Neusha Taheri

Friday, January 18th 2019

Semester one is almost over, which means it’s time for culminating assignment, and yes, exams. Although York Mills students are doing exceptionally well this semester, exams can feel intimidating, especially for the grade nine students who have not yet experienced them before. However, with the right study tips and good preparation, being successful on exams will not be difficult.

Here are some tips we have found online or from personal experience which will help you be prepared for the big day:

• Make sure your study space is well organized

When studying make sure to be sitting at a desk, with enough space for all your textbooks and notes. The room should be sufficiently bright and your chair should be comfortable. All distractions on the desk should be put away, especially phones, which tend to be the most distracting. It is important to feel comfortable, and focused, for many music helps as well.

• Revising Old Tests

Although studying off of notes helps, a very effective way to prepare for an exam is with previous tests. This will help you remember the units you have succeeded in, as well as the difficulties you have faced, showing you what units you should focus on more.

• Organize study groups with friends

Although studying alone is fine, organizing study groups with friends can help with doubts you may be having or questions you do not understand. We all think differently, which makes studying with friends a very useful way to prepare for exams. However, make sure that the group is focused on the subject and are not distracted easily.

• Attend the review session

While most students think the last few days of classes before exams are not important, and that they should go home and study instead, they are incorrect. The last few days are when teachers tend to have review sessions in class, and go over all the concepts taught in the course. Attending review sessions, while give you vital information on the exam format, as well as clues on what will be on the exam.

• Take breaks

We might think that studying non-stop will help us achieve a high grade on the exam, it probably will not. Balance is key, taking breaks will help you recharge and relax.

 

These are some study tips that have worked for others and we hope you try them out as well. Good luck to all writing exams this term!