How to Prepare for Exams

Exams can be stressful. Taking time to prepare for your exams can make them much less stressful and enable you to focus better. This article contains advice on how to prepare for your exams.

One should not attempt to study without first knowing what papers you will write each day. Knowing the date of each exam will enable you to plan your study time and ensure that you have enough time to revise for each exam. Download and print your exam timetable and put it on display in a prominent spot to help you stay on track.

Compiling a study timetable will help you to manage your time. Find out what you need to study for each exam and ensure that you give yourself plenty of study time for each subject. Be prepared to adapt your timetable should something unexpected occur.

Prepare a space to study that is comfortable and free of distractions. Try to avoid studying on your bed, as you may fall asleep! Turn your phone off, put it in another room or, if you don’t wish to do this, set your WhatsApp status to ‘studying’ so that friends will know that you will take a little longer to get back to them because you need to focus.

Varying subjects and study techniques will help you to avoid boredom. Try summaries, flash cards, key words, mind mapping and mnemonics. It is okay to use a variety of techniques, as some are better suited to particular types of content than others. If you have been making study notes throughout the year and have found them to be effective, use them to give yourself a head start.

Using the correct exam technique and being able to finish your exam within the allocated time are also very important. Practicing past papers will help you to master both, and will also help you to better understand what the examiner will be looking for. The CIE website and PapaCambridge are good places to look.

I wish you all the best for your exams and I hope that you have a safe and enjoyable holiday.

Sheila Marais
High School Teacher