‘The final countdown’ to Leaving Cert English exam

* Mind-set – attitude: approach preparation, revision and the exam itself with a positive mindset. Adopt a ‘Can Do’ Attitude. If motivation takes a nose dive, use positive affirmations and self-talk. Believe in yourself – Have confidence that you can and will succeed. View the exam as an opportunity to be embraced as opposed to a challenge to be overcome.

* Self – Care: Look after your Mental Health and Well-being. Eat well (Breakfast, dinner, supper and snacks in between), drink lots of water – helps with concentration. Get at least seven or eight hours sleep – you can’t function without a good night’s sleep. Develop a routine – structure your day – create a daily timetable and stick to it. . * Exam paper Layout and the marks allotted to each question: know the layout of Paper One and Paper Two; and the marks awarded for each section of both papers. Familiarise yourself with the instructions on the cover of each exam paper. Know what tasks you are being asked to carry out in each paper.

* Time Management: know the amount of time you should spend on each section of Paper one and paper two.

* Know your stuff: It’s is important that you have a clear knowledge and understanding of each aspect of the course; the prescribed course material and what is expected of you in each section of Paper 1 and paper 2.

* One step at a time: In revising each section of the course, use a step by step approach. Compartmentalize each section of the course and devise a plan which will include what section of the course you will revise, when you will revise it and what strategies you will employ to assist you in the revision process. Strategies may include: skimming and scanning, the use of flash cards, bullet point lists, mind maps, note taking, mnemonics etc. You should also refer to notes and strategies for approaching questions in each section of the course. Revisit previous exam – style questions which you did and take note of the feedback given by your teacher. Target this feedback as you implement the step by step approach. Also reference marking schemes and sample answers.

* Practice, practice, practice: After following the step by step approach for revising each section of the course, go to past exam papers and select a question from one section of the course. Close all books and notes. Read the question carefully. Underline key words/phrases. Create a plan in which you jot down points/ideas relating to the key terms of question; and also note how you will structure the answer.

* Self-Assess and Self Coach: Research has shown that self-assessment and self-coaching play a pivotal role in increasing performance and optimizing personal effectiveness in exams and indeed, all facets of life. When you have completed answering an exam- style question (or series of questions within the time-frame allotted), you should self – assess your answer.

* Remember: ‘It’s not how intelligent you are; it’s how you are intelligent.’

‘FEAR = Face Everything and Rise!

English teacher - Tom Corbett.