Study Skills

Tips
 SECTION A – GET ORGANISED

1. Get organised
 Be organised in class everyday
 Write your homework down clearly.
 Bring home the books you need.
2. Follow a routine every day
 If you get into the habit of doing your homework and some
revision for a couple of hours straight after school every day,
it will become a normal part of your day and make school life
easier. You will get your homework and study done quickly
which will leave more free time for you to enjoy yourself!
 Organise your time with your friends so that you are all
studying at the same time, this way you will not feel like you
are missing out on things.
3. Make a study plan
 This helps you plan your week and manage your time.
Decide what time and how long you are going to spend doing
your homework each day. Plan around other activities such as
sports training or activity clubs. Making a plan for each week
helps you start and finish your study faster as you know what
to start with!
 Once you have your homework done it is good to spend some
time learning topics in different subject areas. Pick 2 subjects
to study for 30 minutes each. It might be useful to plan your
study around your class timetable. For example if you have
science on Monday you can revise work covered in science
class on Monday evening. It can also be good to start with
the subject you find most difficult and get it out of the way
first!

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  Take 10 minutes to fill in our study planner. If you still don’t
know where to start talk to your year head or one of your
subject teachers.
4. Find a quiet space
 Figure out where you find it easiest to study. Your study
space should only have the things you need to study. It is
good to sit at a desk in a quiet area.
 If you find it noisy or if there are distractions at home maybe
go to the local library.
5. Turn off your phone
 It’s easier to study when you do not have distractions. Switch
off your phone or turn to silent and you can check if you got
messages when you take a break.
6. Study for 30-40 minutes
 Read over the topic to get to know what it is about.
 Read it again, more slowly and take notes or highlight
important information for example formulas in maths or
science, dates in history.
 Learn the important bits. How you learn best depends on
what kind of learner you are. Here are some suggestions.
i. By re-reading again and then turning over the notes to
see what you can remember. Repeat this as many
times as you need to until you know the information.
ii. Reading and repeating your notes out loud can help you
recall them.
iii. Writing out the information can help you learn and also
test how much you can remember.
iv. Ask somebody at home to ask you questions about what
you have learned and answer them verbally (by saying
it, not writing it).
v. You might find it easier to learn and remember
information by making your own chart or graphic (mind

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 map etc). This involves you writing down a central
idea and noting down around it connecting ideas and
thoughts using words, pictures and symbols to build up
a visual map of a particular topic.
 If you find it difficult to remember information write it on
coloured card and stick it somewhere you will see it a lot.
 Keep your notes safe and organised so you can use them
again when you have a test.
 For more tips and samples look at the reading and taking
notes sections.
7. Take a break for 10 minutes.
 It’s good to get some fresh air or have a chat with a friend so
you can start back feeling energised!
 Remember to keep separate time for relaxing. You won’t be
able to study effectively if you are not feeling healthy and
relaxed.

8. Start your next topic and study for a second 30 minutes.

9. Tidy away your notes so your space is ready for the next day.

10. Ask for help if you need it.

o Your exams are important and your friends, family and
teachers want you to do well. We know it can be difficult
to get into a study routine so talk to us and we can help
you figure out how you find it easiest to study.

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 SECTION B – MAKING A STUDY PLAN

1. Write a list of topics you are going to study.

2. Make a REALISTIC weekly study plan.
3. Set times and goals for each week.
4. Keep a record of projects and their due dates.

Setting SMART STUDY GOALS - Be S.M.A.R.T!

 S = Be specific with your goals! Pick what you want to study every
day and stick to it. Be specific. Don’t say "Study geography for an
hour." Do say, "Revise physical geography – rivers, and mountains
and look at this question on last year's paper and write an answer
for it." If you are in an exam year and have a project due start work
early rather than rushing it a week before the due date. Breaking a
project into smaller tasks will make the job easier and reduce
stress.
 M = Measure your progress. Make a study timetable at the
beginning of each week and then tick off each topic when you have
finished it. You’ll be able to see how much work you are doing and
it will give you a sense of achievement. Test yourself a lot and
tick off the things you are happy with.
 A = Decide what action you will do each day, eg. Monday- note
taking, Tuesday- Reading, Wednesday- Asking questions with a
friend, etc.
 R = Be realistic with what you can do every day. If have
football/dancing every Tuesday, you might only be able to do 30
minutes but on a Saturday you might get 2 hours done. Choose
realistic times for yourself.
 T = Time the study well. If you have an English test on Monday
and French on Friday, use the weekend for English and the week for
French.

