Preparing for Exams - 22 Exam Study Tips - (for the 4 weeks prior to exams)

Sep 27, 2026

Uploaded by Kurz

Preparing for Exams provides a structured, practical checklist for the four weeks before exams and guides students through planning, note organization, practice, and managing stress. It emphasizes building a realistic study timetable, adding physical activity breaks, reducing distractions, using sleep and nutrition, and preparing materials like pens and study equipment. It also covers how to organize notes, create flashcards and one-page summaries, practise under timed conditions, and follow clear rules before and during the exam, including what to bring, how to sit, and how to respond if seeking help or permission.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages8

Reading Time20 min

AccessFree to download

Preparing for Exams

22 Exam Study Tips (for the 4 weeks prior to exams)

EXAM KAUPAPA

Before the exam

During the exam

EXAM TIMETABLE

Good timing

STUDY SKILLS TO SUIT YOUR LEARNING STYLES

Visual learners

Name PREPARING FOR EXAMS 22 EXAM STUDY TIPS (for the 4 weeks prior to exams) This resources is also available on-line Organise your time and study space 1. Make a realistic study timetable (fill in regular appointments, practices, family commitments, work, travel, ordinary homework, unmissable tv) . 2. Spend 10 mins of every study hour on physical activity or brain gym. 3. Make sure your family knows your needs, and negotiate about theirs. (please, and swap, are good words; show your families the study timetable and tell them what you’re trying to achieve. ) 4. Avoid possible distractions: facebook, music etc 5. When the exam timetable is out, make a separate study plan for that week 6. Get enough sleep, food and exercise. 7. Buy a new pen or two. Organise your notes 8. Check you have notes for all subjects; photocopy the missing ones. 9. Sort notes for each subject into the order you need them. 10. Highlight main points (Good study equipment – highlighters and post-its) . 11. Use post-its to write questions you need answered. 12. Make flash cards for technical vocab you need to know. 13. Check your summary pages and amend them if necessary. 14. Revise your flashcards. 15. Make a one-page summary sheet for each topic; or a summary notebook for each subject. ( Bullet points are a good tool; or a mindmap) 16. Read a topic on to a device and play it back. ( Follow-up: did it make sense? Why/why not?) Practise for the exams 17. Get copies of old exam papers and check what you have to answer in each paper and also what equipment you need to bring. 18. Use post-its to write questions about exam papers. 19. Practise writing short answers against the clock. 20. Do a 2-minute brainstorm/ mindmap for each essay question in a paper. 21. Write an essay answer in your own time and using your notes – the best possible answer. 22. Re-write this essay in the time you’ll have to do it in the exam. Using the above strategies will help you manage any exam stress you may have. If you find you are struggling to manage your exam related stress make an appointment to see the school counsellor. Caregivers can make a big difference in keeping your morale high and can help you to plan and pace your work with time for relaxation. The following links provide lots of useful advice and resources [http://www.studyit.org. nz/](http://www.studyit.org. nz/), [http://studytime.co. nz/about-studytime/](http://studytime.co. nz/about-studytime/ and www. nzqa.govt. nz . Students)[ and](http://studytime.co. nz/about-studytime/ and www. nzqa.govt. nz . Students)[ ](http://studytime.co. nz/about-studytime/ and www. nzqa.govt. nz . Students)[www. nzqa.govt. nz](http://studytime.co. nz/about-studytime/ and www. nzqa.govt. nz . Students)[ . Students](http://studytime.co. nz/about-studytime/ and www. nzqa.govt. nz . Students) should also check their Google Classrooms for resources. EXAM KAUPAPA Before the exam… ● Eat a healthy meal ● Organise transport so you arrive at least 10 minutes early – it takes time to organise students into the hall ● Keep calm (and remember that it’s normal to be nervous) ● Deep breathing helps keep you calm ● Remember that last-minute study is a waste of your time ● Bring the correct equipment – check what it is for each subject. Always have a spare pen ● You may have water if you wish, but no other drinks, or food ● You may not have any electronic equipment other than what is authorised for that exam ● Check your chair and table are steady ● In school exams, sit in a place where you can see the time and where you feel comfortable (In NCEA, you will have allocated seats) During the exam… ● Read the paper carefully ● Make sure you know what you have to do for each question ● Write question numbers clearly (but not the actual question) ● Plan long answers – a couple of minutes spent on a plan will help you keep to the point ● Organise the papers

FAQs

How should a student plan study time during the four weeks before exams?

Create a realistic study timetable that includes regular appointments, practice, and commitments. Also make a separate plan for any week when the exam timetable is released.

What study methods are recommended for organizing notes and reviewing content?

Check you have notes for all subjects and photocopy missing ones. Sort notes by the order you need them, highlight main points, use post-its for questions, make flash cards for technical vocabulary, and create one-page summaries or a summary notebook for each subject.

What rules and preparations apply during the exam?

Read the paper carefully and know what to do for each question. Write question numbers clearly, plan long answers, use the full time allowed, and avoid communication with other students. Do not leave your seat without permission, and if you need to ask a supervisor or use the toilet, put up your hand and wait.

Sep 27, 2026

Uploaded by Kurz