When you are a student, then words “exam” and “panic” become synonyms. The problem is that no matter how well-prepared you are, there is still a considerable chance that stress will spoil everything. Each exam is enormous pressure, and it is really hard to perform excellent work in such conditions. This is precisely the case for humanitarian subjects and namely – language and literature exams.
As you know, they include writing tasks and translations, and this is where your creative juices should be flowing. However, they are usually blocked with your inner strain. Staying focused and relaxed at the same time is a real art, and not all students can master it fast. However, everything is not that bad! In this article, we are going to share some tips on how to study for exams and make this period of your life less daunting.
Table of Contents
General advice
While language exams are pretty specific, let’s discuss some general tips before going into detail. Here are some points you need to keep in mind:
Stay organized
Order is everything! Plan your schedule smartly and make sure that you set some time for rest.
Eat well and stay hydrated
Even if you are swamped with work, remember to eat regularly. Healthy food is a crucial source of energy for your brain. Don’t overdo with caffeine and drink fresh water during a day.
Organize your notes
Use colorful stickers and markers to highlight important terms and ideas from books. This will make your memory and associations work better.
And now let’s move to some specific learning techniques that will help you prepare yourself for a language exam.
How to revise for your language exam
Read all the time
One of the best language practices is reading. Books, journals, newspapers, and other materials written in your target language will let you grasp more vocabulary and see how the speech works “in action.” Try to devote all of your free time to reading and memorize not only the words but also constructions. You may read a translation of the book you already know, so you won’t have to focus on the plot and will be able to pay attention to language.
Devote your time to different practices
How to study for finals that include various types of tests? It’s easy! Just devote your time to those practices. Writing, translating, listening, speaking, and reading are core skills you will have to demonstrate. The best thing here is that different activities superimpose on one another and while practicing one, you will be practicing another as well.
Improve your grammar
Nobody likes this part, but you cannot do without it. If you are not confident with some grammar aspects, you should make them clear to yourself before an exam. Make notes, when you are working with some tricky areas, and this will help you memorize things better.
Use online tools
There are so many amazing tools you can use to prepare yourself for a test. Flashcards will help you grasp the vocabulary. Digital dictionaries will help you find the meaning of a new word fast. Apps for speaking practice will help you improve pronunciation and comprehension. A grammar checker and a free online plagiarism checker will help you prepare yourself for a writing part of an exam. Spelling mistakes and matching pieces of the text can catch you by a nasty surprise during a test. Losing your precious points or even failing an exam because of these dribs and drabs is not an option.
Have a personal dictionary
When practicing reading and listening, you will drop upon the new words regularly. To memorize them and expand your vocabulary, it is necessary to write them down in your dictionary. If you skip this part, chances are that you will forget the new words quickly. Keeping a vocabulary will save you from that frustration when you meet a familiar word and cannot remember the meaning.
Find a partner
Learning in pairs is beneficial in many ways. First, this is a great way to practice speaking. Second, having someone doing the same thing as you by your side is supporting and motivating. Also, you can check and evaluate one another’s writings to improve them.
Exam simulation
Ask your studying partner or even a tutor to organize a test simulation for you. Doing so, you will gain more confidence and realize how much time you need to devote to each task.
Conclusion
When the exam is approaching, and the level of adrenaline in your blood is increasing, remember these exam study tips. They cover both educational and psychological aspects of exam preparations. To help yourself fight with stress, you need to manage your time wisely and fill the gaps in your grammar and vocabulary. At the same time, support from your studying partner and a small exam rehearsal will make you feel more confident and motivated. Make sure to have enough sleep before an exam and eat a good meal in the morning! Follow these tips, and your chances to pass the test will grow for sure! Good luck!
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Author Bio:
Jeff Blaylock is a blogger and academic writer. He mostly works with topics related to education, studying techniques, and time management. Also, he is passionate about foreign languages and linguistics. Currently, he studies German and longs to make himself familiar with Chinese in the future.