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SUBJECT TECHNIQUES
Maths/ Music / Art Practice, Practice, Practice
English Watch a DVD of the novel and play.
Practice essays and exam questions to the time
given in the exam.
Gaeilge Study should involve speaking, listening, reading
French and writing.
Write down new vocabulary in a vocabulary
notebook.
Geography, History, Practice essays and exams questions to the time
Biology, Business given in the exam.
Use Flash Cards or place post-its with key
information somewhere you will see it often.
Projects in Home Start the projects on time.
Economics, Keep notes on your work as you go along.
Geography,
Construction etc

More tips on learning Gaeilge and French

 Study out loud.
o Study with a friend which means you both speak and listen.
o If you study by reading silently you are drawing only on your
visual memory. If you study out loud, you are also using your
verbal memory and practising your pronunciation.
 Study day by day.
o You cannot learn a language by cramming at the last minute!
You may be able to learn vocabulary but you cannot teach
your mouth to use them in sentences.
 Review ‘old’ topics and vocabulary.
o You learn new skills on the back of old ones. The more you
‘recycle’ familiar information the easier you will find it to add
new vocabulary.

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  Don’t be afraid to make mistakes
o Being self-conscious or worrying about how you sound can be
a problem when learning a language. Remember everyone
feels the same fears and practice makes perfect!
 Try to memorise 4 words every night
o This will add up to a large vocabulary by the end of the year.

Techniques for Maths

 The best way to learn maths is by doing it. Practice as many
different types of questions as possible from your text book and
exam papers.
 Take a step by step approach. If you don’t understand a step or
are lost talk to your teacher and ask for help. It is important to
understand formulas and procedures so you can work it out alone
the next time.
 Make a set of cards with important formulas which you can refer to
when revising.

REMEMBER
 Be active – always work with a pen and paper, look for key points,
test yourself. Focus on tasks and specific questions.
 Be organised –Have a plan for what you want to cover each week.
Have your folder for this subject, pen, paper, the book, exam
papers and stick to your study plan.
 Understanding and Remembering – Make sure you can
understand what you are studying. If you can understand the topic,
it’s easier to remember it. If you can’t understand something go
back to your book, look at examples, and ask your teacher.
 Review and repeat. Review your study topics every week, read
over your notes, the more your review and repeat the less you
forget.

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 Don’t avoid subjects you find difficult or don’t enjoy so
much. If you spend more time of your weaker subjects you will
feel better about them as you see improvement.
 Do not get discouraged! There are times when you won’t enjoy
studying, but remember, it WILL be worth it in the end!

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 MY STUDY PLAN
DAY SUBJECT SUBJECT
MONDAY TOPIC TOPIC

TUESDAY TOPIC TOPIC

WEDNESDAY TOPIC TOPIC

THURSDAY TOPIC TOPIC

FRIDAY TOPIC TOPIC

SATURDAY TOPIC TOPIC

SUNDAY TOPIC TOPIC

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 SECTION C – READING TIPS

You need to concentrate when you are reading. Here are some tips!

 Remember pick the right place and time to do your work.

o Is the location you have picked to study quiet? It is usually
not a good idea to listen to music. If you are aware of the
music you are not concentrating 100%.
o Are there distractions? Try to remove things which catch your
attention or might distract you, for example face a wall rather
than a window so you don’t become distracted by what’s
going on outside. Remember switch off your mobile phone.
o Is there enough light? Your eyes will get tired if the lighting is
too dim.
o Have you a table and straight backed chair?
o Have you all your books, notes and study supplies (calculator,
dictionary, highlighters etc) to hand?
o Are you tired, is it late? If you are finding it difficult to
concentrate maybe you need to change the time of day or
place where you study.
o Is it too warm? This might make you drowsy!

 Are you concentrating and taking in what you read?

o Think about what you are reading
 What do you already know about the topic?
 Are you looking for answers to questions?
 Are you researching ideas for a project?
 Use one of the examples to take your notes.

