Study Tips for Exams

For many Middle School students, the end of this semester will mark the first time they have ever taken final exams. The dreaded finals are often talked about in the classroom and can be met with different reactions from students. Many panic at the thought of taking a comprehensive final exam and some are so overwhelmed that they cannot focus. Yet, others walk into the exam with poise and confidence because they have developed good study habits. 

Our fall semester final exams will begin on Dec. 13 for Upper School and Dec. 14 for Middle School students. The next two weeks will be spent wrapping up information and preparing students for their finals. No longer should Thanksgiving holidays be free of any academic activities; in fact, it is the perfect time for students to begin prepping for exams. 

I would advise students to find some time during this week off to organize their materials. They should gather old tests, quizzes and begin to review the content. They can do this by covering the old answers with white tape or Post-it Notes. The student should then compare his or her answers with the correct answers. In doing so, students are able to identify the areas that need review and focus on those chapters. 

In the days prior to final exams, students may also want to implement the following tips to ensure they are prepared for both essay tests and objective tests.

Essay tests

A. Essay tests require you to connect and order a sizable chunk of material. In preparation for the exam, draw a concept map of the material. Be sure you stop occasionally and identify how the material you are dealing with fits into the larger context of the class. Doing so will help essay writing. When preparing a concept map, write down all that you have learned about a topic and then connect information into webs of information.

B. Identify possible questions and draft outlines or mind maps of key elements necessary to answer them. Practice writing an essay on the topics and develop your thoughts by reviewing how the information connects subtopics.

C. Key terms help to you identify what is required in the writing task such as "compare and contrast," which mean discuss similarities and differences; "identify," which means name or describe; "evaluate," which asks you to pass judgment based on evidence; "analyze," which means describe the elements; "trace the development," which means explain the sequence of events; "conclude," which means provide an explanation or interpretation of the data; or "synthesize," which asks you to describe commonalities among the elements.

Objective tests

A. Questions on these tests are generally based on definitions, identifications and compact ideas. When studying definitions, look at each element and see what would happen if it were left out. When you do this, it will prepare you to spot deceptive answers that are only partially correct. Review why you would choose a particular answer and identify the “deal breakers” for an answer to be wrong.

B. Write a glossary (a list of definitions of key concepts) for yourself. Or where appropriate, develop a time line or chronology of events studied.

C. Develop lists of events or words that could be linked with each concept or term or historical moment.

D. For math and science tests requiring calculations, be sure to review all formulas and where they are appropriately used. Write and rewrite formulas as practice. When you receive the test, find a blank section on the tests and quickly write all of the formulas that you have studied. Refer back to these formulas throughout the tests.

NOTE: Always ask your teacher for assistance on how to prepare. Treat yourself when you have accomplished a "chunk" of studying and mastered information or go for a quick run or other aerobic activity to get you ready for the next chunk you need to master during your finals preparation.