How to Successfully
Prepare for Your EXAMS
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FIVE STEPS TO EXAM SUCCESS
♦ Step One - Believe in Yourself
♦ Step Two - Get Organized
♦ Step Three – Time Management
♦ Step Four - Study Smart
♦ Step Five - Exam Taking Strategies
STEP ONE - BELIEVE IN YOURSELF
♦ Have a positive mindset
♦ Recognize your strengths and
weaknesses
♦ Set realistic goals. Know your
current marks
STEP TWO – GET ORGANIZED
A. Notes
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Keep course notes together and separate from other
courses
Put notes in chronological order
Ensure you have all resources
(e.g., textbook, calculator, tests etc.)
Have at least 1 classmate’s contact information
B. Exam Schedule
Be sure to find the following information ahead of time
and record in your phone, in a visible place in your room
Course Code:________ Section: __
Exam Date: ________ Time: ____ Room: ___
STEP THREE - TIME MANAGEMENT
Create a STUDY SCHEDULE (and avoid
cramming)
Plan:
♦ Number of days prior to each exam you should
begin studying
♦ Amount of time each day to study for each exam
♦ What subject you will study at specific times
♦ Topics to be covered
♦ Study breaks
Step Four - Study Smart
Use a COMBINATION of STUDY METHODS
Examples:
♦ Discuss aloud
♦ Flash cards
♦ Charts
♦ Answer questions (from previous assignments, tests, or
textbook)
♦ Simulate a test/environment in your room
♦ Have someone test your knowledge
♦ Create a practice exam that will take approximately the
length of your scheduled exam
Review the material a few times using different methods
DO NOT just read over your notes
STEP FOUR - STUDY SMART
How to Study for Exams
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Try to know the exam’s topics and format (multiple choice questions, short
answers, problem solving, etc.
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Apply different studying methods for each subject
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Organize the material needed to be studied into time blocks (as per your
schedule)
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Take your planned breaks (as per your schedule)
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If you have a textbook, review bold terms
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If you have a review sheet, complete it
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Write down any names, dates, formulas, definitions or facts that need to
be memorized on an index card. Continue reviewing the information until
the exam
♦
Pay close attention during EXAM REVIEW
BEFORE AN EXAM!!
Eat well and be well rested. Do NOT
watch TV or play computer games before
going to bed prior to the exam.
LAST minute studying and
cramming does not HELP.
Make sure that you get
enough SLEEP!
STEP FIVE - EXAM TAKING STRATEGIES
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Pack things you need for your exam the night before
Show up early to your exam (10 minutes)
Go to the washroom before your exam starts
Bring only the things you need with you to your exam
Write facts, formulas at the top of the exam A.S.A.P.
Read over the exam and develop a plan
(E.g., Determine the amount of time you need to spend on each
section of the exam and start with the questions you know)
Answers the questions you know first
Return to the questions you are not sure of
Take the time to check your answers before you finish
Write your name on the top of each page
STEP FIVE - EXAM TAKING STRATEGIES
True and False Questions
 Read the statement carefully
 For a statement to be true, every part of it must be
true
 Be cautious of the words ALWAYS and NEVER in a
statement!
 'Absolutes' are often incorrect answers
(E.g., never, always, every, etc.)
STEP FIVE - EXAM TAKING STRATEGIES
Multiple Choice Questions
 Hide the answers and answer the question without
looking at any of the options. Then look for your
answer
 Read the STEM of the question with each of the
possible answers
 If you are not sure of an answer, eliminate the choices
you know are incorrect by crossing them out, and then
make an educated guess
 'Absolutes' are often incorrect answers
(E.g., never, always, every, etc.)
STEP FIVE - EXAM TAKING STRATEGIES
Essay Questions
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Start with the question you know most about
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First brainstorm, then organize information
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Be neat and write in complete sentences
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Paragraph One - state the question and tell the reader
what they can expect to learn from the essay
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Middle Paragraphs - present examples, details, evidence,
and facts to support the points you are making
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Final Paragraph - restate your position along with a quick
summary
STEP FIVE - EXAM TAKING STRATEGIES
Short Answers Questions:
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Keep your answer simple and to the point. Do
not re-state the question
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Be neat and write in complete sentences
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Use the marks allotted as a guide to how many
valid points you need to include in your answer
PERSONAL TIPS
What works for me
Questions?
Follow @RHSSGuidance on Twitter and at http://rickhansenss.peelschools.org