Ultimate Revision Tips Thread - Share Yours!!
Hi everyone As we come to the end of the half term, lots of people are wanting to get ahead with their revision already! However, it's only natural for a lot of you to have questions on the best ways to revise and manage your time, especially if this is your first round of major exams!
When should I get started?
According to our poll last year, most of you voted that the best time to get started for revision is February! It's always best to get ahead with your revision and then you don't need to cram in the last month.
How should I manage my time? Should I make a timetable?
Personally, I think a revision timetable is one of the ultimate methods of distraction and procrastination
While it might work for some people (in which case I would thoroughly recommend TSR's study planner), a lot of the time we have a tendency to make them too rigid, unrealistic or spend too much time making them.Instead, I'd recommend making a checklist at the start of every day with 3-5 things on that you want to achieve that day. With a small list rather than a massive schedule, it will look like your workload is a lot smaller, easier to manage and you'll find it easier to get motivated.
What should I revise first?
While you might be tempted to revise the things you enjoy first and put off the harder things, I find this technique works best:
Make a graph for each of your subjects, and plot every topic on it. Start in the area marked '1' for your revision, and work your way through them that way.
Make sure you go back and replot the graph once you've revised everything, to see what still needs more work!
How do I actually revise then?!
There's too many revision techniques to list, but the most effective things for you will depend on what kind of learner you are. If you don't already know, then take a quiz like this one and try and tailor your revision to your type.
•
Post it notes: This has to be one of my favourite methods of revision. Write key words, quotes, equations, definitions, dates, etc on post it notes (colour code them if you have different topics) and stick them on your wall where you'll see them all the time. Whenever you look at them, read them and say them outloud, and test yourself on them all the time.
•
Condense your notes: Combining both your class notes and your textbook, try to fit all of the information from each topic onto an A4 page. Then condense that down into A5. Then keep halving until you have all of the key information on a flash card sized piece of paper.
•
Flashcards: You can write essay plans, definitions and key points on flashcards, and then hole punch them and put them on a ring to keep them together and take some with you whenever you go out. While you're sat on the bus, instead of browsing the internet aimlessly, test yourself on a few flashcards!
•
Past papers: The holy grail of revision. Nothing beats replicating a real exam for practice- do a whole paper with no notes, then mark it and highlight on the mark scheme all of the marks that you missed. Go back through the paper and add corrections and additions in a different coloured pen, and make a note of the topics where you missed marks so you can look over them again.
An alternative method from Lord Hysteria
Positive Mindset vs Exam panic
Some of the top tips from the other threads:
♫ My best advice is to make a plan for every week, so you maximise your time and can decide exactly how much you do and on what you want to focus on. It feels all good inside when you complete a 5 hour stint! Also take regular breaks. It's no good sitting at a desk for ages getting stressier and stressier and not taking anything in. (Rose64)
♫ A good tip for languages discursive essays is to write pros and cons charts for issues like university funding, gap years, recycling, divorce, etc etc and any other topics you have studied. If you then get an essay on this in the exam you've already done the plan!! For studying eng lit texts I always make a main points sheet/booklet where i write down everything i can on each charater and theme (including quotes) this way you can just rewrite the para in ure exam if something relevant comes up. (fooish*87)
♫ Good notes are the key to effective revision. Everytime you cover something new, write it down clearly and legibly, make sure you understand it - and then file it. When it comes to revising it's as simple as going over all of your concise, well-written notes, for let's say - 1 hour. Do this again for 15 minutes before bed, followed by at least 8 hours sleep. (raven)
♫ I'm just in the middle of creating CDs for Social/Cognitive/Cognitive Development Psychology, and one for my A2 Sociology unit. I'm putting all of my information on there so I can play it back and listen to it. And, if you're like me and like the sound of your own voice (:P) it's good :P.
