How to Study for an English Exam

Download Article

METHODS

1Memorizing Vocabulary Words

2Reviewing Literature

3Determining Exam Content

+Show 1 more...

OTHER SECTIONS

Questions & Answers

Video

References

Article Summary

Co-authored by Michelle Golden, PhD

Last Updated: May 14, 2019 Approved
Studying for exams can be stressful, especially if you have no idea how to study for a specific subject. English exams
can vary widely depending on the focus of your class, whether it is a composition course, a literature class, or a more
comprehensive humanities class. However, there are some universal strategies that can help you be successful on
exams in English courses.

Method 1
Memorizing Vocabulary Words Download Article
1.

1
Make flashcards. Flashcards are one of the best ways to memorize vocabulary words. Write down the word on one
side of an index card and the definition on the other side.[1] You can quiz yourself or have someone else quiz you.
 You can use electronic flashcards too. There are computer programs and smartphone apps that are
specifically made for studying information on flashcards: you enter the “front” and “back” of the cards and
scroll through them.
2.

2
Identify roots, prefixes, and suffixes. One way to study vocabulary more quickly and effectively is to know common
root words, prefixes, and suffixes. Being able to identify these can help you make educated guesses about vocabulary
words instead of just having to memorize a long list of words that have little meaning for you.[2]
 The prefixes un, in, il, and ir often indicate “not.”
  The suffixes –ive, -ative, and –itive indicate that a word is an adjective- one that describes a noun.
 The prefix man usually has to do with using your hands.
 The suffix phobia indicates a fear of something.
 The prefix re means back or again.
 The prefixes sur, sub, suc, sup, and sus often mean under, below, or secretly.
 The prefix psyche indicates a relationship to the mind.
 The prefixes mono (one) and poly (many) indicate a number or amount.
 The suffixes log, logo, and ology suggest the study of something.
3.

3
Write down the words and definitions. Even if you do not have flashcards, the act of writing down the words and
definitions will help you remember them.
 If you have time, try writing the words and definitions more than one time.
 If you have a visual memory, try using different colors. You may be able to remember the color of
the word and visualize the definition during the exam.
Method 2
Reviewing Literature Download Article
1.

1
Re-read short selections of text. Any poems or short stories that you studied in class should be re-read. For longer
texts like full-length novels, be sure to re-read any sections that seem really important or that your teacher spent a lot
of time talking about in class.
 If you took notes while discussing the texts, review the notes first, then re-read the text.
 Be sure to consult your syllabus to remind yourself about all of the texts that you read.
 Reviewing the chapter titles and the first and last sentences of each chapter of novels can help
refresh your memory about the specifics of the novel.
2.

2
Read introductory material and side notes in your textbook. If you used a traditional textbook for your class, read
the introductory material and any footnotes that accompany the poems or stories you read.
 These items, often overlooked when initially reading the texts, often provide context and overviews
that can be very helpful for essay questions.
3.
3
Review course notes. If you took notes in class, re-read them. If you don’t normally take notes, you should try to
make an effort to do so in the future. This is the best way to remind yourself about what you talked about in class.
Teachers rarely ask exam questions that were not directly discussed in class, so being able to review information from
class time is the best study guide you can have. It is also good to review class work. 
4.

4
Identify “big picture” themes. Many essay questions about literature will have to do with the theme, or the “big
picture” messages of a text. If you have trouble identifying themes on your own, try searching online for the name of
the text plus the word “theme.” You will likely find some useful overviews and study guides. Knowing common
themes in literature may help you identify them in specific texts:[3]
 Humanity versus nature
 Humanity versus a hostile society or God/the gods
 The fleeting nature of time
 The inevitability of death
 The state of Alienation
 The danger of ambition
5.

5
Review online study guides and summaries. There are many websites devoted to providing students with summaries
and study guides for canonical (popular and famous) texts. These can be great tools for studying, but they should never
be used as a substitute for reading the text in the first place.
 If you choose to use an online guide, use a reputable one written by experts. Avoid using personal
blogs and websites that don't say they're written by experts.
6.

6
Memorize details such as characters’ names. Though you may not be asked specifically to identify characters’
names and relationships to each other on the exam, these are details that will come in handy while taking the exam.
 Getting characters’ names wrong or mixing up characters can undermine even otherwise great
responses to test questions.
  Use flashcards (either paper or electronic cards) to memorize characters’ names and details about
them.[4]
Method 3
Determining Exam Content Download Article
1.

