How to study fast for exams is determined by the subject. First of all, in subjects like math and science, you have to know how to use formulas and theory. Or, you may have to show that you have read and understood a topic, for example in language and history lessons. Foreign language exams are the third category. While there are many other subjects, these three main categories should adequately cover all pre-exam study strategies. After studying all the test material, repeating, and strengthening your memory of what you have learned is very important to get the best possible score.
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Method 1 of 4: Quickly Learn Formulas and Theory
Step 1. Write down what you need to know
For math, science, and similar subjects, you must know which concepts the teacher will test. Write it all down on a piece of paper so you can mark it when you're done. It can also help organize the concepts in your head.
- Look for sample questions. You can look for it in textbooks, or pages of questions that are not done in class or for homework, or review pages at the end of chapters. The question of the grid is also suitable for you to use.
- If there are no questions you can use as practice material, you may have to create your own. Although it takes more time, this method can help you learn the concept of the problem because to make a question, you must understand at least some of the concept or formula.
Step 2. Try to do the problem
Just trying to work on the problem and find out how far your level of understanding of the theory is is a good step. That way, you won't be wasting time on questions that you're almost done with. Prioritizing time means that when you run out of ways, you don't have to look for too much information in a notebook or textbook.
- When you run out of ways, use a notebook to help solve the problems.
- Graded homework is good material for finding ways to solve the problem you're working on.
Step 3. Try the first draft again
After using the notebook to complete the first practice problem, try another problem. The goal is to be able to solve all the questions without the help of notes again. If you can do it the second or third time, move on to the next draft.
Repeat this process until you master the concept
Step 4. Proceed to the next draft
See the next concept in the list of exam materials to practice working on the questions. You should be able to learn the exam material on the list quickly, but be sure to understand the formulas you'll need. Taking time to remember everything at the start will make it easier for you to continue studying.
Step 5. Create and do your own sample questions
Writing your own examples or grid of questions will be more helpful. First, you have to imagine and understand a formula or theory in your head to create an example problem. Second, repeating and solving the problem makes you have to do it on paper and know which methods can be used and which are not.
Arrange practice questions like in a notebook. Complete with subtitles for each concept or chapter, then make 2-3 sample questions
Method 2 of 4: Studying the Readings for the Exam
Step 1. Write down the main concepts you should know
In contrast to the general view, literature and social science subjects such as Indonesian and history are not just a matter of rote memorization. It's more important to know the importance of a topic than just who said it. In exams, you have the opportunity to write down your answers freely, and this is the way to really impress your teacher.
- Be aware that quickly studying an exam material that requires you to discuss the importance of a major theme or concept can be difficult because these cannot be answered in a nutshell.
- Try to structure broad questions and prepare answers. For example, when studying for a history exam, prepare a question like this: "What were the factors that triggered the Diponegoro war", then write down some of the factors that triggered the war.
Step 2. Write down as many terms as possible
While learning the main concepts is the goal of the social science exam, you are also expected to know the names, dates, and terms in the concepts. Read your notes and write down as many as you can find. You may not be able to learn it all, but writing it down will help you keep it all in your mind so you can recall it later.
- For the history test, look for names, dates, times, organizations, political movements, etc.
- For the Indonesian language test, write down the character, author, year, famous work, literary movement, etc.
Step 3. Group similar topics
The next study step for preparing for a social science exam is to establish relationships between all the terms in it. This "mind map" will help you connect terms to the overall concept. If you want, you can even draw a map, or a "cobweb" that connects the name and date of an event to visualize the relationship to one another.
Step 4. Learn some names and dates
Now that you have the basic concepts and some of the key terms together in mind, you need to learn some detailed information. The best way to do this is to repeat and memorize it. Memorizing may be hard, but it's the only way to learn at a time like this.
- Draw a straight line in the middle of the paper. Write the name and date of the event on the left and what you need to know on the other.
- Fold the paper in half and only look at one side at a time. Here's an easy way to guess it yourself.