♫ Once you have revised something, ALWAYS give yourself a mini quiz to refresh your brain. Do this at the end of the revision session, then at the end of the day, and then at the beginning of the next day. This will push it into your long term memory. (Brimstone)
♫ For subjects like maths, all you can really do is question after question after question. During my revision for C2 I found the tough logarithm questions quite hard at first so I just did log question after log question after log question from the C2 book. By the end, I was an expert at C2 logarithm questions! By repeating so many questions you end up with a sixth sense for what the next thing to do in a tricky question is. (Gamaya)
♫ Personally for the subjects that require memorised knowledge I have mnemonics for everything. I highly recommend them. For instance today I needed to remember what a ketone is, so I thought ketone sounds a lot like keystone, and the keystone is always in the middle of a bridge, and a ketone has a double bonded oxygen in the middle. It's great because unlike computers the more you put into a brain the easier it is to remember. Mnemonics only really work if you make them up yourself though. (steelmole)
♫ Post it notes with key facts on them posted around your bath, opposite your loo, on your sink and on the cupboard where you keep your coffee or biscuits. Different coloured post it notes for different subjects. Only works if you keep the amount low. (castafoire)
♫ I always find it really helpful to do one past paper before I've done any revision, then when I go back to looking at it the night before my exam, I realise how much more I know now. That always makes me feel better about myself and my chances. (Phalanges)
♫ Find out what kind of learner you are. i.e Visual, auditory, or emotional. If you learn best by remembering things you see, make your notes look all pretty and bright so they'll stick in your mind. Or, if you learn best by hearing stuff, record yourself talking about a subject. (rose64)
If you have any questions or extra tips on revision, then let me know here! Scroll to see replies
In regards to flashcards - there are also similar techniques where you do things like words and have the definition on the other side or question and the answer on the other side. If you have a friend studying the same topic, it also helps to test each other in the same way.
In regards to flashcards - there are also similar techniques where you do things like words and have the definition on the other side or question and the answer on the other side. If you have a friend studying the same topic, it also helps to test each other in the same way.
i always get my mum to test me on my flashcards
Hi everyone As we come to the end of the half term, lots of people are wanting to get ahead with their revision already! However, it's only natural for a lot of you to have questions on the best ways to revise and manage your time, especially if this is your first round of major exams!
According to our poll last year, most of you voted that the best time to get started for revision is February! It's always best to get ahead with your revision and then you don't need to cram in the last month.
How should I manage my time? Should I make a timetable?
Personally, I think a revision timetable is one of the ultimate methods of distraction and procrastination
While it might work for some people (in which case I would thoroughly recommend TSR's study planner), a lot of the time we have a tendency to make them too rigid, unrealistic or spend too much time making them.Instead, I'd recommend making a checklist at the start of every day with 3-5 things on that you want to achieve that day. With a small list rather than a massive schedule, it will look like your workload is a lot smaller, easier to manage and you'll find it easier to get motivated.
What should I revise first?
While you might be tempted to revise the things you enjoy first and put off the harder things, I find this technique works best:
Make a graph for each of your subjects, and plot every topic on it. Start in the area marked '1' for your revision, and work your way through them that way.
Make sure you go back and replot the graph once you've revised everything, to see what still needs more work!
How do I actually revise then?!
There's too many revision techniques to list, but the most effective things for you will depend on what kind of learner you are. If you don't already know, then take a quiz like this one and try and tailor your revision to your type.
•
Post it notes: This has to be one of my favourite methods of revision. Write key words, quotes, equations, definitions, dates, etc on post it notes (colour code them if you have different topics) and stick them on your wall where you'll see them all the time. Whenever you look at them, read them and say them outloud, and test yourself on them all the time.
•
Condense your notes: Combining both your class notes and your textbook, try to fit all of the information from each topic onto an A4 page. Then condense that down into A5. Then keep halving until you have all of the key information on a flash card sized piece of paper.
•
Flashcards: You can write essay plans, definitions and key points on flashcards, and then hole punch them and put them on a ring to keep them together and take some with you whenever you go out. While you're sat on the bus, instead of browsing the internet aimlessly, test yourself on a few flashcards!
•
Past papers: The holy grail of revision. Nothing beats replicating a real exam for practice- do a whole paper with no notes, then mark it and highlight on the mark scheme all of the marks that you missed. Go back through the paper and add corrections and additions in a different coloured pen, and make a note of the topics where you missed marks so you can look over them again.
If you have any questions or extra tips on revision, then let me know here! Hi, This all very good info! But with regards to your advice on past papers, would you recommend doing past papers with Only essay based subjects? If so, would it be wise to mark the essay myself or not?
