Studying before an exam may stress you out. The best way to study is to spend enough time memorizing the test material and trying to understand new information over and over again until you do. You must have heard many messages that forbid you to postpone studying until there are only five minutes before the test. However, if you only have five minutes left, there are ways to make the most of that time. You can also use the following hints if, after you've finished studying, you want to use the last five minutes to do a review.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Relax and Concentrate
Step 1. Breathe deeply
Even if you have five minutes left, don't just focus or worry about a bad test score. Calm your mind and concentrate only on the exam material that you have memorized.
Step 2. Write down your concerns
Research conducted on grade IX high school students who were very anxious about taking a final biology exam showed that students who wrote that they were anxious about taking an exam scored better than students who just sat quietly for a few minutes before the exam. This method is more useful for people who are always anxious, because anxiety will hinder the thinking process and make it difficult for you to answer questions that you actually know.
Step 3. Don't just memorize
Make a list of important points in the exam material, for example: characters, plot, formulas, dates, and important events. Try to remember it and then write it down on a list, but if you haven't memorized it yet, reread the note for a few minutes and then start writing.
Step 4. Use the remaining time as additional study time
If you remember that there will be exams early, you actually have more than five minutes because you can study on the way to school, during lunch, recess, during class changes, or before the subject that will be tested.
Method 2 of 3: Understanding and Memorizing Material
Step 1. Choose the information that you should read carefully
Since you have little time left, focus on the material that is most likely to be asked or that has the highest value. Read the words in bold and their definitions. In addition to words in bold, choose other important information, such as dates, events, etc.
If you're going to take a math exam, work on mastering the formulas as you go deeper into the exam material. Make sure you know how to use formulas to answer questions
Step 2. Memorize the exam material from the note cards if any
Note cards really help you memorize math definitions and formulas. Glance at the notecard and then say the definition or use a formula without looking at the notecard.
Step 3. Say aloud the exam material you have memorized
Saying information over and over again in words makes it easier for you to remember it. If you have already made a note card, repeat the information you noted down because this card cannot be used again during the exam.
Step 4. Turn to the last page of each chapter or textbook and read the practice questions
This method keeps you focused on the exam material that you need to remember. Try to remember the important things that were asked and then write them down.
Step 5. Read the study guide
If the teacher has provided a study guide, read it carefully. If you have time, read it over and over again. If the study guide contains practice questions, try to answer them. Most likely, the material in the study guide will be asked in the exam.
Step 6. Explain the material in your notes to yourself
While studying by answering practice questions at the end of a chapter or using a study guide, focus on the important questions and answer them quickly.
Step 7. Create a rhyme, song, or “donkey bridge”
You can use this method to answer practice questions as a technique to memorize lessons at the last minute. Students who like music will be helped by making rhymes or songs to memorize the subject matter. The “donkey bridge” is a memorizing aid to make it easier for you to remember things. An example of a “donkey bridge” that is often used is “MEJIKUHIBINIU” which is abbreviated from the colors of the rainbow (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, purple).
Step 8. Make a detailed list of important things
Make a list of important things, for example: dates, characters, plots, or formulas. Anything you can remember will go a long way in the last five minutes.
Method 3 of 3: Invite Friends to Study Together
Step 1. Choose a study buddy that you are familiar with
Studying aloud will be very helpful for remembering the material being studied. Listening to and discussing certain information also makes it easier for you to memorize exam material. Choose a friend who really wants to learn and understand the material.
Step 2. Discuss the material to be tested
Ask your friend if she would like to exchange notes so you can read her notes. After your friend has said what he or she learned, say it again aloud in your own words. When you take an exam, this will make it easier for you to remember what you've learned.
Step 3. Ask questions and pay attention
If you don't understand what your friend is saying, just ask. Keep asking until you understand. Try to make connections between what you already know and what your friends are saying and work on the test material with discussion. Finding what keeps you focused will go a long way for both of you.
Step 4. Ask each other questions
Use your notes to ask each other the basics you need to know before the exam. Encourage each other so that you both get good test scores!
Tips
- Answer the exam questions honestly. Don't look for excuses why you're not studying and don't cheat. You will get zero marks or may be penalized for lying or cheating.
- If you really don't have time to study for an acceptable reason (for example, because a family member has an emergency), talk to the teacher about this. If you are an elementary school student, ask your parents to write a letter and deliver it to the teacher. You'll likely be given study time by taking a follow-up exam, but try to understand if your request is rejected and you still need to devote enough time to study.
Warning
- You will get bad grades if you stay up late to study. Don't like stalling.
- Studying for exams while taking lessons in class is not a good way. You will miss important information explained during the lesson. As a result, you have to study harder in order to understand the information well.
