Q&A for How to Study More Effectively

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  • Question
    How do I keep from being too sleepy during early morning study hours?
    Community Answer
    Try going to be earlier. If you wake up at five, then go to bed by ten the night before. Don't study right after you wake up. Go for a morning walk or do some exercise. You can keep your mind fresh by starting the day like that. Then, wash your face with cold water and start studying.
  • Question
    How soon before a test should I start studying?
    Community Answer
    Start studying the day you are told about the test to give yourself plenty of time to study. That way, you won't be stressing out the night before.
  • Question
    Can we use creativity to study more effectively?
    Community Answer
    Of course! Draw mindmaps, pictures and diagrams to help you study. Use lots of coloured markers, highlighters and pens.
  • Question
    How can I effectively write notes about a book chapter?
    Community Answer
    Keep highlighters, sticky notes, colored pens and markers with you while taking notes. Use these to help you remember. For instance, use index of highlighters and highlight most important, important or extra information using the index so that when you look back at your notes, you will know what to study. Write important information in a sticky notes or flashcards and stick it over your room or even your binder. This helps you remember. See further: Take Notes for a "Chapter Book" Book Report .
  • Question
    Will studying the whole night before an exam be effective?
    Community Answer
    No, it won't be effective at all. In fact, it might even hinder your performance on the exam. If you study all night, your brain would not be able to function properly, so most if not all of the material you studied would be lost. Try to get about 8 hours of sleep before your exam; your brain will process and retain the information you studied much better that way.
  • Question
    Is it good to try and memorize material for a test?
    Community Answer
    Yes, it's good to memorize as much material as you can. However, make sure that you understand what you are learning, and have a good idea of what the topic is about.
  • Question
    Is studying different subjects in a day more useful than just studying one?
    Community Answer
    This is a personal preference. Some people prefer to take breaks by studying other subjects. Try both methods for a week to see which feels best to you.
  • Question
    How do I take notes when my teacher only dictates them?
    Community Answer
    You do not have to write down every word your teacher says. Just pay attention the important points and write them down. Practice writing faster and improve your handwriting.
  • Question
    After I finish studying a topic, how often should I go back to review?
    Community Answer
    It depends on how soon your test is. If it's in a week's time, review each day leading up to the test, and several times on the day prior to the test.
  • Question
    How many hours of sleep should the average person get on a regular day?
    Community Answer
    9-11 hours for those 13 or under, 8-10 hours for teenagers 14-17, 7-9 hours for adults.
  • Question
    I tend to forget things soon after learning them. Is there anything I can do to improve my memory retention?
    Community Answer
    There are a few things you can do. First, try studying in different places and at different times. Memories are typically associated with the context in which they're made, so varying that context keeps you from forgetting as easily. Second, take physical notes. Simply writing something down has been shown to improve memory for it. Finally, make sure you're getting enough sleep and good nutrition. If the body isn't working properly, the brain isn't either.
  • Question
    How does one study without getting bored?
    Community Answer
    Do something exciting on your break, like running, because when you stop you will need to do something with your energy. Having a fun activity to look forward to will help with the boredom.
  • Question
    What things are important for studying?
    Community Answer
    You'll need a notebook, peace and quiet, a well-organized space and time to study.
  • Question
    I always start studying very nicely but end up in a fury and put it off till tomorrow. How can I stop this cycle?
    Community Answer
    Get a study partner or ask an older sibling to study with you. Having someone there to ask questions of when you get frustrated will help stop you from losing your temper. For further ideas, see "How to Enjoy Studying".
  • Question
    Can I use a notebook to jot down important notes?
    Community Answer
    Yes. Keep a notebook for each subject to study from. Bring that notebook with you on the day of the exam so you can read over your notes beforehand.
  • Question
    Is it good to study while listening to music?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but only if it doesn't distract you. Play it a little softer than usual, and choose background music over your favorite songs.
  • Question
    Is smoking a good way to improve my studying skills?
    Community Answer
    Smoking will not improve your studying skills, and can be very hazardous to your health.
  • Question
    How can I study and remember it the next day?
    Community Answer
    You need to study it firmly and take notes and study for about a half hour. It's different for different people.
  • Question
    How can I help myself remember what I have learned?
    Community Answer
    Try to repeat anything you have just read, reread it and quiz yourself.
  • Question
    Should I study for more than four hours?
    Community Answer
    You can study for more than four hours if you have ample break times in between. However, studying for four hours straight may not be effective, as you will become too tired.
  • Question
    My teachers gave us some Powerpoint slides to study, and they say it's enough for final exams. Should I take notes from the slides anyway?
    Community Answer
    Yes. Writing down the information again can help you remember it, and it might help you focus better on any areas where you might be struggling.
  • Question
    What if my little brother distracts me?
    Community Answer
    Let him watch television or play on a phone or tablet, and study somewhere far from him.
  • Question
    If there is too much disturbance, how do I focus?
    Community Answer
    Try to find a quiet place with enough space, and a something comfortable to sit on. See how to concentrate on studies for more tips .
  • Question
    How can you tell the difference between the sticky note and the paper?
    Community Answer
    Use colorful sticky notes, and leave a part of the note sticking beyond the edge of the paper.
  • Question
    How can I study without distractions?
    Shaivi Singh
    Community Answer
    Switch off all the electronics that can distract you, like the TV, your phone, and computer. If you have siblings and they are younger than you, talk to your parents and solve the problems. If distraction still continues, you can go study at a library as it is very quiet there.
  • Question
    How do I not waste time over thinking during my study?
    Community Answer
    First, you should plan on what you will study, such as which chapters, subjects, etc. Also, clean your desk by removing everything that you won't need. Then, you can just sit down and study without distractions.
  • Question
    How can I study more effectively if I don't have a lot of time to study?
    Community Answer
    Study the most important stuff. If you know all that info by heart, then you can study the other things.
  • Question
    Whenever I want to study, I feel sleepy and tired. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    You just have to push through it or maybe even have some coffee. Just force yourself to study and don't study too late at night.
  • Question
    Is it possible to study for over two hours effectively without any breaks?
    Community Answer
    It's possible, but it's not ideal. Breaks help you relax, rest your mind, gather your thoughts, and prepare for more work. Avoiding breaks can contribute to stress and exhaustion, both of which can inhibit memory and academic performance.
  • Question
    How do I increase my concentration?
    Emily C
    Community Answer
    Pick a quiet, comfortable and well-lit place to study. Have all study materials within reach so you don't have to go and get one, which could make you procrastinate. If it helps you focus, listen to some instrumental music, which will block distracting thoughts in your head. Study in small chunks of time. Study for 30 to 50 minutes, then take a 5 to 10 minute break. This will help you better retain information.
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