Ace That Test: Skills to Hit the Mark on Your Exams
We’ve all been there. We’ve pulled in an all-nighter for our exams – or as the old folks would say, “Burnt the candle at both ends”; this does not always work well. If this is a recurring issue for you, here are some pointers that will help you ace that test and, more importantly, without sacrificing a good night’s sleep.
Take baby steps one day at a time.
If you expect that you will magically know what you need to know in one sitting, then you will have better luck relying on pixie dust to get a high score. Just as your parents have always reminded you, don’t take more food than you can handle when you’re at a party, and it is the same for your studies. Rather than trying to cram in all the information in one sitting, review your notes in chunks day by day. You will find that you can absorb more information this way.
Write it down.
Your ever-reliable notepad or memo on your mobile devices might have done a good job of saving your grocery list or your favourite aunt’s new address; it won’t be enough to help you remember information for your exams. Write notes down the good old’ fashioned way on clean sheets of paper. Now is the time to put your penmanship skills to the test!
Read aloud.
Most people think that reading quietly will do the trick to help them retain information. While your neighbourhood librarians will definitely approve of this, it pays much better to read the information aloud. Recording it and listening to it while you are on the go can also help.
Eat well.
It’s not an urban legend. There are certain foods that will make you remember things better. Good examples are foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as certain fish, nuts like walnuts and almonds, and olive oil. Research even said that eating a combination of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids before the big exam can help reduce anxiety.
Study with a group.
No man is an island, and that is true as well when you are preparing for an exam. Studying with your peers will keep you on your toes as you bounce off ideas from one another. You can also take turns in asking each other questions to test your knowledge. How to make this even more fun? The one who answers all questions asked of him or her should get a treat like free coffee for a whole week.
Studying for those all-important quizzes should not be something that causes you anxiety as if you are getting a root canal. There are ways to pace yourself and hit the mark in return.
Sources:
http://learningfundamentals.com.au/blog/top-10-tips-for-taking-exams/
https://www.examtime.com/blog/study-hacks/
http://al.nd.edu/news/63684-psychology-graduate-student-research-improving- memory/
Leave a comment!