Revision and exam skillsRevision and exam skills

Time waits for no one Time waits for no one

And it wonAnd it won’’t wait for me t wait for me

Or YOU!Or YOU!

Time is NOT our friendTime is NOT our friend

Either- Either- ““WeWe’’ve got plenty of time- thereve got plenty of time- there’’s still s still 2-3 weeks before exams begin,2-3 weeks before exams begin,”” hopeful hopeful

G 12 student.G 12 student.

Or- Or- ““II’’m running out of time- Im running out of time- I’’ve got two ve got two essays due tomorrow and two tests the essays due tomorrow and two tests the next day,next day,”” stressed G 11 student. stressed G 11 student.

No. 1 cause of exam failureNo. 1 cause of exam failure

PROCRASTINATION PROCRASTINATION lack of preparationlack of preparation

‘‘II’’m Late, Im Late, I’’m Late m Late for a very important date,for a very important date,No time to say hello, goodbye, No time to say hello, goodbye, II’’m late, Im late, I’’m late, Im late, I’’m late m late and when I wave, and when I wave, I lose the time I save.I lose the time I save.”” says the frantic White says the frantic White Rabbit to Alice in Wonderland.Rabbit to Alice in Wonderland.

TIME MANAGEMENTTIME MANAGEMENT

Set daily/weekly goals- immediate (5-6), mid-term Set daily/weekly goals- immediate (5-6), mid-term (course assgts), then prioritise those goals.(course assgts), then prioritise those goals.Write down Write down ““Things to doThings to do”” right away! right away!Cut back on time-wasting activities-chat rooms, video Cut back on time-wasting activities-chat rooms, video games, etc. games, etc. Use small chunks of time throughout the day(10-15 Use small chunks of time throughout the day(10-15 mins) to review key concepts in science, key events in mins) to review key concepts in science, key events in history, formula, etc.history, formula, etc. List everything required to complete an assignment.List everything required to complete an assignment.Be realistic about how much time to allocate to complete Be realistic about how much time to allocate to complete an assignment or study for a topic.an assignment or study for a topic.Study in 50 minute blocks with a 10 minute restStudy in 50 minute blocks with a 10 minute restDonDon’’t allocate more than 2 hours in a row.t allocate more than 2 hours in a row.

““Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.

””Be positive about what you can achieveBe positive about what you can achieveYou MUST WANT TO improve and achieve the You MUST WANT TO improve and achieve the best you can.best you can.Say to yourself: Say to yourself: ““I can do…I can do…”” or or ““I will do…I will do…””Avoid using negative words.Avoid using negative words. If you find a subject difficult, you …If you find a subject difficult, you …

a) Give up and move on b) seek help c) pretend it wasna) Give up and move on b) seek help c) pretend it wasn’’t difficult & prayt difficult & pray

If you do poorly in a test, you…If you do poorly in a test, you…a) Give up and think a) Give up and think ““II’’m dumbm dumb”” b) reflect on why & plan c) blame the teacher b) reflect on why & plan c) blame the teacher

            ““The only disability in life is a bad attitude.””

EXAM PREPARATION- organising EXAM PREPARATION- organising the toolboxthe toolbox

Creating a study timetable Creating a study timetable Assembling the list of topics and skillsAssembling the list of topics and skillsMaking notesMaking notesTraining the memoryTraining the memoryKnowing the format of the exam Knowing the format of the exam Practicing different types of exam Practicing different types of exam questionsquestions

THE MASTER PLAN:THE MASTER PLAN:the study timetablethe study timetable

Why use one?Why use one?Ensures more purposeful use of your timeEnsures more purposeful use of your timeEnsures you anticipate deadlines and the time needed to complete Ensures you anticipate deadlines and the time needed to complete a taska taskAvoids cramming and last-minute panic and stressAvoids cramming and last-minute panic and stress

How to make one?How to make one?Use the schedule in your handout or create a digital versionUse the schedule in your handout or create a digital versionBlock out ALL the known events- meals, classes, ECAsBlock out ALL the known events- meals, classes, ECAs’’,etc,etcHighlight times when you can study and allot subjects/assgtsHighlight times when you can study and allot subjects/assgts

How to stick to it?How to stick to it?The toughest part-build in rewards for yourselfThe toughest part-build in rewards for yourselfUse adults to help you monitor your behaviourUse adults to help you monitor your behaviourDevelop the right habit of mind-Develop the right habit of mind-WILLDOWILLDO

STEP 1: Assembling the list of topics STEP 1: Assembling the list of topics and skillsand skills

Obtain study guides/ review sheets from your Obtain study guides/ review sheets from your teachersteachersGather all your notes, old tests, essays, etc.Gather all your notes, old tests, essays, etc.Use the textbook or other handouts used in Use the textbook or other handouts used in classclassWrite down ALL the main topic headings, the Write down ALL the main topic headings, the sub-headings, bold words, key concepts/facts, sub-headings, bold words, key concepts/facts, events, processes, etc- from notes and textbookevents, processes, etc- from notes and textbookIn some subjects, you will be expected to know In some subjects, you will be expected to know certain skills- map making/interpreting, essay certain skills- map making/interpreting, essay writing, applying formula, and so on. Make a flow writing, applying formula, and so on. Make a flow chart or other diagram to show the procedure.chart or other diagram to show the procedure.