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 o Change how you read according to why you are reading the
text.
 Read quickly or skim a piece of text to get the general
gist of the passage.
 Scan quickly for specific information. Looks at headings
and skim through text. Can you find 5 key words?
 Read difficult or sections with new information slowly.
Have your dictionary in case you need it.
 You might find it helpful to work with a friend to identify
the three main points from a text.
 Skip material that is not about your topic or is not so
important.

Remember PQ2R

 P = Preview. Read over the thing you are studying very quickly to
get an idea of what it is about. It is called skimming.
 Q = Question. Write down five questions about the thing you are
studying and answer them while you study them.
 R = Read the thing you are studying carefully and underline or take
notes on the things you think are important.
 R = Review. Look back over your questions, notes and read the
thing you were studying one more time.

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 SECTION D - TAKING NOTES

There are a number of ways of taking notes which will:

 Make it look well.
 Make it easier to read.
 Make it easier to revise.

Here are some ideas for taking notes and keeping them organised.
 Make sure you have a proper system for your notes. Have a
separate copy or refill pad for each subject.
 Date and put a title on your work.
 Notes are a summary not a repetition. Identify the main idea of
each paragraph and take shorter notes. Put it into your own words.
 Have a separate paragraph for each section.
 Use headings, numbers or bullet points to separate different
topics in your notes.
 Go onto a new page for a new chapter or topic.
 Underline important words and headings.
 Use capital letters for key words or IMPORTANT
INFORMATION.

Consider using a graphic to organise your information

 How you lay out your work can help you visualise or learn the key
facts. Some ideas are listed below.
 Put information about different topics in boxes.
 Use a Mind map to map out your ideas.

 Use key words or wherever possible images.

 Start from the centre of the page and work out.
 Make the centre a clear and strong picture of the theme of the
map.
 Make sub-themes and put key words on lines.

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  Use block capitals rather than script hand writing. It makes
the map easier to read and remember.
 Use colour to show different themes or ideas. Anything that
stands out on the page will stand out in your mind.
 Use arrows or other graphics to show links between different
parts of the map.
 Making the map helps you learn and think about a topic and
have a short summary to use again when revising. Look at
the examples!

Photocopied notes
 You might decide to photocopy important pages or your teacher
might give you handouts. If using photocopied notes use a
marker to underline or highlight important words or phrases.
You might jot ideas and thoughts in the margins.

 Use post-its to summarise points from a text/ lesson.

 Use flash cards

REMEMBER
 Pick key words.
 Keep the notes short and to the point.
 Write the notes in order, do not go from chapter 6 to chapter 3
etc.

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 SECTION E
- PREPARING FOR JUNIOR/ LEAVING CERT EXAMS

 Get into a study routine from the start of the year. Studying is
more than just doing homework. Make a weekly plan deciding what
you are going to study each day after homework.
 Ask for help. Figure out what kind of learner you are.
 Get into a regular routine of practicing exam papers and
preparing revision notes. Get familiar with exam words and
layout of papers.
 Keep your notes organised.
 Test yourself after learning information.
o Write it out
o Get someone to ask you questions
o Do an exam question
 Practice different sections by answering questions from previous
years.
 Be familiar with how many marks each section is worth.
o Which sections are compulsory?
o Which are optional?
o Is there a pattern of topics which come up?
o Listen to your teacher’s advice
 Think about how to manage time when answering exam questions.

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 ON THE EXAM DAY

• Arrive at the exam early.

• It’s natural to feel a bit nervous. However feeling too nervous can
make it difficult to concentrate. Take a few deep breaths and
remember the work you have done to prepare for the exam. Try to
be positive!
• Read through the exam paper carefully. Identify the questions
you are going to attempt and eliminate those you can’t answer.
Even if faced with the situation where you can’t answer all the
questions you are better off to make an attempt at the required
number of questions.
• Read instructions and questions carefully. Highlight or
underline the key words in each question.
• Don’t rush. If you have a choice about which questions to answer,
spend some time deciding which questions you can answer best.
• Look at how many marks each question is worth and spend
more time on the parts of the exam which carry more marks.
Estimate how long each answer will take and keep your eye on
time.
• If you are writing an essay style answer decide on your
structure. Use a rough sheet to make some quick notes on what
you want to say. This will also help you figure out how much you
know.
• How are you going to start or introduce your topic?
• What are your key points? Make a paragraph for each.
• What is your conclusion? Summarising what you have said in
the essay.
• Always keep the question in mind to avoid going of the point.
Remember it’s what you are saying rather than how many pages
you write (quality over quantity). However in essay type questions

