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How to prepare and study for a test will naturally depend on what topic the test will be on and the nature of the test. There are general study techniques and recommendations, however, that can be used for many different types of tests. This page is a general guide on how to study for a test.
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Introduction
- Studying for a test involves both preparing for the studying and using good studying techniques.
Step 1: Basics
- Before you even start to study, there are some things to keep in mind when preparing for a test.
- Start studying early and avoid cramming. Cramming isn't a bad method only because you are reducing the available time to study. It will also make you stressed and anxious, which can make studying more difficult, and might not allow you to take the necessary breaks needed for good study results.
- Let's face it, none of us are perfect. Procrastination is a common problem. While you should not use that as an excuse to delay studying, blaming yourself will only make things worse. If you are studying at the last minute, visit Mahalo's guide on How to Cram for an Exam.
- The brain needs fuel just as a car needs gas (or vegetable oil, biofuels, electricity, compressed air... but you get the point). Eat regular meals, but avoid sugary snacks. Food that raises your blood sugar dramatically will only make you crash later.
- Breaks are important. After a while, your mind start wandering and you loose focus.Taking short, frequent breaks is recommended by many experts. Take a 10 minute break every hour or so.University of Kansas: Ask the Experts FAQ
- Choose a quiet location where you can focus to study.
- In general, focus on being calm and relaxed when studying. How to accomplish this will depend on your personal needs. A relaxing tape in the background, limiting caffeine or meditating or doing yoga beforehand are some methods that might be helpful.
- Look over the material that will be covered and make an outline for your study sessions.
Step 2: Studying Techniques
- Research shows that active study techniques are most more productive than passive ones. That means that you should actively engage in the reading material, not just reading the required materials over and over again. Using a highlighter while reading or reviewing notes are also considered passive methods.University of Kansas: Ask the Experts FAQ This does not mean reading or reviewing notes should not be part of your studying, but that you should incorporate others techniques as well.
- Some active study techniques are: talking about the material, teaching it to others and drawing diagrams or descriptive images.
- Create questions that might be on the test and write down answers to them. If the test will be a multiple test version, you should still create questions that you can write out answers to.
- Use flashcards to learn terms and definitions.
- If you are a visual person, watching informational videos, diagrams or images of the topic might help, especially if the exam is on a science topic such as biology or physics. You can also draw your own images to understand the topic better. For example, if you want to understand aspects of anatomy, study all pictures in the book carefully and find additional visual resources if necessary.
Conclusion
- To study for an exam, prepare by eating and taking breaks on a regular basis. Combine passive and active study methods for the best results. When the test approaches, consult Mahalos' guide on How to Take a Test.
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