Would you like to memorise for any exam, quickly, easily and accurately? You can use this strategy for any subject. With this technique you'll be able to :
Memorise large chunks of information in no time
Write an A+ essay on the spot
It took me many years of trial and error to devise this unique memorisation technique. I've used this for my GCSEs. I've used this for my A levels. I'm still using it today for my degree-level exams. You can use this method for any subject. For languages, finance subjects like economics and even science subjects. You'll be able to memorise facts and figures with more accuracy. Personally, I've used this to absorb complex essay plans and essay templates. That helped me to create some A* essays. ⚠️Pitfall alert⚠️ Memorising stuff like a parrot is not always enough to ace your exams and get a top grade mark. ✅Solution✅ You need to understand the underlying concepts and practice the latest past papers. Once you've got a good basic grasp of the subject, that is, a good understanding of the core concept.
1. Understand what topics should be given priority
⚠️Pitfall alert⚠️
You may feel that you need to memorise the whole book. But here's what happens to most students:
The syllabus was is so large. Trying to memorise the whole book proves to be time-consuming, tiring and ineffective.
They kept forgetting what they memorised the previous week.
They subsequently realise that most of the textbook's content is unlikely to be examined in the exam.
✅Solution✅ There are a few select topics that are most frequently examined. What's the point of memorising information you'll never use? Time is precious and it should be invested wisely. So dedicate your limited time to the most important things first! Take a look at past papers. Identify the most frequently examined topics. Classify these topics according to their importance. Give priority to the topics on the top of your list.
2. Use a memorisation technique that suits you
There is a variety of memorisation techniques, but there's one that I use which pays out every time! It's effective to memorise large chunks of information.
I like to use mindmaps or flashcards. Making flashcards can be time-consuming, so I prefer to use mindmaps instead. The advantage with mindmaps is that I can fit a lot of information in a small space. This helps me to quickly review the information regularly.
⚠️Pitfall alert⚠️
The first time you are trying to memorise a topic using a mindmap, do not simply read the information.
✅Solution✅
Try to close your eyes and recall the information. You can also add drawings to your mindmap if you find it easier to memorise visually.
3. Identify the key materials to study for exams
There are three types of information you should memorise when studying for an exam. Definitions, important points and frequently examined questions.
Definitions #1
Collect all the important definitions in a notebook and memorise it. Why? Because regardless of whether your exam is MCQ-based, calculation-based, or essay-based, understanding key definitions will give you a huge hint on how to answer them!
For example, if you are asked:
'Analyse why a firm may become more capital-intensive' (6 Marks)
How can you possibly answer this question if you cannot define the word 'capital-intensive' means?
Important points #2
⚠️Pitfall alert⚠️
It takes more than memorising definitions to get top grades. There can be a lot of endless blocks of texts in a textbook and it's nearly impossible to memorise it all by simply reading it.
✅Solution✅
Skim the chapter first and highlight the most important points. This might include advantages and disadvantages, examples or diagrams. Then gather all this information into a mindmap. Don't forget to review the mindmaps at regular intervals.
Frequently examined questions #3
You can also use this technique to memorise answers to frequently examined questions. Keep in mind that reproducing pre-prepared answers for essay questions should be avoided. Two questions can look similar but have different requirements.
Conclusion
Without this memorisation technique, I doubt that I would have scored top grades for my GCSE exams, A levels and Degree-level exams. If this technique worked for me it should work for you too! I do acknowledge that everyone is different and you may wish to make variations to this memorisation method. Feel free to devise your own effective revision strategy! In all respects, anything is better than simply re-reading the notes.