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How should revision be structured?

• Don't leave the difficult subjects until the last minute.

• Revise specific topics, cover them, then move on.

• When are you brightest and most alert – in the morning or in the evening. (Use stroop test to help you – click the 'test yourself' button below).

• Most people have an energy low after lunch, so I suggest that you go for a walk or relax away from books.

• Forty minutes is about as long as you can fully concentrate in one stretch. Taking a short break for a drink or snack is advisable. Be warned that if the break involves television, it can be hard to get started again. Have a go at revising a different subject after your short break.

• Revise with friends if this helps, you can remember approximately 95% of your work if you teach somebody else!

How can I make revision effective?

• Find a quiet space in which to revise. If there isn't one at home, use your local library. Some larger libraries have private rooms that you can hire out!

• Successful revision requires variety to ensure the information sticks. Do not rely on your own notes but use books or websites.

• You may learn best through being able to picture the information on the page: hence the growing popularity of coloured mind maps.

• You may find it easy to learn by listening tape your notes and then play them back. 

Take a relaxed but effective approach to revision.

• Organise things that you will want to do: sports, hobbies, cinema, shopping trips.

• Staring at notes doesn't mean anything is going in. You don’t need to read books from front to back.

• Your brain needs time to process what you have learnt. Take breaks!

• Make sure you eat well – you may find that stress reduces your appetite – remember protein is important for the brain!

• Try to avoid drinks with caffeine in (e.g. regular and diet fizzy drinks), drink water your body needs this for your cells to work correctly – including your brain cells!

• Sleep is vital. Hot baths help relaxation.

• Get all the things you need for the exam ready the night before – make sure youe have the correct equipment – such as calculators at least 2 biro pens, pencils etc...

• If you have two exams in a day – make sure you have enough to eat and drink.

Here is a question. Who is William Glasser? How could he help you to pass all your exams?

Click on his picture to find out...