Survival Guide for Exam Week

(Posted on 07/06/18)

Eating Healthy

As cliché as it sounds, eating healthy food can actually help keep you focused. Brain foods like fruit, fish and even a little bit of dark chocolate can aid your concentration and memory. Keep a drink and snack next to you when studying to keep up motivation – you could even use it as a reward after each task. Healthy body, healthy mind!

Keeping fit

Not only is exercise good for you, but it’s a healthy way to take a break from revision (guilt free). Going for a walk can keep you mentally relaxed and oxygenate the brain to make studying more efficient. Why not try listening to a podcast or prerecord yourself reading an essay to listen to on your walk – the change of environment might aid your memory!

New ways of studying

One reason you might be getting bored of revision is because you’re doing the same things over and over again… There are so many different ways to take in information: mind maps, flash cards, display pages, revision booklets, past papers, reading articles, podcasts and so many more! Take a look at our Youtube channel to watch revision videos created by the teachers of CIS:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXHl8sihiWyDl-EP4FS9sZQ/playlists

Time management

Although it’s never too late to revise, don’t leave all of your studying until the last minute. Cramming can just cause unnecessary stress and you won’t take in enough information for an exam. Some people benefit from a revision plan or timetable. This can organise your thoughts and help you determine which topics you need to focus on. The Pomodoro Technique allows you to work more efficiently and organise each task quickly:

Choose a task to be accomplished.
Set the Pomodoro to 25 minutes (the Pomodoro is the timer)
Work on the task until the Pomodoro rings, then put a check on your sheet of paper
Take a short break (5 minutes is OK)
Every 4 Pomodoros take a longer break

Create a good environment

Find a space to yourself where you can concentrate on what you’re doing. It’s a heavily debated topic, but music can often distract you from what you’re doing; depending on the task it’s usually better to work in peace and quiet. Our advice is to create an exam environment if you want the best practice.