1
Refer to your study guide. The best way to prepare for an exam is to consult and fill out your entire study guide.
Most teachers who give out a study guide are basically handing the class a key to the test. Becoming familiar with
everything on the study guide can ensure success on the test.
 If your teacher does not provide a study guide, this option may not be available to you. You could
try visiting your teacher before or after class or during her office hours and asking for a guide or for tips
about where best to focus your studying.
2.

2
Review your course syllabus. If your instructor hands out a course syllabus or calendar, read over it. Often, the
instructor’s philosophy about exams is part of a detailed syllabus.[5] This can also serve as a reminder about specific
texts you read or items that you focused on.
 Anything that your teacher spent more than one day of class on is sure to be important.
 Most syllabi include a section about exams. At the very least, you should be able to determine what
percentage of your overall grade each exam makes up, which can help you determine how long you should
spend studying for it.
3.

3
Review your class notes. For some exams, you may need to be able to provide definitions of key concepts or literary
movements. For others, you may need to be able to talk about how a theme is explored in various works. Look through
your notes to check for definitions, lists, and any theme or topic that comes up more than once; this is usually a good
sign that these may be on the exam.
4.

4
Attend class before the exam. Often, the day or days before the exam are the best times to attend class. Your teacher
will likely preview the exam and indicate directions of focus that you should study. This is also when teachers usually
distribute study guides.
 If you must miss class, ask a friend or reliable classmate for copies of any handouts or her notes
from class. If she knows that you will be gone ahead of time, she is more likely to take thorough notes
instead of just listening.
 As a last resort, contact your teacher to find out what materials you missed in class. It is best to let
her know you will be gone ahead of time, and tell her that you have tried to have another student take notes
for you. Don't phrase your request by saying you wanted to know if you missed anything or if anything
important was covered; this may offend your teacher. Instead, ask if your teacher will share with you what
she went over in class.
5.

5
Ask your teacher what you should study. If your teacher does not volunteer a study guide or information about the
exam, ask her about it towards the end of class one day. It is best to be very polite and just ask for guidance about
studying rather than demanding to know what the content of the exam will be.
 It’s also important to know whether the exam is cumulative, covering everything from the
beginning of the semester, or if it is only covering material since your last exam.
6.

6
Consult previous course exams. If this is not your first exam for the course, look at the last test you took. Many
teachers use similar formats for each exam, so an earlier test can serve as a study guide or at least give you an idea
about what to expect for the format of the exam.
7.

7
Know the format of the exam. In addition to asking about the content of the exam, you should ask your instructor
about the format of the exam. Knowing, for example, whether an exam will be multiple choice or entirely essay can
help you decide how to study.
 Knowing whether you will be taking the test on a computer or with pen and paper will also help you
determine how best to study. A computer with word processing software may negate the need to spend a lot
of time studying the spelling of vocabulary words, for example.
8.
8
Determine appropriate test-taking materials. Be sure that you will be prepared for the exam by bringing the
appropriate materials for the exam. If your exam will be administered on a computer, you may not need to bring
anything with you at all.
 Find out if you need a pen or pencil, paper or a test booklet, and if you will be able to use your
textbook or novels that you read while taking the test.
 Some teachers may even allow you to use a notecard or a study guide while taking the test.
Method 4
Forming a Study Group Download Article
1.

1
Ask classmates if they want to meet to study. You are likely not the only person who wants to study for the English
exam. Asking before or after class if anyone wants to meet for a study group can be a great way to increase the
effectiveness of your studying.
 You are more likely to be able to put together a study group if you do not wait until the day before
the exam to suggest it: plan ahead.
2.

2
Share notes with each other. Everyone takes class notes differently, so circulating or comparing notes can be a good
way to remember details about specific class discussions. This can also be a good way to review any material from
days that you were absent from class.
 Remember that your group members were not planning to share their notes, so be kind about their
handwriting, messy notes, and/or doodling on their notes.
 Don’t be embarrassed about the state of your class notes. You weren’t expecting to share, and even
messy notes can be helpful to someone who doesn’t have any.
3.

3
Talk about literature. A lively debate about the texts is a good way to get you interested in them and to review the
content. Be sure you back up your discussion by looking at the text and finding opportunities to use “evidence” from
the text to back-up your points.
4.
4
Compare previous tests. If your classmates are comfortable sharing the results of previous tests in the class,
you can compare to see what types of responses seem to be the most successful for your particular
teacher. Knowing, for example, if your teacher tends to give higher marks to longer, more detailed
responses or to responses that are direct and to-the-point can help you determine how to approach
answering questions on the test.