Meet Your Expert: Sara P, IB Study Specialist
Hi, I’m Sara! I graduated from the IB Diploma Program in 2021 with a perfect score of 45/45 (99.95 ATAR) and was awarded the Melbourne Chancellor’s Scholarship at The University of Melbourne, where I am currently completing a Bachelor of Science. With over three years of tutoring experience, I specialise in IB Biology SL/HL and IB Chemistry SL, helping Year 11 and Year 12 students develop effective study techniques. Having studied these subjects at both school and university level, I am passionate about making complex scientific concepts easier to understand and apply.
Effective Study Techniques to Ace Your Exams
“What is the best way to study for my final exams?” This is the most common question I get asked by IB students. The end-of-year exams cover two years of content, meaning you need effective study techniques to ensure you review all the material and walk into the exams feeling confident. In this blog, I will explore four important strategies that worked well for me to maximise exam performance.
1. Use a Study Timetable!
Yes, I’m sure you have heard many times that creating a study timetable is strongly advised, and I will explain why. Using a study timetable is one of the most effective ways to establish a routine and plan ahead with your revision. Balancing revision across six subjects is challenging and can feel overwhelming, but with the help of a structured yet flexible timetable, you can significantly reduce stress and improve organisation.
Key Tips When Creating a Timetable:
- Rather than planning hour by hour, organise your day into study sessions (morning, afternoon, and evening) to allow flexibility.
- Include breaks and catch-up sessions to maintain focus and well-being.
- Be specific about your revision—allocate time for particular subjects and study methods, such as past papers, active recall with cue cards, or reviewing challenging topics.
For example, my goal was to complete biology and chemistry past papers from the years 2016-2020. This seemed like a difficult task, but planning it within my timetable ensured I didn’t rush through them or run out of time. To incorporate flexibility, I created my timetable in a Word document so I could adjust tasks as needed, significantly reducing stress. Being able to visualise your study plan is essential for organisation, balance, and consistency—three crucial factors for effective revision. You can use Learnmate's free study timetable template to get started!
2. What Has Worked in the Past?
By Year 12, you will likely have already developed study habits that work well for you. It is important to reflect on how you have studied for exams and tests in previous years and determine what worked well and what didn’t.
For example, in biology, there is a lot of terminology and processes that require memorisation. Passive revision, such as reading a textbook or watching a video, may not be as effective as active recall using cue cards. On the other hand, chemistry requires more problem-solving skills, which are best developed through practice questions that require you to apply knowledge.
Key Considerations:
- Consider the nature of each subject and the most effective study method for it.
- Experiment with different techniques (e.g., summarising, mind maps, practice tests) and identify what works best for you.
- Be flexible—different topics within a subject may require different approaches.
3. Teach It to Someone Else!
One of the best ways to test your understanding of a concept is to see if you can explain it to someone else. This technique, known as active recall or the Feynman Technique, is highly effective for strengthening comprehension and long-term retention.
Teaching someone else requires you to:
- Organise your thoughts.
- Simplify concepts.
- Identify key points.
If you struggle to explain something clearly, it indicates gaps in your knowledge that require further review. You can use this technique with a friend, family member, or even by talking out loud to yourself. This verbal recall method is particularly useful for complex biology topics, such as how blood travels through the heart, as it forces you to think holistically before breaking the information down—an essential skill for answering biology extended-response questions.
4. Familiarise Yourself with IB Exam Format and Questions
Completing past papers is essential for understanding IB exam question styles and formats. IB exam questions often integrate multiple topics and require the application of knowledge from across the two-year course. IB exams are also separated into multiple papers that assess different skills.
Example: IB Chemistry and Biology Exam Structure
(Source: ibo.org)
Chemistry:
- Paper 1A: Multiple-choice questions on the syllabus.
- Paper 1B: Data analysis questions assessing experimental skills and techniques.
- Paper 2: Short-answer and extended-response questions applying knowledge in chemistry contexts.
Biology:
- Paper 1A: Multiple-choice questions covering all syllabus topics.
- Paper 1B: Data-based questions requiring analysis of biological concepts.
- Paper 2A: Data-based and short-answer questions, often integrating multiple themes.
- Paper 2B: Extended-response questions testing holistic understanding and application of knowledge.
Understanding how you are assessed and completing past papers can:
- Identify areas that need improvement.
- Familiarise you with IB command terms (e.g., define, explain, evaluate), which dictate how to structure your answers.
- Reduce stress by helping you feel more confident and prepared for exam day.
Conclusion
Mastering effective study techniques is key to maximising performance in your IB exams and reducing stress throughout the journey. The first step in the revision process is planning ahead with a structured study timetable. Reflecting on past study habits, teaching someone else challenging concepts, and completing past papers will strengthen understanding and improve retention. Remember, success is not just about how much you study but how effectively you study!
If you found these tips helpful, I’d personally love to support you as your tutor this year. You can view my profile here on Learnmate and contact me to discuss tutoring.
Alternatively, you can also engage other tutors on Learnmate to help you refine your study strategies, boost your confidence, and receive personalised support for IB exams. Connect with an expert IB tutor on Learnmate and take your understanding to the next level!
