BASE YOUR ENGLISH REVIEW NOTES ON THE FOLLOWING :
1.
Review comparative essay structure…you will be writing one!!!
2.
Literary Works-Macbeth, Frankenstein/The Wars, The Road, Glass Castle,
Life of Pi and No Exit.
Be able to discuss all the elements (character, issues, relationships, conflicts, symbols and imagery) of a piece of literature in context with each other. Remember they work together to create the whole; each element helps to reinforce and to develop the others.
Create a chart that helps highlight the overlap and can be used as a starting point to help you focus your review notes and studying.
**Your review notes must elaborate on and include detailed analysis of the above issues/characters/ relationships, etc. from the chart. Based on the above you can, in small groups, predict possible questions/topics.
Ask yourself: what are possible questions based on the numerous texts studies, as well as discussion/topics talked about in class?**
Remember the format of an exam impacts your studying. Why? How?
PART A: COMPARATIVE ESSAY 30 MARKS
- only one topic given
- can choose any 2 of the texts studied on the course!!
/10 Knowledge /10 Thinking /10 Communication
Your exam is 1.5 hours in length.

Issues/
Themes
Macbeth
Characters/
Rel’nships
Macbeth
Frankenstein No Exit
Frankenstein No Exit
The Road/Glass
Castle/Life of Pi
The Road/Glass
Castle/Life of Pi

Conflicts Macbeth
Imagery/
Symbols
Macbeth
Frankenstein No Exit
Frankenstein No Exit
The Road/Glass
Castle/Life of Pi
The Road/Glass
Castle/Life of Pi

GENERAL
1.
Establish
STUDY/TIME MANAGEMENT TIPS: off the yourself a study goals-write down what you will accomplish and when. Check the items list as you accomplish them. Give reward for studying hard.
2.
Devise a study schedule that includes breaks, entertainment and exercise and is based on goal(s) that you want to achieve. Your schedule should be divided into study blocks of approximately 1.5-2 hours – set a reachable study goal for each block. Remember to create a plan that focuses on your strengths – be aware of your best time of day to focus and work. Some may be morning people who do their best studying before early afternoon. Focus on a subject for each block, alternate the subjects you are working on. Your schedule should include between 2 and 4 blocks in any given study day ie. a day without school.
**The use of a schedule can be used throughout the school year for homework, assignments and tests – it just needs to be adjusted to your needs and time constraints at that time. It is wise to have a weekly schedule that helps you to reach long term goals and deadlines.**
You will need regular breaks during the blocks of time – approximately every 20 minutes…this is normal, just keep them short! Be wary of what you decide to do during these breaks – don’t sit down to watch 10 minutes of your favourite 1 hour show – in all likelihood you will watch the entire hour! Also try to refrain from procrastination…I bet your room is never cleaner than during exam week!
Now is the time to force yourself to stick to this schedule. Try to complete between 3 and 6 study blocks per subject/exam depending on the difficulty of the subject for you. It is of absolutely no value to cram the night before an exam.
Tuesday Wed. Thurs. Friday Saturday Sunday
Monday
Morning
9-11:00am
Afternoon
1-2:30pm
Evening
6-7:00pm
Night
8:30-10:00pm
English
Science
History
Science
English
Movie night
Science
Gym
(workout)
English
Science brief Science review
Science
Exam
Shopping
3.
Choose a study area wisely and consistently study in the same area – for numerous reasons. Try “to build a habit of studying when you are in this place. So, don’t use your study space for social conversations, writing letters, etc…a place where you are use to studying and doing nothing else is the best of all possible worlds. After a while, study becomes the appropriate behaviour in that particular environment” ( www.ucc.vt.edu/stdysk/control.html
). Having the same study area also makes it easier to recall information during the test/exam through the use of visualization if you ever find you cannot remember information during an exam.
Your study area should not have:
 too much noise (ex. TV, loud stereo) or comfort (like a bed….ZZZZ!)
 too many distractions – people, food, telephone, computer, etc.

