Exam Preparation Guide - Very USeful - Part 1

Going blank in an exam

Here are two things you can do if you find that you have gone completely blank and you don't know what to do. The first thing you can do is approach it on a physical level and begin breathing very deeply. Just let your mind go blank, flow with it for a few minutes breathing in and out as deeply as you can. Close your eyes if you like and just come around gently once your body is feeling more relaxed.

If you are just about to start writing on a certain question and your mind goes blank, just start writing anything at all on some scrap paper. Perhaps write the name of the topic, scribble down anything you can think of about the subject, and just see what happens. Hopefully this should jog your memory and get you thinking about the topic again. If it still does not work though, skip the question and come back to it later. Don't spend precious time agonising over something that will probably return to you as your mind is prompted by other material on the exam.

** I am not sure whether it wll work perfactly.

Strategies for multiple choice and short-answer questions

1. Survey the test to see how many different kinds of questions are being asked, to get a perspective on the exam.
2. Check the marks allotted against the time available for each question, reading the instructions carefully.
3. Do not read elements into the question which are not there. Underline words and phrases so that you realise what is there.
4. Watch for absolute words or phrases, for example the words not or no, always, or never.
5. Do not assume that a proposition is false just because it is unfamiliar (and vice versa).
6. Check your answers. Make sure you know if a penalty is applied for guesses which are incorrect.
7. Remember that all of the questions should be related to the course you are doing. Think about the questions in terms of the course objectives and your understanding of what your lecturer was trying to achieve.

Exam revision plan

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1. Make a list of all your subjects' exams and a brief descripttion of the type of examination for each. (2 minutes)
2. For each one, note down what kind of revision you want to do and where you will start. (10 minutes)
3. How many days are there between now and the start of exams? Estimate how many of these days you can use as revision days. (5 minutes)
4. Using the notes you have made, work out a revision plan for yourself. (5 minutes)
5. Consider factors which will affect you in carrying out this plan. Make two separate lists: one of helping factors, such as membership of a study group or enthusiasm for the course; and the other of hindering factors, such as noisy accommodation or a tendency to panic. (5 minutes)
6. Now, look for ways of boosting the helping factors and reducing the hindering factors. Write them down. (10 minutes)

Study groups

Should I study by myself or in a group?

Informal study groups can work well if:

• you have common objectives and everyone is keen to achieve them
• meetings are tailored with objectives in mind
• you have common topics you want to cover
• you get on well together
• you are all prepared to share what you know
• you leave time for private study too
• meetings are not just an excuse to get together with your friends

But most important: Start thinking about revising now, then do it!

Good tips. thanx for sharing....