Revision tips

1. Read over handout
2. Question spotting. Look at my compiled questions sheets. You may find that there are specific areas for each topic that often come up. Perhaps base more detailed revision on these areas, but bear in mind that it's not a guaranteed strategy!
3. Essay plans. If possible, for each "area" of topic, write a brief essay plan. Cover structure and main points.
4. Trial essays. Convert some of the essay plans into timed essays
5. SHARE ESSAYS. Talk amongst yourselves, photocopy relevant essays and read each others' efforts. It will give you an idea of alternative structures, style and content organisation.
6. More detail. Choose which sections you are going to learn in great detail. Write these out several times, learning as you (or whatever works for you).
7. Tying topics together. Try to link information from different topics. This will give you an idea of the whole picture and can help in some of the trickier questions.

Remember that I'll help you as much as I can on various topics, but the more warning I have, the more I can look into it and refresh my own memory!

Helena Seth-Smith
Cambridge, England
Last updated: June 2005