Exam preparation – 10 study tips

Exam preparation – 10 study tips

Exams can be stressful and this years’ exam season certainly isn’t a “normal” one. We’ve pulled together 10 tips which could help children and young people reduce their worry and stress during this time. Please share these with anyone getting ready for exams

1.       Give yourself enough time to study

This is all about time management, so why not set up a study timetable. List out the exams you have and the days you are taking them; then you can organise your study according to the schedule of your exams

2.       Organise your space

Ideally you need to get rid of all distractions to give you the best chance to focus on your study. Make sure the space is comfortable and allows you to have all your textbooks and notes easily to hand. Some people may want complete silence, others a bit of background music – this is about what works for you.

3.       Practice using old exam papers

Probably one of the most effective ways to prepare for exams is to complete past exam papers. From this you’ll see what kind of questions are asked and in what format; also, you can time yourself so you’re clear on how much time you can spend on each question.

4.       How about a study group?

Getting together with a group of friends to study can be beneficial to all; you may have questions that they have answers to and vice versa. However, you’ll need to be disciplined enough to stay focused on your study for an agreed amount of time!

5.       Take regular breaks

Studies have shown that taking regular breaks helps with retention of knowledge. Trying to study for hours on end can be counterproductive. Instead you should develop a study routine that works for you. If you’re a morning person you might want to start your study early and take break at lunchtime. Whereas is you’re a bit of a night owl, try taking a longer break earlier in the day and settle down to more study in the evening.

6.       Snack on the right food!

During your breaks you may feel you deserve a little treat, but be careful that you don’t choose foods which can reduce your energy levels or focus. Choose nutritious foods such as nuts, seeds, yoghurt and blueberries; all of which have been proven to aid concentration and memory. Steer clear of the junk food until after you’ve completed the exams!

7.       Drink plenty of water

Stay hydrated! Keep drinking plenty of water throughout your revision and on the day of the exams.

8.       Plan your exam day

You’ve done all your planning in the run up to the exam, so don’t stop for the exam day itself. Get everything you need ready in advance, don’t leave it until the morning of the exam.

9.       The night before the exam

Early to bed and a good night’s sleep will help you more than trying to revise all night. Take time to switch off from all the study; chat to someone, have a laugh and you’ll feel less stressed. Oh and don’t forget to set your alarm!

10.   During the exam

Make sure you read the instructions on the exam paper, look at all the questions before you start so you can plan how long you need to spend on each one. If you can, leave some time to read over your answers at the end. If you get stuck, move on to a question which you can answer better.