Studying for those exams can be stressful, especially if you don't know how to study for a particular subject. English exams can vary depending on the focus of your class, whether it's a writing course, a literature course, or an overall literature course. However, there are some general strategies that can help you do well on the exam in an English course.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Memorizing Vocabulary
Step 1. Create a reminder card
Reminder cards are one of the best ways to memorize vocabulary. Write one word on one side of the index card and its meaning on the other. You can ask yourself that word or have someone else ask you about it.
You can also use an electronic reminder card. There are computer programs and cell phone applications specifically made for studying the information on a reminder card: You enter the words front and back on the card and you search for the word later
Step 2. Identify which words are root, prefix, and suffix
One way to learn vocabulary more quickly and effectively is to know common basic words, prefixes, and endings. By being able to identify these language elements, you'll be able to guess vocabulary, not just memorizing long lists of words that don't mean much to you.
- The prefixes "un", "in", "il", and "ir" often denote the meaning of "not".
- The endings "–ive", "-ative", and "–itive" indicate that a word is an adjective- an adjective that describes a noun.
- The prefix "man" usually relates to something that uses the hands.
- The suffix "phobia" indicates a fear of something.
- The prefix "re" means to return or again.
- The prefixes "sur", "sub", "suc", "soup", and "sus" often mean under, or silently.
- The prefix "psyche" indicates a connection with the mind.
- The prefixes "mono" (one) and "poly" (many) indicate the number.
- The suffixes "log", "logo", and "ology" denote the study of something.
Step 3. Write down the words and their meanings
Even if you don't have a reminder card, writing down the words and their meanings will help you remember them.
- If you have time, try to write down the words and their meanings more than once.
- If you have the ability to remember visually, try using a variety of different colors. You may be able to remember the color of the word and describe its meaning during the exam.
Method 2 of 4: Literature Review
Step 1. Read the short selection again
Poems or short stories that you used to learn in class should be reread. For longer writings such as full novels, be sure to reread passages that seem really important or that the teacher talks about many times in class.
- If you take notes while discussing the writing, review the notes first, then reread the writing.
- Be sure to look at the syllabus so that you remember everything you've read.
- Reviewing the chapter titles and the first and last sentences of each chapter in the novel can help refresh your memory of the novel's main ideas.
Step 2. Read the introduction and side notes in the textbook
If you use a standard textbook for class, read the introduction and footnotes that accompany the poem or story you read.
These components, because they are often missed the first time you read an article, often provide context and commentary that can be very helpful for answering written questions
Step 3. Review course notes
If you take notes in class, read them again. If you don't usually take notes, it's a good idea to try to do so at a later date. This is a great way to remind yourself of what you discussed in class. Teachers rarely ask exam questions that aren't directly covered in class, so being able to review information from class time is your best study guide.
Step 4. Identify big picture themes
Many writing questions about literature are related to the theme, or the big picture message of an article. If you have trouble identifying your own theme, try searching the internet for the name of the text plus the word "theme". You are likely to find reviews and study guides useful. By knowing the common themes in literary works, you will be able to identify these themes in specific writings:
- (Wo)Man against nature
- (Wo)Man against society that is hostile to him or God/gods
- mortal realm
- The unavoidable nature of death
- Conditions of Alienation
- The danger of ambition
Step 5. Review the study guides and online summaries
Many sites provide summaries and study guides for students in the conventional (popular and well-known) field of writing. These online materials can be very helpful tools for the learning process, but should never be used as a substitute for writing.
If you choose to take advantage of online leads, use reputable ones written by experts. Avoid using personal blogs and websites that don't mention that they were written by experts
Step 6. Remember details such as the names of the characters
While you may not be asked specifically about the names of the characters and their relationship to each other on the exam, these details will come in handy when you take the exam.
- Mistakes in naming characters or mixing up characters can even reduce good answers to exam questions.
- Use reminder cards (both paper and electronic) to memorize the names of the characters and details about them.
Method 3 of 4: Determining Exam Content
Step 1. Refer to your study guide
The best way to prepare for the exam is to consult and complete all study instructions. Most teachers who provide learning instructions are basically giving test keys to the classes they teach. Knowing everything contained in the study guide can ensure success on the test.
If your teacher doesn't provide study instructions, you may not be able to use this option. You can try to visit the teacher before or after class or during his or her office hours and ask for directions or suggestions on what things you should focus on studying
Step 2. Review your course syllabus
If the instructor submits a course syllabus or calendar, read through to the end. Often, the instructor's philosophy of exams is part of a detailed syllabus. It can also serve as a reminder of certain posts you've read or things you've focused on.
