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T H E
I N T E R N A T I O N A L
S T U D E N T S
G U I D E
MEMORIZING There may be some information that you need to learn by heart, such as formulae in maths, the abbreviations for elements in chemistry or the names and dates of cases in law. Some hints for memorizing are as follows: ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆
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Never try to memorize what you don’t understand. Go over material regularly every few days. Start each session by revising what you did in the previous one. Keep your information in a logical sequence (e.g. alphabetical or chronological for dates). Learn short pieces at a time. Use rhythm when reciting (for example, use the tune of a song you like).
Tony Buzan’s books, Use your Head and Make the Most of your Mind, will give you some good ideas for remembering.
Signpost See the Useful resources section at the end of this chapter for details).
PRACTICE Time is crucial in exams, so it is important to practise answering quickly. One of the best ways to prepare, especially if you are worried about your English, is to get hold of some questions from previous exams and practise answering them. Usually your lecturer will give you some examples or you will be able to get them from the university library. Prepare to answer a question by reading on the subject and memorizing the information you need to answer the question. However, do not memorize word for word and write down what you have memorized from a book or article in the exam. Like an essay, the exam answer must be written in your own words. When you feel ready to answer, give yourself one hour or 45 minutes to write the answer and then do it without looking at your books or notes. When you have finished, check your writing to be sure it makes sense and answers the question. Count the number of words you have written. If you are revising with other students you can ask one of them to read your answer and comment on it. This will tell you whether your hand-