How to Successfully Prepare for Your EXAMS

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♦ Step One - Believe in Yourself

♦ Step Two - Get Organized

♦ Step Three – Time Management

♦ Step Four - Study Smart

♦ Step Five - Exam Taking Strategies

FIVE STEPS TO EXAM SUCCESS

STEP ONE - BELIEVE IN YOURSELF

♦ Have a positive mindset

♦ Recognize your strengths and weaknesses

♦ Set realistic goals. Know your current marks

STEP TWO – GET ORGANIZED

A. Notes Keep course notes together and separate

from other courses Put notes in chronological order Ensure you have all resources (e.g., textbook, calculator, tests etc.) Have at least 1 classmate’s contact

information

B. Exam Schedule

Be sure to find the following information ahead of time and record in your phone, in a visible place in your room

Course Code:________ Section: __ Exam Date: ________ Time: ____ Room: ___

STEP THREE - TIME MANAGEMENT

Create a STUDY SCHEDULE (and avoid cramming)Plan:♦Number of days prior to each exam you should begin studying♦Amount of time each day to study for each exam♦What subject you will study at specific times♦Topics to be covered♦Study breaks

Use a COMBINATION of STUDY METHODS

Examples:♦Discuss aloud♦Flash cards♦Charts♦Answer questions (from previous assignments, tests, or textbook)♦Simulate a test/environment in your room♦Have someone test your knowledge♦Create a practice exam that will take approximately the length of your scheduled exam

Review the material a few times using different methods

DO NOT just read over your notes

Step Four - Study Smart

STEP FOUR - STUDY SMARTHow to Study for Exams♦ Try to know the exam’s topics and format (multiple

choice questions, short answers, problem solving, etc. ♦ Apply different studying methods for each subject♦ Organize the material needed to be studied into time

blocks (as per your schedule)♦ Take your planned breaks (as per your schedule)♦ If you have a textbook, review bold terms ♦ If you have a review sheet, complete it♦ Write down any names, dates, formulas, definitions or

facts that need to be memorized on an index card. Continue reviewing the information until the exam

♦ Pay close attention during EXAM REVIEW

BEFORE AN EXAM!!Eat well and be well rested. Do NOT watch TV or play computer games before going to bed prior to the exam.

LAST minute studying and cramming does not HELP. Make sure that you get enough SLEEP!

Pack things you need for your exam the night before Show up early to your exam (10 minutes) Go to the washroom before your exam starts Bring only the things you need with you to your exam Write facts, formulas at the top of the exam A.S.A.P. Read over the exam and develop a plan (E.g., Determine the amount of time you need to

spend on each section of the exam and start with the questions you know)

Answers the questions you know first Return to the questions you are not sure of Take the time to check your answers before you finish Write your name on the top of each page

STEP FIVE - EXAM TAKING STRATEGIES  

 

STEP FIVE - EXAM TAKING STRATEGIES

True and False QuestionsRead the statement carefullyFor a statement to be true, every part of it must be trueBe cautious of the words ALWAYS and NEVER in a statement!'Absolutes' are often incorrect answers

(E.g., never, always, every, etc.)

Multiple Choice QuestionsHide the answers and answer the question without looking at any of the options. Then look for your answerRead the STEM of the question with each of the possible answersIf you are not sure of an answer, eliminate the choices you know are incorrect by crossing them out, and then make an educated guess'Absolutes' are often incorrect answers

(E.g., never, always, every, etc.)

STEP FIVE - EXAM TAKING STRATEGIES

Essay QuestionsStart with the question you know most aboutFirst brainstorm, then organize informationBe neat and write in complete sentencesParagraph One - state the question and tell the reader what they can expect to learn from the essay

Middle Paragraphs - present examples, details, evidence, and facts to support the points you are making

Final Paragraph - restate your position along with a quick summary

STEP FIVE - EXAM TAKING STRATEGIES

Short Answers Questions:Keep your answer simple and to the point. Do not re-state the questionBe neat and write in complete sentencesUse the marks allotted as a guide to how many valid points you need to include in your answer

STEP FIVE - EXAM TAKING STRATEGIES

PERSONAL TIPS

What works for me

Questions?

Follow @RHSSGuidance on Twitter and at http://rickhansenss.peelschools.org