Past papers for essays are great for making sure you can write the essays in the time given
The only problem is that it's really tricky to mark your own essays, so I'd advise giving it to a teacher, I'm sure they wouldn't mind marking a few essays
Hi everyone As we come to the end of the half term, lots of people are wanting to get ahead with their revision already! However, it's only natural for a lot of you to have questions on the best ways to revise and manage your time, especially if this is your first round of major exams!
According to our poll last year, most of you voted that the best time to get started for revision is February! It's always best to get ahead with your revision and then you don't need to cram in the last month.
How should I manage my time? Should I make a timetable?
Personally, I think a revision timetable is one of the ultimate methods of distraction and procrastination
While it might work for some people (in which case I would thoroughly recommend TSR's study planner), a lot of the time we have a tendency to make them too rigid, unrealistic or spend too much time making them.Instead, I'd recommend making a checklist at the start of every day with 3-5 things on that you want to achieve that day. With a small list rather than a massive schedule, it will look like your workload is a lot smaller, easier to manage and you'll find it easier to get motivated.
What should I revise first?
While you might be tempted to revise the things you enjoy first and put off the harder things, I find this technique works best:
Make a graph for each of your subjects, and plot every topic on it. Start in the area marked '1' for your revision, and work your way through them that way.
Make sure you go back and replot the graph once you've revised everything, to see what still needs more work!
How do I actually revise then?!
There's too many revision techniques to list, but the most effective things for you will depend on what kind of learner you are. If you don't already know, then take a quiz like this one and try and tailor your revision to your type.
•
Post it notes: This has to be one of my favourite methods of revision. Write key words, quotes, equations, definitions, dates, etc on post it notes (colour code them if you have different topics) and stick them on your wall where you'll see them all the time. Whenever you look at them, read them and say them outloud, and test yourself on them all the time.
•
Condense your notes: Combining both your class notes and your textbook, try to fit all of the information from each topic onto an A4 page. Then condense that down into A5. Then keep halving until you have all of the key information on a flash card sized piece of paper.
•
Flashcards: You can write essay plans, definitions and key points on flashcards, and then hole punch them and put them on a ring to keep them together and take some with you whenever you go out. While you're sat on the bus, instead of browsing the internet aimlessly, test yourself on a few flashcards!
•
Past papers: The holy grail of revision. Nothing beats replicating a real exam for practice- do a whole paper with no notes, then mark it and highlight on the mark scheme all of the marks that you missed. Go back through the paper and add corrections and additions in a different coloured pen, and make a note of the topics where you missed marks so you can look over them again.
If you have any questions or extra tips on revision, then let me know here! I should really be sleeping but these tips are amazing! I really like the idea of making a graph on what to get started with and just make a short to-do list of what you want to do on that day. I will use these tips on top of a pile of others I have stored mentally
Thanks Gingerbread!
@Gingerbread101
Hi everyone As we come to the end of the half term, lots of people are wanting to get ahead with their revision already! However, it's only natural for a lot of you to have questions on the best ways to revise and manage your time, especially if this is your first round of major exams!
According to our poll last year, most of you voted that the best time to get started for revision is February! It's always best to get ahead with your revision and then you don't need to cram in the last month.
How should I manage my time? Should I make a timetable?
Personally, I think a revision timetable is one of the ultimate methods of distraction and procrastination
While it might work for some people (in which case I would thoroughly recommend TSR's study planner), a lot of the time we have a tendency to make them too rigid, unrealistic or spend too much time making them.Instead, I'd recommend making a checklist at the start of every day with 3-5 things on that you want to achieve that day. With a small list rather than a massive schedule, it will look like your workload is a lot smaller, easier to manage and you'll find it easier to get motivated.
What should I revise first?
While you might be tempted to revise the things you enjoy first and put off the harder things, I find this technique works best:
Make a graph for each of your subjects, and plot every topic on it. Start in the area marked '1' for your revision, and work your way through them that way.
Make sure you go back and replot the graph once you've revised everything, to see what still needs more work!
How do I actually revise then?!
There's too many revision techniques to list, but the most effective things for you will depend on what kind of learner you are. If you don't already know, then take a quiz like this one and try and tailor your revision to your type.