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 you need to go into more detail to back up the points you are
making.
• Answer first the questions you know most about. This will help you
feel more confident. Leave until last those you are less sure of.
• Be aware of time. Don’t spend all your time on one section as
you will have to rush the rest. You can always come back to a
question at the end. Leave some space between questions in case
you want to add another point or write additions on left hand page
and show insertion points clearly.
• Try to leave some time at end to read back over all your
answers.
• Check you have not left anything out.
• Check for mistakes and clarify unclear points.
• Check you have answered what you were asked.
 Write as clearly as you can. Your hand will get tired but remember
you can only get marks if your examiners can work out what you’ve
written!
 Do not leave the exam early, a moment of clarity might come at
the last minute.

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 EXAM TIPS FOR MATHS

 When you go in write down any formulas that will be helpful for you
to answer questions.
 Make sure you answer what it being asked! Often students know
how to solve a problem but misread or misunderstand the question.
Do not start until you are sure you understand what is being asked.
 Show how you worked out the problem. This gives the examiners
the opportunity to see how you got your answer and you might pick
up method marks even if the end answer is wrong.
 If you are unable to answer a question, leave it and go on to
another, coming back to the hard one later. Often with a fresh start
you will see what you need to do.
 Multiply choice questions
o Answer all questions. Make an educated guess if you do not
know the answer.
o Read all options before selecting your answer, even if the first
one seems right.
o Rule out obviously wrong answers. When you narrow it down
read the question again and work it out logically.

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 MANAGING EXAM STRESS

Stress is our body’s response to challenge or excitement. A certain level

of stress is good as it makes us take action. However it can also lead us
to worry about how we are going to perform in a task which can lead to
us feeling anxious. Our goal here is to give you some tips for managing
exam stress. In an exam year you want to use stress to motivate rather
than overwhelm you.
 Don’t avoid or put off study. The earlier you start the more
progress you will make and the more in control you will feel.
 Have realistic performance expectations. It is important to work
hard to reach your highest potential but you also need to listen to
your teacher’s advice and not demand too much of yourself.
 Try not to compare yourself to other students. Everyone is different
and you need to set goals to better yourself rather than worrying
about being better than your friends.
 Talk to your Career Guidance Teacher a lot of students worry about
achieving the right grades and points to get their first choice for
college. Remember there are lots of options. Ask for advice.
Figure out what is best for you and have a backup plan.
 Visualise success! Try to be positive about what you do know rather
than worrying about what you don’t know so well. This will help
you feel more confident going in to the exam.
 If you are feeling panicky try distractions like the following –
breathe in for the count of 3, hold for the count of 3 and exhale for
the count of 3. Repeat as many times as you like.
 Watch what you eat and drink. Water is important for concentration
in class and during study. Avoid too much sugary foods. Eat food
that helps improve energy and concentration like bananas,
vegetables, protein rich food and carbohydrates.
 Remember to also take some time each day to relax/do something
you enjoy.

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 FINAL EXAM TIPS

 Don’t panic!! If the exam is more difficult that you expected start
with what you can do. If you get some questions done you will feel
better. Then tackle the more difficult bits later. When you are
more relaxed it will probably come back to you.
 If your mind draws a blank try using a page to write down ideas
which come to mind when you think about a topic. This is called
brainstorming and can help jog your memory.
 Don’t give up. Read questions you are unsure of a few times.
Underline key words. Give it a shot. Write down what you do
know.
 Get an early night before the exam. You will not perform so well if
you are tired.
 Eat a good breakfast, lunch and dinner. Drink lots of water.
 Take a rest or do an activity after going home.
 Do some study for the next day
 Don’t keep thinking about the exam which maybe did not go so
well, learn from it for the next time. Forget it and concentrate on
the next one.

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