How Do You Actually Revise?
- Nathan Murdoch
- Mar 15
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 20
The Ultimate Guide to Effective Revision
We’ve all been there. You’re told to “revise,” but what does that actually mean? You gather your books, notes, and laptop, sit down, and then… nothing. Where do you even start? In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how to revise effectively and why it works.
Why Is Revision Important?
Revision isn’t about learning new things—it’s about reinforcing what you already know so it sticks. According to Ebbinghaus’ Forgetting Curve, your memory of newly learned information starts to fade within minutes unless you revisit it. The more you recall something, the longer you’ll remember it. That’s why you can still tie your shoes effortlessly but struggle to recall what you ate for breakfast last Thursday.
To keep knowledge fresh for exams in one, two, or even three years, you need to regularly revisit and reinforce your learning. The good news? Effective revision doesn’t have to take hours—just 15 minutes of focused practice can make a big difference.
Top Revision Techniques That Work
1. Mind Maps & Knowledge Organizers
A great way to start is by creating a mind map or knowledge organizer. Grab a large sheet of paper and write down everything you remember about a topic. Use colours, images, and diagrams to make it visually engaging. Once you’ve jotted down all you can recall, fill in the gaps using textbooks, the internet, or even AI tools like ChatGPT.
💡 Bonus Tip 💡 Stick your mind maps on your wall so you can glance at them regularly, keeping key concepts fresh in your mind.
2. Revision Cards & Sticky Notes
Revision cards work wonders for memorizing key facts, equations, and vocabulary. You can use them for self-testing, but another trick is to stick them around your house—on your mirror, fridge, or even your bedroom door. Before you can use that object, challenge yourself to answer the question on the card.
📌 Why It Works 📌 Associating information with a location helps cement it in your memory.
3. Past Paper Questions
If you’re already familiar with a topic, practicing past paper questions is one of the most effective ways to prepare. Search online for past exam questions specific to your subject and exam board.
✅ Key Tip ✅ Mark your answers as strictly as possible using the official mark scheme. Exam boards can be picky, so learning how they award marks can give you an edge.
4. Record Yourself Speaking, Singing, or Rapping
If you’re an auditory learner, recording yourself explaining a topic can be incredibly helpful. Want to make it more fun? Turn your notes into a song or rap. It may sound cringey, but transforming information into a new format boosts retention and helps make studying more enjoyable.
🎙️ Try This 🎙️ Create a mini podcast where you explain concepts as if you’re teaching someone else.
5. Use Family & Friends as Study Partners
Studying doesn’t have to be a solo effort. Ask a friend or family member to test you using your revision cards or mind maps. Better yet, try teaching them a concept—this forces you to organize your thoughts and ensures you truly understand the material.
👥 Why It Works 👥 Teaching someone else strengthens your own understanding and highlights any gaps in your knowledge.
Final Thoughts: Find What Works for You
Revision isn’t one-size-fits-all. Different subjects may require different techniques, and it’s okay to experiment to see what suits you best. The key is to start early, stay consistent, and keep testing yourself.
What revision works for you?
Mind Maps
Flash Cards
Past Paper Questions
Recording Yourself
🚀 Need more help? Check out Wavelength Tuition’s resources at wtuition.co.uk or email us at info@wtuition.co.uk for expert guidance.
Happy revising!
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