Organising your Chemistry stuffOrganising your Chemistry stuff

TOPICS SUB-TOPICS CONCEPTS EXAMPLES

ORGANIC CHEM ALKANESALKENESALKYNES

STEP 2: Transferring what to do STEP 2: Transferring what to do onto your Master timetableonto your Master timetable

Prioritise subjects according to the Prioritise subjects according to the amount of material you need to coveramount of material you need to cover

e.g. Chemistry has 5 major topics-the moste.g. Chemistry has 5 major topics-the most Select the topics you understand the least Select the topics you understand the least

to work on first.to work on first. Write down the topic and sub-topics on Write down the topic and sub-topics on

your schedule +the approximate time to your schedule +the approximate time to complete the note-taking.complete the note-taking.

Taking and Making notesTaking and Making notes

Taking notes in class:Taking notes in class:A) Active listening: A) Active listening:

Being interested in the topicBeing interested in the topicNote down the main points the teacherNote down the main points the teacher

emphasises/repeats emphasises/repeats Copy material from the board or screen that helps you to Copy material from the board or screen that helps you to understand the topic. understand the topic. Pay attention to the lesson summary at the end.Pay attention to the lesson summary at the end.

B) Using abbreviations:B) Using abbreviations:Use some of the common abbreviations on the handoutUse some of the common abbreviations on the handoutDevelop and practise your own system Develop and practise your own system

Making notes using SQ3RMaking notes using SQ3R

QuestionsQuestions

ReviewReview

SurveySurvey

Read & UnderlineRead & Underline

RestateRestate

REVISION METHODSREVISION METHODS

TimelinesTimelinesSpidergramsSpidergramsMindmapsMindmapsFlow chartsFlow chartsClusteringClusteringStudy sheets/cardsStudy sheets/cardsStudy groupsStudy groupsVocabulary flashcardsVocabulary flashcardsRhymesRhymesActing outActing out

FORGETFULNESSFORGETFULNESS

Curve of forgettingCurve of forgetting

Why do we forget?Why do we forget?Lack of attention or concentrationLack of attention or concentrationDistracted by other things-emotionalDistracted by other things-emotionalInformation is rarely usedInformation is rarely used Recycle Bin Recycle Bin

Developing a new habit of mind-Developing a new habit of mind-REGULAR REVIEWREGULAR REVIEW

Changing the shape of the curveChanging the shape of the curve Improved retentionImproved retentionWithin 24 hours- review for 10 minsWithin 24 hours- review for 10 mins90%90%

A week later- review for 5 minsA week later- review for 5 mins 90% 90%

A month later- review for 2-4 minutesA month later- review for 2-4 minutes 90% 90%

Therefore, block between 50 mins-1 hour Therefore, block between 50 mins-1 hour everyday to review ALL subjects.everyday to review ALL subjects.

Types of exam questionsTypes of exam questionsMultiple choice:Multiple choice:Eliminate the obviously wrong answers (usually two)Eliminate the obviously wrong answers (usually two)Read all the choices, even if the 1Read all the choices, even if the 1stst seems correct seems correctIf you donIf you don’’t know, and there is no penalty for wrong answers, choose the longest t know, and there is no penalty for wrong answers, choose the longest answeranswerWhen 2 opposite statements appear in the options, one of them si usually correct.When 2 opposite statements appear in the options, one of them si usually correct.

Short answer:Short answer:Note how many marks are allocated to the questionNote how many marks are allocated to the questionNote each point you will use briefly, then combine ALL points in 2-3 sentences.Note each point you will use briefly, then combine ALL points in 2-3 sentences.

Essay: (See handout for more details)Essay: (See handout for more details)Analyse the question- underline key wordsAnalyse the question- underline key wordsBrainstorm ideas and prepare an outlineBrainstorm ideas and prepare an outlineStructure the essay- intro, body and conclusion.Structure the essay- intro, body and conclusion.Proof-read for accuracy and contentProof-read for accuracy and content

INSTRUCTIONAL WORDSINSTRUCTIONAL WORDS

Analyse:Analyse:Separate into individual parts and show how they interrelate with each other.Separate into individual parts and show how they interrelate with each other.Assess:Assess:Judge the value of the issue by looking at both positive and negative aspects.Judge the value of the issue by looking at both positive and negative aspects.Compare:Compare:Point out the differences and similarities between the things mentioned. Needs to be carefully Point out the differences and similarities between the things mentioned. Needs to be carefully

structuredstructuredContrast:Contrast:Point out the differences only.Point out the differences only.Criticise:Criticise:Make your judgment about the point in question. Stress the deficiencies.Make your judgment about the point in question. Stress the deficiencies.Define:Define:Give a concise and accurate definition of the topic.Give a concise and accurate definition of the topic.Describe:Describe:Write about the main features of a situation/ story/person. It needs to be clear, objective and detailed.Write about the main features of a situation/ story/person. It needs to be clear, objective and detailed.Discuss:Discuss:Give reasons for and against the topic, including your own opinion. Be analytical.Give reasons for and against the topic, including your own opinion. Be analytical.

