Preparing for an examination can be overwhelming, especially when trying to navigate through the challenge of reading multiple books, topics, and materials.
Despite these challenges, a growing number of students are achieving success in their examinations by carefully planning their academic approach and adopting expert reading strategies.
Whether you are a Student or a professional anticipating an examination, these seven expert reading guides will set you on a trajectory of achieving academic distinction.
Best reading approaches for exam success according to academic experts
1. Organize your reading calendar: Your first approach to reading for exam success must begin with planning. Depending on the time before your exams start, identify days you are less occupied with other activities and mark them off your reading calendar. This will allow you to stay focused and keep your mind from random activities that may distract you.
2. Identify your subjects: You ain’t reading random stuff when preparing for the exam, right? Identifying the subjects you are writing about in your exams is the second-best approach to exam success, as this will allow you to channel your time and energy into relevant materials that relate to your selected subjects. This will save you from over-stressing your brain by reading less important materials. Let’s say you have Mathematics and Physics papers to write; it wouldn’t make sense to spend your time reading random storybooks.
3. Your active hour is your golden hour: A lot of students are mostly active at midnight, this period, your mind is settled, allowing maximum functionality of your brain to memorize whatever you read. Avoid distraction during these hours and take full advantage because what you read during this period will follow you into your examination hall.
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4. Read one Subject at a time: If you want to be a Jack of all trades, then you will master none of it. The same is applicable when you are reading for your exams. Mastering one subject can guarantee an 80% chance of succeeding in your examination.
Stay calm and don’t allow the pressure to overwhelm you. You may think reading everything at the same time will make you cover up your syllables on time, but what if I told you jamming your brain with different subjects will only make you dumb, from understanding one thing to understanding nothing. You wouldn’t want to waste your effort, so pick one topic at a time and give it all the attention, with the goal of understanding before moving to the next.
5. Read in the Library: Exploring your local library (If available) is a perfect way to boost your reading morale. The library offers a more conducive environment for reading and gives you access to academic materials like journals and research books related to your course, which you may not have at home.
6. Join a reading group: According to experts, this reading approach works effectively for most students. If you like reading, sharing, and receiving input from colleagues, then joining a reading group is perfect for you.
Find a group that best aligns with your reading goals, and indicate your interest in joining. Read, discuss, share, and explain ideas with your group members.
7. Use online educational tools: Thanks to technology, now complex subjects can be broken down into smaller chunks of ideas without having to read the entire library. Whether you need a video or a detailed explanation of a complex topic, you can find great tutors on YouTube or by simply allowing AI like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini to do the hard work and provide you with a summary of key points.
Conclusion
Reading for examination success may be overwhelming, yet achievable. A growing number of students are finding success every academic year through discipline, dedication, and by adopting these best approaches for exam success, according to academic experts.
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