Study Skills

Exam time, revision, too much work to do and too little time…sometimes it’s hard to concentrate, because you’re thinking of all you have to do! Don’t fret we have lots of suggestions to get you through in a cool, effective way! Remember the following points, as you sit at your desk to start your study.

Your Study Space

Get your desk in order! It really helps when you have one particular place to study, a clear desk, and all your books and notes near you. Make things as comfortable as you can. Have pens and pencils at hand. Supply yourself with lots of blank paper for making notes.

A Study Plan

Make a study plan. This will help you focus on what you have to do each day.
In your study plan, write a list of all your subjects, and give equal time to each. Fill in the times to be spent on each subject between now and the exam. At the end of each day, tick off what you have achieved, and have a look at what you will do the following day.

Make Notes & Diagrams

As you revise, highlight important points in your textbook, and take notes. There is no need to write lengthy notes. Use bullet points, spider diagrams, sketch maps, key word summaries, anything that will help you remember the information.

You can test yourself the following morning by glancing through these notes and then writing from memory a few points on the main topics. Every time you do this, you get better at remembering the material and your notes get shorter, so revision gets faster.

Use Previous Exam Papers

Go back to previous examination papers, especially to the short-answer questions.
Read the questions carefully. Follow the instructions. Check the time allowed for answers. Write your answers neatly. Write the correct number for each answer. This is great practice for the exam, and remember also that questions tend to be repeated!

Take a Break!

Pace yourself! It is a mistake to cram at this point.
Give yourself time off to relax. It is better to study in short bursts and then take a break. That way, you won’t be too tired and you’ll actually be able to think!

Balance your Time

It is terribly important to relax. You need to get good sleep, eat properly, exercise and take time out with your friends. They’re in the same boat, and the mutual support will go a long way to helping you keep a good balance.

Be Confident

Be confident! Remember the examiners want you to succeed. They’ve been there themselves.

Exam Time

As exam time approaches, and tension rises, it’s sometimes hard to concentrate, because you’re thinking of all you have to do! Don’t worry, keep cool and try to remember the following overall points.

Keep Cool

Now is the time to keep a cool head while you spend some time revising for the subject of the following day. Go back to your revision notes, diagrams, definitions, but do not cram. It is terribly important to have a relaxed mind.

Get Organised

Collect your equipment, e.g. pencils, pens, eraser, ruler. Check out your exam timetable and have everything ready for the morning so that you’re not rushed.

Be Prepared 

Get a good night’s sleep. In that way, you will be refreshed in the morning, ready to be at the exam in good time and in good shape. Keep calm, and remember that there is a life after exams!

Study Skills & Exam Essentials

Read the Top 10 Tips section in Study Skills & Exam Essentials and you will gain vital information on how to succeed in eleven Leaving Certificate subjects.

Parents can help their son/daughter prepare for the exams in many ways, including creating the best study area possible for them, making sure they eat healthily and helping their child to devise coping mechanisms to deal with stress.