How can you get the most out of your revision time?
Here are some tips on how to revise:
Create a revision timetable
Building a revision timetable can add structure to your revision and help you identify which GCSE English aspects you need to prioritise to improve your grades. This is a great way to organise your study time and helps boost your motivation to revise for your exams.
Do lots of practice exam papers
To feel reassured and confident as you can when you sit down to take the exam, plan as many past paper questions in as possible. This will ensure you are familiar with exactly what the paper involves.
To maximize your marks in the language paper, get familiar with some language techniques such as similes, metaphors and onomatopoeia. Write on flash cards, one for each technique, and write a clear definition with examples. When it comes to the exam you will have the correct vocabulary to analyse the writer’s work.
Take short breaks
No one can study all day and night. Breaks keep you alert and maintain your interest in what you are studying. Try to take a break in another room so you are not constantly in one location, or go out to the local park or shops for some fresh air. When you come back to work you will be ready to focus and learn. Try to study in hourly slots with regular breaks, anything longer than an hour is not as effective.
Sit at a proper desk
Have a study table that is only used for studying and nothing else and you will be able to concentrate a lot better. Avoid studying where you usually relax or socialise as you will be distracted by things such as the television, radio, or family and friends. Choose a comfortable and supported chair that fits well with the table your studying at. This will ensure you are comfortable and reduce the potential for lower back and neck pain.
Annotate
For English literature it is very important to annotate your books. This will help you to understand the text in your own way and will help when explaining your points in your exam. Keep your notes brief and concise, and ensure what you have written is the correct. Demonstrating understanding of text is important in literature and making notes can help to clarify what you have read.
Remember…. Revise regularly and efficiently, don’t try to cram in marathon revision sessions the day before your exam. Plan ahead and give yourself enough time to comfortably fit in revision over a period of time.