Preparing for tests: top 10 tips

These top ten tips for preparing for tests are shared by 10 (and a half) year old Sheen, one of our talented members from Maidenhead. What great advice for anyone feeling nervous about an upcoming exam!

1. Don’t stress!

I can’t stress this enough (pun intended)! If you are worried about a test, don’t hesitate to ask the friendly staff at Explore Learning to help you with any questions, or just to boost your confidence!

2. Work hard

Ok, this may sound like your parents, but it’s true. From my studying experience, you should start on something that you are confident with to get you going, then make a start on something you want to work on. If you still don’t understand it, ask a tutor at Explore learning to go through it with you.

3. Take exercise breaks

Your brilliant brain can only work properly on something for about half an hour. So, did you know that it is scientifically proven that taking a 10-minute exercise break boosts your brain performance? It’s true! Whether you do star jumps or run on the spot, this is a helpful tip!

4. Designated workspaces

It’s no good working in a noisy room; make sure you have a designated workspace with a desk that is quiet and a space that you can concentrate in.

5. Healthy hydration

Make sure you drink lots of water while studying. This will help you to concentrate and not overheat. After all, your brain is 73% water!

6. Involve the family!

Most of the time, you will come across some difficult questions in your homework, so make sure you involve your family to help you with a question. This way, your parents can get an idea of the questions for future reference for younger siblings AND get their brains back into shape!

7. Study times

Ever thought about the best times to study? Well, a tutor at Explore Learning once told me that first thing in the morning is a great time to study because your brain is fresh and before bed is a good time to study too because you will be more likely to remember it the next day!

8. Practice papers

When you get closer to the test, practice papers can help a lot! Try doing them under test conditions and time limits. Depending on what test you’re doing, your papers will be different, so if you are confused about any practice papers, ask a tutor at Explore Learning for any information you might need.

9. Brainfood!

Ok, ok this may not be a major instruction, but it still is a useful tip. Fish is a great food for your brain! It has a rich source of Omega 3, which is good for sharpening your memory and improving your mood. Baked is better than battered and fried.

Blueberries are packed with antioxidants and pumpkin seeds are filled with minerals that are vital to your brain, such as copper, iron, magnesium and zinc. Try them with some yoghurt and muesli.

Also, try soaking almonds overnight and eating them in the morning. This particular one was recommended by a fellow student and really helped sharpen up my brain for my 11 Plus!

10. Sound sleep

It is VERY important to get a good 10-hour sleep before a test. Sleep is vital for your brain to materialise everything you have learnt ESPECIALLY before a test.

I hope these top ten test tips have helped you!

We love Sheen’s advice on how to prepare for tests! Whether your child is getting ready to sit the 11 Plus, the SATs exams or an end-of-term test, our expert exam tuition can help them build a strong foundation of skills whilst developing their speed, accuracy and exam technique.