Your study area should have:

 good lighting and ventilation a comfortable chair, but not too comfortable
 a desk large enough to spread out your materials
( www.ucc.vt.edu/stdysk/control.html
)
4.
Use as many senses during studying as possible (time to start talking to yourself)…again this helps your brain to remember the information. There are numerous ways to study - have someone test you. Get together for study/discussion groups. These are some ways to cover the material, using various senses/strategies.
5.
Make STUDY NOTES based on the review given to you by your teachers!!! I cannot stress this enough– study notes:
 Are neater and easier to study from
 Cut the amount of information down
 Help you stay organized
 Help you use various senses
While writing the notes you are actually studying – remember one aim in studying is to use as many senses as possible to best help yourself remember.
6.
Some last suggestions:
 if your mind wanders, stand up and face away from your books – take a brief break looking away from the books
 try to create a habit of studying at certain times of the day – this will help you get going
 don’t start any unfinished business just before the time to start studying
 keep a reminder pad, or use your agenda – both help your to remember various things that must be completed
 work through your goals – scratch them off your list as they are completed
( www.ucc.vt.edu/stdysk/control.html
)
When studying it is also helpful to remember what type of learner you are and implement learning strategies that work best for you.
I’m a... To improve my learning, I can…
 Visual Learner
 Visualize myself successfully performing a task. . Take/make notes. Write out everything.
 Keep a journal of what I've learned.
 Use charts, maps, notes and flashcards.
 Make pictures of words, ideas and concepts in my head
 Ask the teacher to write on the board.
 Auditory Learner
 Tape lectures
 Read my notes or textbooks out loud.
 Summarize what I've learned and then tape myself.
 Explain what I've learned to others.
 Make a song out of items I need to memorize. . Listen to music as I study to match words, ideas and concepts to musical themes.
 Tactile Learner
 Take/make notes.
 Underline or highlight important facts.

 Make a scrapbook of what I've learned.
 Act out a poem, story or historical event.
 Walk through a series of instructions.
 Build a model or draw a picture of what I'm learning.
 Create physical exercises/motions to match words, ideas, concepts.
ENGLISH STUDY STRATEGIES
1.
You actually help your preparation for exams over the course of the semester. In English it is of
 vital importance to do the following:
Be present in every class – so much discussion occurs and numerous issues, characters, implications, etc. are covered on a daily basis. It is during classes that the foundation of your ideas and opinions are formed. You will focus on these concepts that and develop them in essays, tests and exams.
 Read all assigned material – essays, novels, plays. All assignments and tests are based on these texts – to be successful you must be intimately involved and know them well.
 Be a full participant in discussions (small group or class), seminars, etc. Once again, it is during these times that new ideas are introduced; as well you are given the opportunity to develop and refine your own positions.
2.
After a test/exam is scheduled, be sure you fully understand the format of the test and what is being tested by referencing the teacher’s review. The teacher should explain what the exam will cover and what kind of questions will be asked. This is very important because they can help you to predict what may be asked on the test or exam.
Make up model questions; think of questions that bring together the course material.
Be able to discuss in context with each other all the elements (characters, issues, relationships, conflicts, symbols and imagery) of a piece of literature. Remember these elements work together to create the whole; each helps to reinforce and to develop the others.
3.
Practice organizing and restating ideas from the course rather than just rereading your text and notes. Think about how you would support or prove each point.
4.
Form a study group: each student will know something that the others may have missed.
Practice stating ideas in your own words.
LANGUAGE STUDY STRATEGIES
1.
Always use a pen and paper to study.
2.
Daily review and homework are very helpful. This is so you have a very good understanding of a concept before moving on the next day. Also, during the next class, you can ask the teacher if there are any confusions or misunderstandings.
3.
Memorization is mandatory. Repeat rules and examples until learned. (refer to #2 – repetition is helpful)
When studying, review homework sheets, cahier (workbook) activities and verb folders. Refer to 4.
textbook for answers. The textbook is a valuable resource.
5.
Daily review and homework are very helpful.
6.
For vocabulary, write the English and then write the equivalent in French. Break vocabulary lists into small, related sets. Spread memorization out over several sessions.
7.
For verbs, write out the verbs until memorized.

8.
Practice grammar by writing sentences related to your own life.