Revision...

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Revision

Effective revision is not a matter of cramming three weeks before the exam. It is a continuous process through the year, or years.

Don't put your notes away and forget them after they have been made. Make a habit of skimming the week's work, the month's work or the term's work, briefly but regularly. This helps your memory and improves the quality of the revision done before the exams.

Some hints:

1. It's never too soon to start.

(a) Look at your course material and note the topics you must cover for each subject

(b) Plan around these working backwards from the exam date to give you a starting date for your revision.

(c) Allow 1-2 weeks before the exam for overall revision of topics already revised in depth and within this allow 1-2 days per subject area.

(d) Make a time-table - realistically allocating time to each topic.

(e) Try to stick to it!

2. What you revise depends on you. It's important not to gamble on what will appear on the paper too closely. As a rule,

(a) Revise all major topics.

(b) Revise any essay topics and seminar topics, and seminar topics which you did in depth.

(c) (At least) scan all other topics. If one of your topics appears linked to another, which you have looked through, compare the two areas, noting any similarities and differences between them.

3. How you revise is important. Techniques suit different people but,

(a) don't just read - summarise your notes.

(b) Skim a text and make brief summaries for final revision.

(c) Revise related topics together (even if not in the same subject course).

(d) Criticise your notes - note your comments.

(e) Make flash-cards for last minute use.

(f) Try to look at old exam papers. Plan answers to them, and write model answers. Use any mock exams available - these give practice in working under pressure and in organising your thoughts.

4. Don't forget other pursuits.

(a) If coursework is on-going try to mix revision with new work.

(b) Allow rest and recreation always.

(c) Take breaks more often if necessary.

(d) Don't hibernate before exams - it doesn't help - look for friends not involved in exams or those involved in different subjects.

5. Work with friends, test each other or discuss your topics together to help each other.

6. Before the exams, in the previous week, go through your summaries or scan your notes. Don't try to cram too much into each day.

7. The day before your exam.

(a) Do not try to learn anything new.

(b) Revise normally and try to timetable some relaxation.

(c) Get equipment together (and alarm clock).

(d) Go to bed early.

8. During revision time, maintain a normal routine.

(a) Eat well and properly.

(b) Take your usual exercise.

(c) If you cannot, or if you feel unwell, see the doctor before the exams, there may be something wrong, and it will be taken into account if it is mentioned in advance.

Above all - THINK POSITIVE.