Study tips for successful teens

The Cambridge Language Coach

A special hello to all high school learners.

To come out with flying colours at Ordinary Level, be it in Cambridge or Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (Zimsec) tests, you need to have good note-making skills and study habits.

Good note-making skills

 Never throw away information. Keep all old notebooks in a box at home.

 If any old notebook gets lost, immediately photocopy one from a friend. This is important because no one will be prepared to lend you their notebook for study during exam time.

 Always make sure your notes are up to date.

 If you miss school or you have gaps in your notes, borrow a book from a friend and catch up immediately.

Keep a file of all handouts given in class.

 If you are sharing textbooks at school, it is more advantageous if you buy your own copies.

 You should come up with your own notes or do further research on topics done in class.

You may download personal notes from the internet or a study guide.

 Always carry notebooks home during holidays if you are a boarder so you can study.

Make sure your notes are user-friendly.

How to study

It is a good idea to pair up similar subjects when studying. For example, science subjects may be studied one day while languages are done on another.

 Decide how many subjects you will be studying per day.

Decide what subject you will study on which days.

 Never study when you are tired.

Always give yourself time to relax between reading sessions. Do something you enjoy, like listening to music. It is not advisable to study continuously without taking a break.

 Create a timetable to study; do not study because someone else is doing so.

Keep notebooks where you write a summary of notes read.

After studying your notes, always read the relevant chapter in the textbook.

 Do not read some of the notes or selected topics only. Read all the notes in your book.

For some subjects such as History, you will need to memorise the notes.

 Find past papers to do as part of your revision.

The Zimsec Green Books are excellent resources for Zimsec past papers. Cambridge learners may logon to www.papacambridge.com for past papers.

For English study guides, syllabuses and notes for Zimsec and Cambridge, log onto www.revision.co.zw 

Do not wait until the last minute to study.

Do not study while doing other things such as listening to music or watching TV.

 Study in a quiet, private room, where there is no noise.

It is an advantage to study alone with no distractions.

 Make sure you have a proper desk and chair, as well as a good reading light, for studying.

If the house is noisy during the day, then read when everyone is asleep.

You can also make use of alternative places to study, for example, the local library.

 You can form a study group, where you can revise past papers.

If you feel worn out, then take a break.

Never study till late the night before an examination.

Never study in the morning of an examination.

 Take a novel or magazine to read just before the examination to avoid anxiety and get your mind off the test.

It is good to pray before an examination.

 When examinations are approaching, studying should be your priority.

You may need to forfeit some hobbies you enjoy during this period to make way for study.

 Do not follow the attitude of friends with poor study habits.

Do not use a torch or candle to read; this is bad for the eyes.

 Spend more time on subjects you find difficult.

 Study all subjects, not only the ones you enjoy or are good at.

 The Cambridge Language Coach is a private tutor with more than 20 years of experience