• Question: How do you manage to remember all the facts about your topic? Like when revising and stuff x

    Asked by kjxxxxxxxxxx to Jessica, Sarah on 22 Nov 2013.
    • Photo: Sarah Tesh

      Sarah Tesh answered on 22 Nov 2013:

      Over the years of many exams I developed a revision technique that worked well for me. I’d start by reading through my notes, highlighting etc, a good month or more before my exam (usually that much time because I had to cover so many topics). Whilst I was doing that I’d write a list of important equations as I came across them in the notes. Next, I’d go through worksheets and previous exam papers getting used to the style of question but also testing myself (although at first the answer sheet does come in handy). I’d also start testing myself on equations (not all because some on the formula sheets), like a vocabulary test. And then finally, do an intense read through the day before, testing myself and reminding myself about key bits. I have to admit though that after the exam is over the details do tend to leave my brain, but you tend to find you just have to read a paragraph to remember it again.

      Nowadays I remember stuff to do with my work because it’s drilled into my brain after working on it everyday for two years. But remembering every single detail isn’t so necessary – that’s what lab books, text books etc are for.

      It really comes down to personal choice though. Some people learn by writing things down or reading or diagrams or listening or repetition. You just have to try a few techniques to perfect it.

Comments

  • Photo: kjxxxxxxxxxx

    kjxxxxxxxxxx commented on :

    thank you so much I always stuggle when I comes to remembering :/ but now I might be able to ! ;))

  • Photo: Jessica

    Jessica commented on :

    While I was revising for my A Levels, I got quite a good technique going too: I decided which topic I was going to focus on first, then read through all my notes, with a notebook right next to me to write the important bits down as I came across them. Highlighting in different colours and colour-coordinating things always helped me too (it made the work look pretty anyway!) if you are more of a visual person that might really help. But if you find it easier to learn things by listening to them, maybe recording yourself saying different facts, for example, might help more!

    Revising with friends is always really helpful too. It just makes it a bit more fun, and we would try thinking of rhymes or other funny ways to remember certain facts or equations to help keep all the information in!

    There was always the last-minute cramming before the exam, but sometimes I found some things I learnt the night before actually came up on the exam, so having a quick read-through the next morning (or maybe the evening before if that works better for you) always helped to keep it fresh in my memory.

    And doing LOTS of exam paper questions, especially for subjects like maths and science, is so helpful, and there is often a pattern of what sort of questions are asked every year. It’s one of the best preparation techniques you can do!