Mrs. Roberts' Exam Prep Cheat Sheet
As exam week approaches, we hand over the blog to Sarah Roberts ’08, English Department Faculty, to share her Exam Prep Cheat Sheet!
**See full Cheat sheet graphic in image gallery below**
Ask your teacher: When preparing for an exam, your teacher is the best resource to begin with. Because your teachers prepare the exams, they can help explain the format as well as convey important material that will be covered. (Pro tip #1: During your meeting, you will have the chance to ask your teacher for a study guide.)
How to make a study guide: If your teacher is not providing a study guide for the exam, I highly recommend making one yourself. The best way to start is to compile all notes and past assessments. From there, it is helpful to pull out overarching questions, main topics, key terms and vocabulary, and compile them into a single document. Under each main topic, categorize past quiz and test questions as they apply to each.
How to USE your study guide: Print a hard copy of you study guide. With a pen or pencil, handwrite any answers or definitions you already know. The practice of retrieving information from memory reinforces what you already know, and helps you realize what needs more study time. Look up any answers that are blank in your textbooks, novels or worksheets and fill out the rest of the study guide. Though rare in the digital age, handwriting creates more pathways in the brain to establish information in long-term memory.
Review: Review early and often, but in small 20 to 30 minute chunks. Between sessions, re-energize your brain with a short break, such as a quick trip to the water fountain or a walk outside. Because the brain can only remember eight quickly memorized items at a time, "cramming" should be avoided. It is helpful to review past notes, study guides, note cards and past quizzes or tests. Teachers often re-use quiz and test questions on final exams. (Pro Tip #2: In addition to reviewing alone, review with peers. Explain information to classmates. Remember, if you can teach it, you know it.)
Quiz Yourself: Quizzing yourself is the best possible practice before taking an exam. Rather than passively staring at notes for hours on end, it is an active activity. Not only will it help you practice retrieving information, it can also ease pre-exam anxiety.
De-stress: Sleep, exercise, and eat well. Find one thing each day that helps recharge your brain. Whether skating, running, painting, singing, or just watching a movie with friends - this is critical. Avoid Caffeine and excess sugar. If you are someone who is nervous about taking tests, you are probably jittery enough. No need for extra jitters.
Happy studying and good luck on your exams.
How to make a study guide: If your teacher is not providing a study guide for the exam, I highly recommend making one yourself. The best way to start is to compile all notes and past assessments. From there, it is helpful to pull out overarching questions, main topics, key terms and vocabulary, and compile them into a single document. Under each main topic, categorize past quiz and test questions as they apply to each.
How to USE your study guide: Print a hard copy of you study guide. With a pen or pencil, handwrite any answers or definitions you already know. The practice of retrieving information from memory reinforces what you already know, and helps you realize what needs more study time. Look up any answers that are blank in your textbooks, novels or worksheets and fill out the rest of the study guide. Though rare in the digital age, handwriting creates more pathways in the brain to establish information in long-term memory.
Review: Review early and often, but in small 20 to 30 minute chunks. Between sessions, re-energize your brain with a short break, such as a quick trip to the water fountain or a walk outside. Because the brain can only remember eight quickly memorized items at a time, "cramming" should be avoided. It is helpful to review past notes, study guides, note cards and past quizzes or tests. Teachers often re-use quiz and test questions on final exams. (Pro Tip #2: In addition to reviewing alone, review with peers. Explain information to classmates. Remember, if you can teach it, you know it.)
Quiz Yourself: Quizzing yourself is the best possible practice before taking an exam. Rather than passively staring at notes for hours on end, it is an active activity. Not only will it help you practice retrieving information, it can also ease pre-exam anxiety.
De-stress: Sleep, exercise, and eat well. Find one thing each day that helps recharge your brain. Whether skating, running, painting, singing, or just watching a movie with friends - this is critical. Avoid Caffeine and excess sugar. If you are someone who is nervous about taking tests, you are probably jittery enough. No need for extra jitters.
Happy studying and good luck on your exams.
