Your exams are looming in the background. The weeks are passing by but have you started your revision? Do you know the best way to revise?
I seriously love revision…I know, right! MADNESS! I love it because I enjoy knowing that I am in control of my future and the actions I am taking on a daily basis are determining the future life I will lead. I also love being able to walk into any exam, knowing I’ve done everything I possibly could to prepare, I have tried my best. The best feeling is walking out of an exam and knowing you SMASHED it because you worked your ass off!
But…when we face revision it can feel overwhelming and we often don’t know where to start.
Getting started is key and knowing how to prioritise. Here are 5 ways to revise for your GCSE English exams!
1. Write a Summary
Okay…step one.
Firstly, you NEED to know what the set texts are about. By now you should have read them in class and perhaps by yourself as well. Sometimes, if the text is challenging (like Shakespeare), you will want to read summaries as well.
After all of this, the best way to consolidate your knowledge is to write your own summary. This can be as long or as short as you need. You might even want to write a summary for each chapter or scene. The key part is that you are processing the information and putting it into your own words. This is a great way to revise as it helps you to absorb the information into your long-term memory.
2. Theme Analysis
When it comes to the set texts, themes are important.
Once you have the summary down, make a list of the key themes. These might be love, gender, friendship etc.
Now write an explanation next to each theme explaining how it is presented in the text. It might be presented in different ways!
3. Learn those Quotes!
So…you know the text inside out, you understand the key themes and you know how they are presented.
Now…it’s time to back those ideas and themes up with quotes.
Go through each theme and write 3-4 quotes for each one. Make sure these are GOOD QUOTES. If you need help choosing quotes, check out my guide to finding the perfect quote here!
Now…LEARN THEM!
If you need help learning quotes, check out my guide here.
4. Write your own Questions
You’re nearly there! You know the story, you understand themes, you’ve got quotes…let’s put all that into practise!
One of the best ways to consolidate your knowledge and test your understanding is to write your own questions.
By now, you should be familiar with the style of questions asked on the papers so have a go at writing your own!
If you’re feeling confident, have a go at answering them!
5. Past Papers
Finally, last but not least, past papers.
You’re on the home stretch. Your revision is on track and now it’s time for practise, practise, practise!
Practise makes perfect!
Get hold of as many past papers as you can and practise them.
AQA Past Papers here!
Cambridge International Past Papers here!
Edexcel Past Papers here!
If you can get a friend, parent or teacher to look over them, even better, but it’s not essential. The most important part is that you are practising, thinking about the texts and putting your ideas into answers.
There are only so many questions, only so many themes and only so many characters. So…once you’ve done a lot of past papers, you will probably find you end up repeating the same ideas and points. That’s great because it means, when you sit the exam, you could end up answering about a theme or idea you’ve already written about extensively.
And…that’s a wrap! Good luck with your revision and let me know how you get on! I understand revision can be hard and difficult sometimes but it 100000000% worth it in the end! For more help, check out my free eBook: Essay Templates here!