•
Post it notes: This has to be one of my favourite methods of revision. Write key words, quotes, equations, definitions, dates, etc on post it notes (colour code them if you have different topics) and stick them on your wall where you'll see them all the time. Whenever you look at them, read them and say them outloud, and test yourself on them all the time.
•
Condense your notes: Combining both your class notes and your textbook, try to fit all of the information from each topic onto an A4 page. Then condense that down into A5. Then keep halving until you have all of the key information on a flash card sized piece of paper.
•
Flashcards: You can write essay plans, definitions and key points on flashcards, and then hole punch them and put them on a ring to keep them together and take some with you whenever you go out. While you're sat on the bus, instead of browsing the internet aimlessly, test yourself on a few flashcards!
•
Past papers: The holy grail of revision. Nothing beats replicating a real exam for practice- do a whole paper with no notes, then mark it and highlight on the mark scheme all of the marks that you missed. Go back through the paper and add corrections and additions in a different coloured pen, and make a note of the topics where you missed marks so you can look over them again.
If you have any questions or extra tips on revision, then let me know here! Wow these tips are amazing! No wonder why you got 11A* and 1A
Thanksjust curious how "intense" are your sessions,i can never really tell whether i`m trying to cram too much into one session or spending too long on another.
Thanks
Hey, sorry I never replied to this!
I generally remove all distractions and technology from reaching distance and work continuously for 30 mins, but not with such speed or anything that it tires me out or hurts my head. If you're trying to cram too much in then you won't be learning it - it's always best to spend more time on one thing than not enough and trying to cover as much as possible as quickly as possible
ThanksThanks
I take lots of different exam boards - these are universal tips
Hi everyone As we come to the end of the half term, lots of people are wanting to get ahead with their revision already! However, it's only natural for a lot of you to have questions on the best ways to revise and manage your time, especially if this is your first round of major exams!
According to our poll last year, most of you voted that the best time to get started for revision is February! It's always best to get ahead with your revision and then you don't need to cram in the last month.
How should I manage my time? Should I make a timetable?
Personally, I think a revision timetable is one of the ultimate methods of distraction and procrastination
While it might work for some people (in which case I would thoroughly recommend TSR's study planner), a lot of the time we have a tendency to make them too rigid, unrealistic or spend too much time making them.Instead, I'd recommend making a checklist at the start of every day with 3-5 things on that you want to achieve that day. With a small list rather than a massive schedule, it will look like your workload is a lot smaller, easier to manage and you'll find it easier to get motivated.
What should I revise first?
While you might be tempted to revise the things you enjoy first and put off the harder things, I find this technique works best:
Make a graph for each of your subjects, and plot every topic on it. Start in the area marked '1' for your revision, and work your way through them that way.
Make sure you go back and replot the graph once you've revised everything, to see what still needs more work!
How do I actually revise then?!
There's too many revision techniques to list, but the most effective things for you will depend on what kind of learner you are. If you don't already know, then take a quiz like this one and try and tailor your revision to your type.
•
Post it notes: This has to be one of my favourite methods of revision. Write key words, quotes, equations, definitions, dates, etc on post it notes (colour code them if you have different topics) and stick them on your wall where you'll see them all the time. Whenever you look at them, read them and say them outloud, and test yourself on them all the time.
•
Condense your notes: Combining both your class notes and your textbook, try to fit all of the information from each topic onto an A4 page. Then condense that down into A5. Then keep halving until you have all of the key information on a flash card sized piece of paper.
•
Flashcards: You can write essay plans, definitions and key points on flashcards, and then hole punch them and put them on a ring to keep them together and take some with you whenever you go out. While you're sat on the bus, instead of browsing the internet aimlessly, test yourself on a few flashcards!
•
Past papers: The holy grail of revision. Nothing beats replicating a real exam for practice- do a whole paper with no notes, then mark it and highlight on the mark scheme all of the marks that you missed. Go back through the paper and add corrections and additions in a different coloured pen, and make a note of the topics where you missed marks so you can look over them again.
