but fewer questions. An entire semesters worth of material can sometimes be assessed on the basis of two essay questions.

  3. How to revise effectively in just one day

    It's possible to revise for an exam in a day. This plan partly relies on the strength of your lecture notes and attendance throughout the course. Not confident in your work so far? For future reference, here's how to take better lecture notes. 18 last-minute exam revision tips These are our top tips for studying the day before an exam:

  4. How to Revise Successfully: 13 Steps (with Pictures)

    1 Organizing Your Revision 2 Revising Actively 3 Finding Support Other Sections Questions & Answers Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Article Summary Co-authored by Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed. Last Updated: January 14, 2024 Fact Checked Your upcoming exams may seem like the end of the world, but there's no reason to fear them!

  5. 10 Tips on How to Revise Effectively

    Prioritise sleep, eat nutritious meals, stay hydrated, and incorporate regular exercise to boost your energy levels and concentration. Stay Positive A positive mindset can significantly impact your revision and exam performance. Keep your end goals in sight, acknowledge your progress, and be kind to yourself during this challenging period.

  6. How to revise for exams: Top tips

    How to revise for exams: Top tips Student life-after you start How to revise for exams: Top tips Revising for exams can be difficult and it can be easy to develop bad revision habits. Read our helpful revision tips to ensure you are fully prepared. EXAMS AND ESSAYS UNDERGRADUATE Sophie Rogers 13 Feb 2023 Start early

  7. Essay-based exams: A short guide

    Effective revision is, of course, key. The better you have prepared and practised, the more confident you will feel on the day. Sleep well, in order to be able to focus during your exam. If you need technological support for your exam (eg, in the case of dyslexia or dyspraxia), contact your department in advance.

  8. How to Revise: A Step-by-Guide to Revising Your Writing

    1 Prepare to revise Once you've finished your rough draft, it's time to get ready to revise. The revision process will be more effective if you follow a few basic steps beforehand. First, take a break from writing after the first draft.

  9. How to Revise an Essay in 3 Simple Steps

    Step 1: Look at the essay as a whole There's no sense in perfecting a sentence if the whole paragraph will later be cut, and there's no sense in focusing on a paragraph if the whole section needs to be reworked.

  10. How to Revise for Different Types of Written Exams

    - The correct answer is there. If you don't know you can guess (unless your exam penalises guessing/incorrect answers) - There will be more questions, and lower marks per question so the risk of answering a few incorrectly is lower than with other types of exams

  11. Tips for revising for psychology essay-based exams

    The way to do it is simple: pick out the key parts of the essay question. Sometimes questions can have superfluous information, so the key parts you want are the topic of the question and how to answer it. Remember: You don't need to talk about everything you've revised or covered.

  12. Essay exams: How to make revision notes

    Your revision note methods will depend on the subject matter and what you prefer. The key points to remember are: Your notes should record the core facts about the subject, the really important elements. Don't reproduce every detail of your textbooks. You can produce notes in any way you want - they are just for you.

  13. Five secrets to revising that can improve your grades

    An expert on revision gives his top five tips on how to revise for exam success Read more: students share their revision stories Tom Stafford @tomstafford Mon 21 Apr 2014 05.00 EDT H ow do...

  14. How to Revise for Exams Effectively: Guide

    The best way to revise for exams is to prepare thoroughly. If you prepare for your revision well, you'll have an easier time remembering the material during the exam itself. Here's some advice on how to revise correctly and efficiently. Start Early It is crucial to start preparing as soon as possible.

  15. Prepare for Essay Exams

    Use old midterms, course outlines, study partners, and lecture and text notes to help you predict and create possible short-answer or essay questions. Create outlines to answer your possible questions. Choose a definite argument and organize the supporting evidence logically. Try mnemonics such as rhymes or acronyms to help you remember your ...

  16. 9 Tips to Ace That Timed Essay

    Take note of the amount of time allotted for the exam and split it into reasonably-sized segments, leaving some time at the end for revision if possible. Without a schedule to follow, it's easy to become too focused on a single paragraph and run out of time to finish the essay. Write clearly and double-space.

  17. Top tips for taking open book exams 1

    In other words, approach your revision for the open book exam in the same way you would approach a 'normal' exam, or even a quick-time assignment. Tip 4 - Check past papers. The University Library has a large collection of past exam papers, listed by department, course and year. Past papers will provide you with really useful and relevant ...

  18. Preparing for open book assessments

    When prepping for university exams, you might have expected to be getting ready for endless rows of students gathered in a large hall, heads down for three hours, with no noise or notes allowed. Well, open book assessments are quite the opposite! Open book assessments, such as Controlled Condition Exams or Take-Home Papers allow you to consult ...

  19. How to approach a 24-hour exam

    This means your notes need to be complete, labelled and organised, whether you write them or type them. Read around the topics. The 24hr format is supposed to take as long as the exam would in a face-to-face context. However, even in an exam hall, you are expected to be able to support your writing with some key papers.

  20. Making the grade: A* students share their revision tips and secrets

    At least two weeks before your exams, start concentrating on past papers. Do each one at least twice. With each one, trawl through the mark scheme and ensure you understand everything there. This gives you a better idea of how to think through an exam question. I rarely just know the answer.

  21. How To Revise English Literature A Level? Tips By A* Students

    English's 20.2% is to Maths' 24.3%. Hence, English Lit is more difficult than Maths. Let's now compare English Literature vs Biology. You'll see above that more English students received an A* (16.5%) than Biology (12.8%.) The same trend goes for the number of students who got an A, but only by a 1% difference.

  22. How To Revise For Med School Exams

    Med School Prep Course Exam Types MCQs SAQs Essays OCSEs Webinar Replay Med School Prep Course Use these revision strategies to make sure you're ready for your Medical School exams. What Type Of Exams Will I Do At Med School? In general, Med School exams can be separated into: Written exams Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OCSEs)

  23. CBSE Class 12 Practice Paper with Solution for Board Exam 2024 for All

    CBSE Class 12 Practice Papers 2024: CBSE Class 12 Board Exams 2024 will start on February 15, 2024. As less than two weeks are left until the final exams, it is a crucial stage for students to ...

  24. Goodgrades Writers on Instagram: " 微信:[Goodgrades_writers] 获得你的 A 成绩!

    assignments and exams,thesis, res..." Goodgrades Writers on Instagram: "📩微信:[Goodgrades_writers] 获得你的 A 成绩! 📥 assignments and exams,thesis, research and projects Online Assignment Writing help has emerged as a valuable resource for students seeking to manage their academic workload effectively.