- Anything that makes the teacher spend more than a day of lessons is important.
- The majority of the syllabus includes a section on exams. At the very least, you should be able to determine the percentage of your overall score on each exam, which can help you determine how long you should spend studying it.
Step 3. Review your class notes
For some exams, you may need to be able to provide definitions of major concepts or literary movements. For other exams, you may need to be able to talk about how a theme can be explored in various pieces of work. Review your entire notes to check for definitions, lists, and any themes or topics that appear more than once; this is usually a good sign that those things are on the test.
Step 4. Enter class before the exam
Often, the day or days before the exam is the best time to attend class. The teacher may give you an overview of the exam and point out the directions of focus that you should study. This also happens when the teacher distributes study instructions.
- If you have to leave class, ask a trusted friend or classmate for a copy of the notice or note. If he knows you're leaving prematurely, he'll probably take full notes instead of just listening.
- As a last resort, contact the teacher to find out what materials you missed in class. It is best to let him know that you will be leaving prematurely, and to let him know that you have tried asking other students to take notes for you. Don't convey your request by saying that you want to know "if" you missed something or "if" he had anything important to say; Speech like this will offend the teacher. However, ask if your teacher will share with you what he or she explains in class.
Step 5. Ask the teacher what you should study
If the teacher doesn't voluntarily provide study instructions or information about the exam, ask him about it towards the end of the lesson one day. Remain polite and only ask for directions about studying rather than demanding to know what the exam will contain.
It's also important to know whether later exams are cumulative, covering everything from the start of the semester, or whether they only cover study materials since the last exam
Step 6. Find out from previous course exams
If this is not your first test for the course, look at the last test you took. Many teachers use a similar format for each exam, so the previous test can serve as a study guide or at least give an idea of what will be found in the exam format.
Step 7. Know the format of the exam
In addition to asking about the content of the exam, you should ask the instructor about the format of the exam. By knowing, for example, whether the exam format will be multiple choice or entirely written, you will be able to decide which method of study you will take.
By knowing whether you will be taking the test with a computer or with pen and paper, you will also be able to determine how you should study. A computer equipped with word processing software may eliminate the need to spend a lot of time learning the spelling of vocabulary, for example
Step 8. Determine the materials for the appropriate test
Make sure that you will be ready for the exam by bringing the appropriate study materials for the exam. If the exam is being conducted on a computer, you may not need to bring anything with you at all.
- Find out if you will need a pen or pencil, paper or test booklet, and whether you will be able to use the textbook or novel you read while taking the test.
- Some teachers may even let you use a notecard or study guide while you take the test.
Method 4 of 4: Form a Study Group
Step 1. Ask classmates if they are interested in studying together
Maybe you're not the only person who wants to study for an English exam. Asking before or after class if anyone wants to study together in a study group can be a good way to increase learning effectiveness.
You're more likely to be able to form study groups if you don't wait until the day before the exam to suggest it: plan ahead
Step 2. Share notes with each other
Everyone takes lesson notes differently, so sharing or comparing notes can be a good way to remember details about a particular lesson discussion. It can also be a good way to review material from times when you missed class.
- Keep in mind that group members don't plan on sharing notes, so it's nice to comment on their handwriting, messy notes, and/or doodles on their notes.
- Don't be ashamed of the condition of your study notes. You don't expect to share, and even messy notes can be helpful for people with no notes at all.
Step 3. Talk about literature
Direct debate about writing is a good way to keep you interested in writing and to review its content. Make sure you support the discussion by looking at the writing and finding opportunities to use the "evidence" from the writing to support your point.
Step 4. Compare previous exams
If your classmates are comfortable sharing their previous exam results in class, you can compare them to see what type of response seems to work best for a particular teacher. Knowing, for example, whether teachers tend to give high marks to long, more detailed answers or to direct and to-the-point answers can help you determine your approach to answering exam questions.
Tips
- Don't wait until the last moment before studying. Studying hastily is rarely an effective approach to exams.
- Practice summarizing responses to written questions on the exam. You may be able to show it to the teacher beforehand and ask if your actions were correct according to your thoughts on the exam.
- Try not to irritate the teacher with too many questions about the exam. He expects that you pay attention in class every day and that you will show that you are paying attention by providing accurate answers to exam questions.
