Study skills

Is it a good idea to study with music?

• sometimes, it helps me concentrate
• never
• only when I am tired
• only if there is a lot of noise in the house

Answer explanation

Studies demonstrate more music produces less retention.

When should I have a study timetable?

• always, for every day and hour of the week
• not for weekends, I have more time then
• only if I am getting bad marks
• only if I am short of time to study

Answer explanation

timetables optimise your use of time, even your free time should be planned

How to I plan for exams

• always start studying 1 week before the exam
• start studying whenever the teacher says the date
• study since the beginning of the year
• use a study calendar

Answer explanation

we can´t study all subjects all the time, we need to plan on a calendar when to study what

What can I do to remember the formulas or vocabulary

• download a list and learn it off by heart
• read the textbook many times
• make a list from scratch so I learn it while I write it
• practice using formulas and vocabulary in the exercises

Answer explanation

studies demonstrate that passive activities such as reading are much less effective than active activities where we process and transform the information

How should I write down answers in exams?

• as quickly as I can as long as I answer the question
• following a logical order, writing all the intermediate steps and formulas, using good scientific vocabulary and grammar
• write down all the relevant items that give marks
• make a draft in pencil, check it, then write it in pen if it is ok

Answer explanation

we must be efficient with our time, so drafting is only worth it in very long questions - however a logical order will avoid forgetting items and help the examiner correct. A happy examiner is more generous with marks!

What must I always remember about studying?

• as the teacher for help if I have any doubt
• study every day!
• don´t ever waste time
• don´t copy other people´s notes

Answer explanation

ALWAYS ask for help if you need it!

Which is most useful during lessons?

• copy everything from the board, and answer all questions
• copy everything from the board and answer and correct all questions
• copy only some things from the board, answer and correct all questions
• copy only some things from the board, answer all questions and do the extra extension tasks

Answer explanation

note-taking is an active skill where you use your brain and this helps you to understand and remember - simply copying everything is a waste of time;answering questions and not correcting them is also a waste of time- how do you know if you were right?

What is the best order for studying?

• textbook exercises, make notes, add items to my topic summary, practise past paper exam questions, ask the teacher for help
• make notes, textbook exercises, add items to my topic summary, practise past paper exam questions, ask the teacher for help
• ask the teacher for help, make notes, textbook exercises, add items to my topic summary, practise past paper exam questions,
• practise past paper exam questions, ask the teacher for help, textbook exercises, make notes, add items to my topic summary

Answer explanation

textbook exercises are warmer questions to introduce you to the concepts, the real practice comes after with past paper exam questions

How much time should I study at home?

• 4 hours a day
• 1hour in KS3(years 7-9), 2hours in KS4(years 10-11), 3hours in KS5(years 12-13)
• an average of 3 hours, but flexible depending on my other activities
• as much as necessary toget the mark I want

Answer explanation

be realistic with the mark you want - if you target an A* in all subjects, chances are the time you need to study for this objective is 25 hours a day!

When should I come to a lesson?

• always
• up to when the teacher finishes the contents
• not during mock exam or official exam weeks
• only if I am not able to use my time better at home

Answer explanation

In lesson the teacher is there to help with unexpected doubts and can ensure there is a good learning environment, peers can help with interactive learning, and there is a timetable with breaks that forces you to be efficient with your time.