Step 5. Repeat and ask short questions about the concepts you have seen
Each time you reinforce something you have learned, it will become more and more ingrained in your mind. This will make it easier for your mind to access the information in tomorrow's exam. It's just that, if it's late at night, sleep so that the brain can store the information.
Method 3 of 4: Studying Foreign Language Exams Quickly
Step 1. Write down the lessons you should know
Over time, you will have to learn all aspects of a language, but you don't have the time to do that right now. There's no need to try to master a language overnight because you don't have to. Instead, focus on lessons that will help you demonstrate mastery of a concept. That way, you will get good grades.
- Some examples of vocabulary sets are kitchen and eating, transportation, and animals.
- Some examples of grammatical units are irregular verbs, past tenses, or adjective endings.
Step 2. Use cards to memorize vocabulary
Write the word in Indonesian and the foreign language on the other side. Cutting a card in half is a great way to make the most of it. In addition, you also only need a little space to write a word or phrase.
The way that can be used to make it easier for the brain to connect a concept with a word in a foreign language is to use pictures. For example, if you're trying to remember the English word fork, which means "fork," trying to describe the fork on the back of the card instead of writing down its meaning in Indonesian might help you better connect this concept to the English language
Step 3. Write sentences to practice grammar
Although difficult, this is the best way to learn grammar. Write a sentence for each tense and/or end of the word. After that, you can choose to write another sentence or read the sentence you have written and remember it. Grammar is an important part of a language, so you should take the time to learn it.
Step 4. Practice speaking aloud
If you are no longer in the beginner stage, your exam may also be accompanied by a conversation test. Luckily, this part is pretty easy to do once you've learned. When using a reminder card, recite the word before turning it over. Similarly, recite the sentence you have written aloud. Thus, you will be more accustomed to saying the words needed in tomorrow's exam.
- Make sure to pronounce the word correctly. The intonation of some languages is easier for beginners to learn than others. However, your teacher will reward the best effort according to your level of ability.
- Pronouncing a foreign language aloud will help you use a lot of words. This ability allows you to explain what you want to say when you can't remember a word. For example, if you don't remember the word fork, say something like "this is a kitchen utensil, not a spoon, not a knife, used to eat chicken". The teacher may not give you a perfect score, but may be impressed by your ability to use language to explain what you mean.
Method 4 of 4: Get in the habit of a good fast study pattern
Step 1. Plan what you will study
If you only have a few hours to study, every minute counts. Smart planning allows you to learn most of the concepts of the exam material. You may have to study the details of the concept for the next exam when you have enough time to study.
- Find all the information the teacher has given you about the exam: grids, lesson overviews, etc.
- Divide your time according to chapters or topics you need to know. If one chapter is more than another, take your time to adjust it.
- Write the page numbers of each chapter on a book or notebook on paper.
- If you already know what concepts to learn beforehand, write them down quickly to set goals for each.
Step 2. Study in short, solid timeframes
Try studying for 45 minutes every hour, then take a break. This will help you stay focused and maintain optimal brain function. Get up, walk around, keep your back straight, and don't look at the computer screen. Try eating a piece of cake or an apple for an energy boost.
Step 3. Don't study in bed
Normally, the brain associates bed with sleep. The first problem with studying in bed is feeling sleepy, which reduces the effectiveness of learning. The second problem is that the brain will gradually change the association of the bed with the waking state. As a result, you will find it more difficult to sleep when you want to sleep.
- If you don't have a desk or study table, try studying in the kitchen or dining table.
- The sofa may be comfortable for studying, it may even be too comfortable. As a result, your attention level will drop while studying on the couch. So, move on to the table.
Step 4. Get enough sleep
You might think that studying all night will help you study more for the exam, so this is a good move. In fact, studying every thing in the book will not help if you are too sleepy while taking the exam. So, better study what you can and get enough rest at night. In addition, you may have to accept the fact that you may not get a perfect test score. Getting enough sleep will help you get the best possible grades.
Step 5. Wake up with enough time to get ready
Don't wake up late until you rush to get ready and feel tense. However, don't wake up too early to think too much about the exam. Study as well as you can the night before, get up the next day, and be ready to go to school on time.
