How to Study for an Essay Exam

Posted by Anonymous , 9/4/2007 Tags:EssayExam

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Introduction Essay exams are tough to prepare for because it's hard to predict exactly what you'll

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Introduction

Essay exams are tough to prepare for because it's hard to predict exactly what you'll have to know. The best way to get ready is to know all the material as thoroughly as you can.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Steps

1

Step One

Gather your notes together: class notes, reading notes and any other notes you might have taken.
2

Step Two

Go through your notes briefly. Look for major themes that the professor emphasized during the course.
3

Step Three

Start an index card for each new theme you find.
4

Step Four

Go through your notes a second time, adding details to each relevant index card. If your notes are insufficient, go back to the textbook, novel, academic article, etc., for the crucial information.
5

Step Five

Look through the index cards several times, until you're fairly comfortable with the material.
6

Step Six

Quiz yourself on each topic: Ask yourself a question, and write down a brief answer, checking your recall against your notecards.
7

Step Seven

Review every time you've been away from your notes for more than a couple hours. Review is the best way to get things to stick in your mind.

Tips & Warnings

  • Although this process may sound tedious, taking the time will be well worth it when you get your test back with an "A" on it.
  • Start early and leave yourself a lot of time to study properly - at least 3 days. Don't wait until the last minute!

Overall Things You'll Need

  • Caffeinated Beverages
  • Coffees
  • Miniature Reading Lights
  • Desk Lamps
  • Index Cards
  • Highlighter Pens
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