If you have any questions or extra tips on revision, then let me know here! thanks I use past papers and cue cards
I think I just need to know the way to answer the question and write itFor sociology and philosophy it is AQA and health and social care it is OCR
A* Type Questions (Maths):
1H: http://bland.in/gcse/a_star1h.pdf
2H: http://bland.in/gcse/a_star2h.pdf
I tried making a checklist the other day, ended up only doing a quarter of what I planned (blame the internet) but at least I knew that I had done something productive and knew where I had to improve. Though I really like to make myself sound like I have everything together...
My school ran a "learner type" test a while back and my result was that I was completely equal for everything which is both good and painfully frustrating since I agree that one learning method doesn't particularly work better than another for me. Usually I end up resorting to cramming all the details and hoping for the best... if I drill it in enough, I eventually can recall it!
I actually tried the "condensing your notes" idea some days ago with one of the topics for Physics. In the process, I was able to remember some particular facts more clearly, though I still am not 100% sure on everything which is slightly worrying. I used to have voice recordings of myself reading out all my notes that I'd listen to all the time (kinda helps register in my subconscious, I suppose) though I accidentally deleted them all and haven't really been in the mood to re-record them.
My favourite has to be the "post it notes" idea where you stick stuff on the walls to recall. My version of it is actually writing out what I need to know on A4 sheets - one idea on one sheet or two (for example I covered the Haber process for Chemistry on 2 sheets) and blue-tacking them at random places around the house. I found the ones in the bathroom were glued to my memory the most because there's really not much to do when you're on the loo!
Anyways, thanks for writing up your tips! They were very helpful
Quick Reply
Related discussions
- low ucat score
- Share your number 1 essential revision tip and win our revision care package!
- How to prepare for Medicine interviews?
- BMAT 2023 help
- Mazars graduate 2024
- Grow Your Grades 2023 - 2024!
- Sydney Medical Elective 2024!
- WANTED: Speakers for Medical Application Abroad
- TSR Study Together - STEM vs Humanities!
- How should I plan doing both UCAT & BMAT?
- Revision Motivation
- Medicine in Italy
- UCAT Medentry
- Clinical Biochemistry Interviews (STP Applicants 2023)
- F ees
- use AP scores applying medical school
- Achieved the highest grade in med school, AMA
- Mastering the Medical School Interview guide
- Help me make this big decision - Uni!
- Recommendations for medical universities
Latest
Last reply 5 minutes ago
Official: Imperial College London A100 2024 Entry ApplicantsLast reply 8 minutes ago
emmanuella's study discussions #1: motivation and disciplineLast reply 11 minutes ago
Woodhouse College applicants 2024Last reply 12 minutes ago
Haven't heard back from LSELast reply 13 minutes ago
Official Durham University Offer Holders Thread for 2024 entryLast reply 15 minutes ago
Official: Queen's University Belfast A100 2024 Entry ApplicantsLast reply 16 minutes ago
JK Rowling in ‘arrest me’ challenge over hate crime lawLast reply 17 minutes ago
Edexcel A Level Mathematics Paper 1 (9MA0 01) - 4th June 2024 [Exam Chat]Trending
Last reply 4 days ago
TSR Goes Green: Can studying be made more sustainable?Last reply 1 week ago
TSR Study Together - STEM vs Humanities - Eighth SessionLast reply 2 weeks ago
TSR Study Together - STEM vs Humanities - Seventh SessionLast reply 2 weeks ago
Help, I want to become a good student again!!Last reply 2 weeks ago
erin11 asks...what are your favourite ways to revise?Last reply 3 weeks ago
Struggling with literature review for dissertationLast reply 3 weeks ago
Guys how do you push yourself to study more? im struggling so badLast reply 3 weeks ago
TSR Study Together - STEM vs Humanities! - Sixth SessionTrending
Last reply 4 days ago
TSR Goes Green: Can studying be made more sustainable?Last reply 1 week ago
TSR Study Together - STEM vs Humanities - Eighth SessionLast reply 2 weeks ago
TSR Study Together - STEM vs Humanities - Seventh SessionLast reply 2 weeks ago
Help, I want to become a good student again!!Last reply 2 weeks ago
erin11 asks...what are your favourite ways to revise?Last reply 3 weeks ago
Struggling with literature review for dissertationLast reply 3 weeks ago
Guys how do you push yourself to study more? im struggling so badLast reply 3 weeks ago
TSR Study Together - STEM vs Humanities! - Sixth Session