Evaluate:Evaluate:Provide both positive and negative sides of the topicProvide both positive and negative sides of the topicExplain:Explain:Give reasons for why something is so rather than just describing it. Provide the causes.Give reasons for why something is so rather than just describing it. Provide the causes.Justify:Justify:Present a reasonable argument about a topic or your opinion of the topic.Present a reasonable argument about a topic or your opinion of the topic.Outline:Outline:Give the main features or general principles of a topic from main points to sub-points. Omit minor Give the main features or general principles of a topic from main points to sub-points. Omit minor

detailsdetailsRelate:Relate:Show the connection between things mentioned in the question. Do not compare but show how one Show the connection between things mentioned in the question. Do not compare but show how one

influences the otherinfluences the otherReview:Review:Provide a summary by examining the topic critically and commenting on key aspects of the question.Provide a summary by examining the topic critically and commenting on key aspects of the question.Summarise:Summarise:Provide a summary, without opinion or criticism.Provide a summary, without opinion or criticism.To what extent:To what extent:Justify how much of the stated question you agree or disagree with, including your reasons for Justify how much of the stated question you agree or disagree with, including your reasons for

accepting only part of it.accepting only part of it.Trace:Trace:Describe the progress of a historical event from one stage to another, perhaps commenting on the Describe the progress of a historical event from one stage to another, perhaps commenting on the

causes of the change.causes of the change.

REVISING MATH- 5RREVISING MATH- 5R’’ss

RECOPY YOUR NOTES-RECOPY YOUR NOTES- all theorems, principles all theorems, principles and definitions exactly- colour-code themand definitions exactly- colour-code them

REWORK REWORK the model and examples many times the model and examples many times until it can be done without checkinguntil it can be done without checking

RECITERECITE- talk through each step with a friend to - talk through each step with a friend to check your understanding.check your understanding.

RECHECKRECHECK your computations- look for any errors your computations- look for any errors in simple calculations and steps.in simple calculations and steps.

REASONABLENESSREASONABLENESS- put your answer into the - put your answer into the problem to check that it makes sense.problem to check that it makes sense.

BEFORE THE EXAMBEFORE THE EXAM

Check procedure- when is it, where, what time?Check procedure- when is it, where, what time?

What will you need to take with you-remember What will you need to take with you-remember the clear pencil case?the clear pencil case?

BREATHE DEEPLY- 3X and hold for 10 secsBREATHE DEEPLY- 3X and hold for 10 secs

Get a good nightGet a good night’’s sleep- avoid late night s sleep- avoid late night crammingcramming

De-emphasise its importance just before you De-emphasise its importance just before you enter- enter- ““itit’’s only a couple of hours.s only a couple of hours.’’

DURING THE EXAMDURING THE EXAM

Look over the entire test during the Look over the entire test during the reading time-mentally note which reading time-mentally note which questions you will do, the order of questions you will do, the order of questions, timing and so on.questions, timing and so on.Answer the easiest questions firstAnswer the easiest questions firstUnderline key words-analyse the questionUnderline key words-analyse the questionFor essays, plan and structure your For essays, plan and structure your answer.answer.Check the required number of questions.Check the required number of questions.

THE BIG PICTURETHE BIG PICTURE

KNOW YOURSELF!KNOW YOURSELF!What kind of learner are you?-visual, auditory, What kind of learner are you?-visual, auditory, kinesthetic- refer to the Learning Styles questionnaire at kinesthetic- refer to the Learning Styles questionnaire at the back of the handout.the back of the handout.Recognise your strengths and weaknesses:Recognise your strengths and weaknesses:

Reserved (donReserved (don’’t ask for help)// Always curious & t ask for help)// Always curious & questioning; badly organised and forgetful// Keep questioning; badly organised and forgetful// Keep ““To DTo Doo’’ lists & always on time; Easily distracted//Concentrate lists & always on time; Easily distracted//Concentrate on a taskon a task WORK OUT A PLAN TO FIX YOUR WEAKNESSESWORK OUT A PLAN TO FIX YOUR WEAKNESSESBe persistent!- it takes time to develop good habits of Be persistent!- it takes time to develop good habits of mindmindBe both TOUGH and KIND to yourself!Be both TOUGH and KIND to yourself!