Are you nervous during exams or have poor skills on exams? Passing a difficult exam requires preparation. Follow some of these tips to help you pass the exam..
Step
Part 1 of 3: Study for Exams
Step 1. Take sufficient time to study the exam
Know when the exam will start so you don't get scared/shocked. Make a schedule so you have enough time to study for the exam. If the exam materials are easier, you don't need the whole time if the material is more difficult. Taking enough time to study will help you do better on exams.
Step 2. Study before the exam
One of the best ways to pass exams is to study the materials every day. Memorizing material for an exam at the last minute is not a good practice and can lead to failure. Instead, spend 30-60 minutes each day studying the material that was taught in class that day.
- If you don't want to study every day, take a week or two before the exam to study every day. This will give you time to re-learn concepts you don't quite understand and give you time to absorb the information.
- If you don't understand something, studying ahead of time will give you enough time to ask the teacher about things you don't understand in class.
Step 3. Analyze your previous exams
Look at previous exams you did in class. What did your teacher think was wrong? What did your teacher look for in your answer? Finding these things can help you study better and improve your answers. Also look at the types of questions your teacher asks. Does it mostly focus on broad concepts or specific examples? This will help you to study more effectively.
- Ask your teacher for a sample test. Most teachers and professors will provide sample exams for their students. If you are taking a standardized test, it is very important to do a sample exam to get an idea of how the future exam will be structured.
- Also take a look at previous homework assignments. Often, teachers will use homework questions on exams, or write questions in a similar way.
Step 4. Mix your study techniques
Instead of studying the same way every night, change the way you study. Spend one night reading textbooks, one night studying terms and definitions, one night with flashcards (cards containing some information), and one night practicing exams.
Step 5. Find the most important concepts
While studying, open your textbooks and notes while in class. Look at the most important concepts. This includes things your teacher repeats over and over again, concepts that are explained in detail, or things that your teacher says are important.
Listen carefully to your teacher as he teaches. He can give clues about what material will come out during the exam. Make a note of it in your notes so you don't forget
Step 6. Follow the tutorial
If you're having trouble with the material, take a tutoring session. You can ask your teacher or professor for help, or perhaps a school tutoring service. You can also ask a classmate who understands the material to help you.
Step 7. Create a review sheet
While you will be reviewing all of your notes and all of the chapters, you should also create a review sheet for yourself. Think of these as the main points of the material. Making reviews on separate sheets will make them easier to review and may help you memorize them better.
Step 8. Complete the study guide
If your teacher gives you a study guide, make sure you complete it. This is a good way to review material. Often, teachers will take the questions directly from the study guide or simply substitute the wording of the tutoring questions.
Study guides will also help you focus on your studies so you learn the right material
Step 9. Create a study group
Gather some classmates from your class to study together. Ask each other, with possible exam questions, and use each other's notes to fill in the gaps in your own notes. You can also help each other explain concepts if any of them are confusing.
Part 2 of 3: Taking the Exam
Step 1. Talk to your professor or teacher
The day before the exam, talk to your professor or teacher about the format of the exam. Many teachers will tell you whether the exam will be conducted in a multiple-choice, true/false, fill-in-the-blank, or essay format. Knowing the exam format will help you figure out how to study.
- Ask your teacher for study guides. If he won't give, ask him for tips or advice on studying so you can be prepared.
- Ask your teacher which chapter is included in this exam. Or ask him to help you review what you need to learn.
- Ask your professor or teacher for suggestions on how to study for this exam.
Step 2. Get a good night's sleep
One day before the exam, make sure you get a good night's sleep. Don't stay up late to memorize the material. Drowsiness can make you forget certain things or become unfocused. Come refreshed and ready to take the test.
Step 3. Eat a healthy breakfast
Don't skip breakfast in the morning
of your test day. Be sure to eat a breakfast with protein and fiber rather than foods that are high in sugar. This will help you stay awake, focused, and strong.
#*Eat eggs, yogurt and granola instead of sugary cereals or donuts.
