Study Tip #1
Understand your study topics in your own words: Your teacher or lecturer can explain something to you, you can learn it from a text book, your friends can study with you, even your own notes can explain it to you but all these explanations are of little use if, by the end, you can’t explain what you have learned to yourself. If you don’t understand a study concept that you need to illustrate in an exam to get top exam results, then you won’t be happy with your end exam result. To combat this, get into the habit of explaining whatever it is you are studying, in your own words, so you understand your study notes. The key to help improve your memory is to understand what you’ve learned when you are studying it. So don’t just memorise and tick off the list – make sure you understand your theory.
Study Tip #2
Don’t be afraid to ask study questions: Of course, depending on what you’re studying, it may be quite difficult to get into a position to understand a concept,theory or other information you need to learn. This is where it is invaluable to ask questions of your teachers, lecturers or other educators. Don’t be afraid of asking a ‘stupid’ question – there really is no such thing when it comes to study and learning! Embrace your curiosity, for as William Arthur Ward said: “Curiosity is the wick in the candle of learning.” Doing so will allow you to fill in the blanks and better prepare you for exams.
Study Tip #3
Quiz yourself: Once you feel you understand a concept or a topic, it is important to test yourself on it. Try and replicate exam conditions as much as possible: turn your phone off, don’t talk, time yourself etc. You can set yourself a study quiz or practice exam questions and, so long as you approach it with the right mindset, you can get a very good idea of how much you know. You gain a greater insight into where you stand in relation to what you’ve studied so far. Also, it will give you some much need exam preparation, making the actual exam a more comfortable experience. Flashcards are ideal for boosting your memory and help you recall theory, definitions and key dates – these are great for quick study sessions, especially straight before an exam.
Study Tip #4
Get Creative with online study tools: Don’t feel obliged to just sit in front of a book with a highlighter; there are many different ways to study. You should pick whatever works for you. Try using as many study tools and techniques as possible to help you study better and find what works best for you. Perfect examples of such study tools would be online flashcards, mind maps, mnemonics, online study planners, video and audio resources. Login to your ExamTime account now to access your free online study tools; mind maps, flashcards, study quizzes and practice exam answers and bring your study notes with you wherever you are.
Study Tip #5
Set your study goals and create a flexible study plan: In order to achieve exam success you need to know what you want to achieve. That’s why it is extremely important to set your Study Goals now and outline to yourself what you need to do. With your study goals in mind and your end of year exams weeks and months away it makes sense to have a flexible study plan as opposed to a rigid one. The closer you get to your exams the more concrete your study plan should be, but at this point it should be porous. It should be broad enough to allow you to add and change aspects but concise enough so you know you’re covering each subject/topic as best you can at this point.
Here are some tips so you know what to expect on the day of the your Speaking test.
Check the date, time and address of your exam, and the address of your exam. Your centre will send you this information. If you have any questions, contact your centre before the day of the test. Remember to check how long it will take you to travel to the venue. Get to the exam early. Follow the directions to find the exam room or go to the reception of the building and ask for directions. |
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Bring your identification (ID), for example, a passport or national ID card. It must be an original (not a copy) with a photo of you. |
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Turn off anything electronic (for example, your mobile phone) when you arrive at the venue. The centre may take your photo for identification after the exam. The supervisor will: • check your ID • give you your mark sheet. Please do not fold it • tell you where to wait, and take you to the test room. Follow the instructions and wait quietly for your test. While waiting for your test you can practise your English by talking to the other candidates quietly in the waiting area. If you are doing a Listening test, check that you can hear the test properly. Raise your hand immediately if you cannot hear the recording. Your supervisor will tell you where to put your bag during the test. If you have any questions or problems, tell the supervisor immediately. |
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Please leave quietly. You must not speak to other candidates waiting to do their test. |
Good luck with your exam!
Here are some tips so you know what to expect on the day of the exam. These tips are for your written, paper-based exams (not including the Speaking test or Cambridge English: Young Learners exams).
Check the date, time and address of your exam. Your centre will send you this information. If you have any questions, contact your centre before the exam day. Remember to check how long it will take you to travel to the exam. Get to the exam early. Follow the directions to find the exam room or go to the reception of the building and ask for directions. |
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Bring your identification (ID), for example, a passport or national ID card. It must be an original (not a copy) with a photo of you. Bring pens and pencils with erasers. Your centre will give you extra pens and pencils if you need them. Do not bring food or drink to your desk in the exam room (apart from a bottle of water). You cannot bring your bag, phone, or anything else electronic to your desk in the exam. |
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Your centre will tell you where to put your bags, phones etc. There will be a clock in the exam room. Take your ID out of your bag and put it on your desk. The centre may take your photo for identification after the exam. Listen carefully to the instructions which the invigilator will read out, and make sure you follow them. If you have any questions, need help or want to leave the room, raise your hand to ask for help. Do not talk to other people, or try to see what they are writing during the exam. If you are doing a Listening test, check that you can hear the test properly. Raise your hand immediately if you cannot hear the recording. |
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Stop writing immediately when the invigilator tells you to do so. Give all papers to the invigilator, including question papers, answer sheets, paper for notes, etc. Stay in your seat until the invigilator tells you to leave the room. If you have any questions or problems, tell the invigilator immediately. |
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