How to Cram the Night before Taking the TOCFL Exam
Updated on March 21, 2013
- Keep calm. Do not panic! Panicking is a sure-fire way to make you forget everything you have learned and lose your concentration. Instead, take a deep breath and gather all your study materials together. This includes flashcards, books, notes, etc.
- Find a quiet place to study. This is crucial if you want to be able to concentrate on the eve of the exam. Just ensure that you are not too comfortable as you may end up feeling asleep.
- Download interactive apps on your iPhone or iPad. If you don’t already have them, get apps like Scribe: Origins or Study-Chat. These can serve as a refresher and a fun way to remember what you have learned in the past.
- Open your books and start from the beginning. This is a good way to remind yourself of information you may have forgotten along the way as you’ve advanced in your studying. Don’t miss a single detail and don’t be complacent as you peruse through your lessons. Highlight anything that you think is important or that might come out in the test.
- Study out loud. It truly helps when you read what you are studying out loud. It will assist in retaining the information in your memory and it also facilitates the process of your brain processing the material.
- Make flashcards. If you haven’t already been using flashcards, make new ones. This will help you test yourself and see what you need refreshing on.
- Go to bed early. While this may seem contrary to cramming for an exam, it will help keep your brain fresh. Go to bed as early as you can and wake up extra early instead to review your lessons. This is far more effective than pulling an all-nighter.
- Ask a friend or family member to quiz you. Sometimes it helps simply to study with another person. This will help you discover what aspects of the lesson you still need to work on and what you are excellent at.
- Keep hydrated and have snacks readily available. As you study through the night, you need to have snacks readily available in order to keep your blood sugar up. Drink copious amounts of water as well so that you stay hydrated.
- Take frequent breaks. Despite the fact that you know you only have a few hours left before the big exam, it’s important not to get too caught up in your cramming. Take frequent breaks so that your brain does not get oversaturated. Step outside and breathe in some fresh air. Or play a quick game on your phone or computer just to get your brain cells moving around a bit. What is important is that you stay fresh and alert.
- Take a shower. If you’re starting to feel groggy or tired, try taking a quick shower. This will help invigorate and refresh your senses. You can also try eating an apple. Just don’t eat anything too heavy as you run the risk of falling asleep. Have one cup of coffee if you feel that it will help with your studying.
Taiwan, Home of the Exam
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