Step 1. Get to school early on exam day
Gather what you need for the exam the day before. Go to class so you'll be 10-15 minutes early; if you're a middle or high school student, don't talk in the hallways with your friends. Make sure you bring the materials you need, such as pens, pencils, blue books, paper, or calculators.
- Take a few minutes to relax before taking the test. Take a few deep breaths, think positive thoughts, and allow yourself to feel comfortable and relaxed.
- Go to the toilet before starting the exam. This will ensure that you are not distracted during the exam and focus on your need to go to the toilet.
Step 2. Understand how the exam will be graded
Knowing how your teacher grades your exam can help you answer questions. Will you lose marks for wrong answers? Won't you lose value if you leave it unfilled, or should you guess? Did your teacher give you partial grades. These things will help you determine how to answer questions you are unsure of.
Step 3. Read the instructions carefully
Before you start answering questions, take a few seconds to read the instructions. This will help you reduce errors. Sometimes there are multiple answer sections or specific tasks that you have to do. Read the instructions to make sure you don't make unnecessary mistakes.
For example, some answers may have more than one answer that you must write down. If you are taking an essay exam, you may have to choose 3 or 4 questions to answer
Step 4. Stay positive
Have a positive attitude when taking exams. Don't think negative thoughts, even if you're having a hard time. If you start to become restless, take a break. Relax, take a deep breath, and tell yourself that you can do this.
Don't pay attention to your classmates. If they work faster or finish before you, it doesn't mean anything. Everyone works at their own pace. Fast work doesn't mean they know everything; maybe they don't know anything and just write something down
Part 3 of 3: Answering Questions
Step 1. Plan your time
Look at the entire exam sheet. Decide how you will respond. Think about how many minutes it will take you to answer each question. Set a pace for yourself that gives you enough time to complete the questions, but also ensures that you will finish the exam.
- Start with the easiest questions. Not only can these problems be solved more quickly, but it can also help boost your self-confidence.
- Next, answer the question with the highest score. You must ensure that you allow sufficient time to complete the questions.
Step 2. Discard questions that are not true
For multiple choice, discard the wrong choice. Take the time to discover which of the impossible is the correct answer. Then look at the clues in the question that make one of the remaining questions wrong. If a question has only one correct answer, something about one of the options will be wrong.
- Don't "fall" for questions that have the words "never, no, less, nothing" or "except". These words can give you important insights into the answers, or help you throw out the wrong answers.
- You may want to write your own answer, but first take a look at the answers. This can help prevent your answer from being shaken down the wrong path..
Step 3. Plan your essay answers
The essay requires you to demonstrate your knowledge. Read the questions carefully and underline key words, especially words like “define, compare”, or “explain”. Summarize the ideas you want to include in your answer. This way you won't forget anything when you start writing. The summary will also help you provide a “map” to follow.
- Answer a question directly by mentioning the keywords or topic of the question.
- Provide the following examples with general information on the topic. Use any terms you've learned in class.
- Write clearly.
Step 4. Skip the questions you don't know
Instead of wasting time stressing about questions you don't know the answers to, move on. Circle the question and come back to it if you have time. Answer all the questions you know before you spend too much time trying to find answers to the questions.
- Look at clues from the rest of your exam that might help you answer questions you don't know the answer to.
- Ask your teacher for clarification if you don't understand what a question is asking.
Step 5. Review your answers
After you finish your exam, return to the first page and review your answers. Reread it and take a few more minutes for questions you're not sure about. Double check that you didn't skip any answers or misread the questions.
Trust your gut. Often, your first hunch is the right answer. But make sure you make a reasoned choice for the answer, not just relying on your gut feeling
Tips
- The day before the exam, you should review a little more, but don't spend hours doing it. Review your notes one to three times and then relax before reviewing again.
- Do the easy questions first.
- True or false questions that have strong words such as "always" or "never", are usually tricky
- Take a hot shower in the morning, brush your teeth, and dress well. You have to be confident.
- Don't think too much about the questions as you will only make the exam more complicated. Pay attention to what this question asks. Try to give your best, and study hard before the test.
- Try to make your essay answers at least seven sentences long. Make sure you check and re-edit it.
