Detach, Detox, De-stress.

Chapter 2: Studying/revision.

So you found out you've got a big test coming up in a lesson you're not very good at and you've got just a few days to revise. Yep, we've all been there and nobody likes studying. I know I don't. Here are my top tips for studying for tests.
(Some of these actually saved my life, I got full marks on a history test! And I hate history)

1. Blurting
This is a method where you make notes on a topic, and then read them all back. Then, you turn the paper over and write down everything you can remember until you think you've got it all. Turn the paper back over when you've finished, and see what you missed and repeat that note/fact in your head. Read the notes again, get a new piece of paper and try the system again until it all sticks in your head.

2. Flash cards
Maybe it's a bit old school but I love flash cards!
Just small pieces of paper, big enough for you to write a question on that topic on each one, then on the other side write the answer. Read your notes again and get someone to test you on them. If they flip it around and the answer you gave is incorrect, that's a thing you need to go back and revise more on.

Other small tips:
•Writing in blue helps to remember things
•Colour coding works
•(You may not be able to do this one)Every time you read/write a fact, smell a perfume or a distinct smell, then wear that perfume on the day of your test, the smell should trigger your memories
•Don't just revise all night for one night! Do at least an hour every night coming up to your test. I know it sucks but that's the way to get it to stick in your head
•Ask for help in class if you are worried about failing
•Take your textbooks home if you are allowed to
•Listen extra hard in class so you don't miss anything
•Drawing/labelling/colour coding your diagrams
•Do group revision with your friends who also have the test
•Put revision for an important test first before anything else you have to do
•Don't give up!
•Search for revision hacks on TikTok, some of them actually help
•Go to a public library/school library find any books to help you
•Revising for a test does not make you 'uncool' and just because other people can't be bothered to revise doesn't mean you shouldn't!
•Take notes in class that will help you when you go home
•In class, when given a question to answer either write the question or write a full sentence with the answer otherwise when you look back at your notes, the answer on its own won't help you!

For example:
"Carbon dioxide + water ~> glucose + oxygen" on its own doesn't help you because you don't know what it means! Instead, write :
"The word equation for photosynthesis is Carbon dioxide + water ~> glucose + oxygen"
Now you know what you're writing about!

•Don't get lazy and miss a session of revision! You have to push yourself to do one every night no matter how tedious and boring you find it
•Revise for more than what you've been told to. Every test I've ever had I've revised what was asked, and there ended up being things on the test I didn't do studying for, so anything you can remember you've done in that class this year/term/semester revise for that as well
•Ask for help! I'm sure a parent/guardian/teacher/family member/friend would be glad to test you, or to help you make notes
•Find videos online if you are struggling
•Email a teacher to see if they can find anything extra to help you like online worksheets, videos, studying sites etc
•Background music can help you focus, but don't let the music distract you, the point is to zone out and keep focused on the work
•If you're a daydreamer like me, it's hard to focus on just your work. Get in the zone so that you can concentrate better, if it's easier don't have any background noise. It can be so difficult, believe me I know, find a system that works so that you're always going to be focused on one thing.

This chapter is smaller than the others, but I've basically covered all of my studying tips.