Exam skills: 5 tips for making studying fun

We know that sometimes studying a new language can be hard work but it can be fun too – and

if we can make our learning experience fun, then we learn better. So here are some more

top tips for making studying fun…

Firstly, get comfortable – make sure your chair is suitable and it's at the right height

for the desk. Make sure you have good ventilation and light and the space you're in isn't too

hot – you don't want to fall asleep! And put away anything that might distract you,

like your smartphone.

Rather than just staring at books and being passive, try to become an active learner.

Why not record yourself and listen back to you speaking or reading out information.

Or you could turn facts into songs and sing them out loud – this is sure to make information

stick in your head!

Also be creative – flashcards are very useful because they provide visual clues that help

you remember things. You could also stick words, grammar rules and other bits of information

on notes around your study space or other places around your house – so for example,

you can read them when brushing your teeth!

Don't feel daunted by the amount of studying you have to do. And don't try to study continuously

all day to fit it all in. Study in small bursts and vary the topics you study so you don't

get bored and you stop retaining information. If you can, choose a time of day that best

suits your natural preference. Some people work best at night while others work best

early in the morning

Finally don't overdo it – know your limits – if you study too hard it won't be fun

and you won't absorb information. So take regular breaks – and give yourself a small

reward when you do.

Studying is a necessary part of learning English and taking exams. Get it right and you're

on your way to having a great time. Good luck!