How to Revise for ANY Subject: A Comprehensive Guide

Ace your exams with these revision tips

Do you dread revision? Do you feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information you need to learn? Do you wish there was a better way to revise, a way that would make it easier and more effective?

If so, you're not alone. Revision can be a tough slog for many students. But it doesn't have to be. With the right approach, you can make revision more manageable and enjoyable, and achieve better results in your exams.

This blog post will teach you a comprehensive guide on how to revise for any subject using a bite-sized method. This method is proven to be effective and has helped hundreds of my students over the years, as well as being my go-to method when I need to revise myself! Indeed, the techniques outlined below helped me achieve the required grades to get into Oxford University!

Lets face it - Revision is an essential part of the learning process. It helps you to consolidate your knowledge and to identify any areas where you need more practise. There are many different revision techniques that you can use, but one that is particularly effective is to divide subject content into small, bitesized chucks. This could be by topic, by chapter, or even by individual concepts. Once you have divided your revision into chunks, you can focus on one chunk at a time for a period of say, 2-3 days.

This method has several advantages:

• It is less overwhelming than trying to revise everything at once.

• It allows you to focus on one topic at a time and to master it before moving on.

• It helps you to retain information more effectively.

So with that said, here is detailed, step-by-step process on how to use this bite-sized method to revise for ANY subject:

Step 1 - Create a list of all the topics that you need to revise for a particular subject

To do this, consult the relevant syllabus for the course - make sure it is the most recent version!

Step 2 - Divide the topics into small, manageable chunks

For example, in a typical chemistry syllabus, there could be anywhere between 15-20 topics. You could group structure and bonding, rates of reaction and equilibrium together, then start from there.

Step 3 - Allocate 2-3 days for each chunk

Spend 2-3 days revising those topics you've complied together for your first subject.

Step 4 - Focus on one chunk at a time

Revise these topics until you are confident that you understand them. Write revision notes, flashcards, mind maps etc - whatever works for you. Additionally, make sure you practise relevant past paper questions, which brings us nicely onto the next point...

Step 5 - Gather 8-12 past papers

And scan through them looking for questions on the exact topics you've learnt. Then, practise only those questions. This means the other parts of the paper will remain blank. Practising questions from past papers is the best way to test your knowledge and to identify any areas that need more attention.

Step 6 - Change subjects every 2-3 days

It is recommended that you change subject every 2-3 days to keep the revision varied. Furthermore, by doing this, you are forced to re-visit previous subjects again to finish off any remaining revision chunks, which will allow you to refresh your memory on previously covered content. This way, information is retained more effectively.

Step 7 - Finally, timed past papers!

A few days before the exam (by this point the revision process should be nearly complete), attempt full past papers (that you should have set aside at the start of the revision process) under timed conditions. This will help to refine your time management skills and see if the revision process has been effective.

Putting it all into practise

So, what does this process look like? Below is an example of how you could use the bite-sized method to revise for a high school maths exam:

Day 1: Algebra

• Revise the basics of algebra, such as linear equations and quadratic equations, expanding brackets, factorising and indices.

• Solve some practise problems.

Day 2: Geometry

• Revise the basics of geometry, such as triangles, circles, and quadrilaterals. Angle theories. Circle theorems.

• Solve some practise problems.

Day 3: Statistics

• Revise the basics of statistics, such as mean, median and mode. Cumulative frequency. Scatter diagrams. Frequency polygons.

• Solve some practise problems.

Once you have revised all of the parts above, you can move on to a different subject and repeat the process. Change subjects every 2-3 days, but regularly return to a previous subject to keep the revision fresh in your memory - DO NOT revise an entire subject all in one go and then forget about it!

General revision tips

Lastly, here is some more general guidance that should be utilised by any student during the revision process:

• Use active revision techniques. This could involve making mind maps, flashcards, or practice questions.

• Take regular breaks. It is important to take breaks every couple of hours to avoid getting overwhelmed.

• Vary your revision techniques. This will help to keep things interesting and to prevent you from getting bored.

• Teach someone else the material you are trying to learn. This can help you to identify any areas where you need more practise.

• Get enough sleep and eat healthy foods. This will help you to stay focused and energised.

To finish...

Revision is paramount to exam success. By following the tips above, and dividing subject content into small, manageable chunks, you can improve your chances of success in any subject. The processes I have described above work! I obtained top grades in my GCSEs and A-levels, which ultimately led to an offer to study at Oxford University. With dedication and hard work, you can achieve your academic dreams too!