ATAR Notes: Forum
HSC Stuff => HSC Subjects + Help => Topic started by: cxmplete on May 20, 2017, 09:12:35 am
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Hi!
So trials are coming up very soon (in 7 weeks), and I was wondering how I could go about allocating my time to study for them. I'm kind of panicked that I don't have enough time to study for them (my peers have been studying for them since ages ago), and also panicked about the fact that this may not be enough time to master the subjects. I do the following subjects: physics, chemistry, biology, advanced english and advanced mathematics.
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I have the same question ^^
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Hi!
So trials are coming up very soon (in 7 weeks), and I was wondering how I could go about allocating my time to study for them. I'm kind of panicked that I don't have enough time to study for them (my peers have been studying for them since ages ago), and also panicked about the fact that this may not be enough time to master the subjects. I do the following subjects: physics, chemistry, biology, advanced english and advanced mathematics.
Idk why you're stressing, 7 weeks is HEAPS. My school has trials in 2 weeks for the whole course of every subject while you're stressing about 7 weeks!!
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Seven weeks is really plenty of time, I promise! But, I can understand your panic when your peers seem to be on top of it! The key to studying is personalising it. There's no point in doing what Sally is doing if Sally is a brilliant writer but struggles to remember content, and you're the other way around. Using your half yearly feedback is absolutely essential to knocking your trials study out of the park. Where you had a downfall (big or small!) in half yearlies, becomes the path for your to succeed in the next exams! You've got to identify your weaknesses and work on them. For example, if you consistently score well in maths, but are sitting at 20th rank in English, then it's far more worth your while to knuckle down on English and jump your rank enormously, rather than just sit back and keep cruising with maths because you know it's your best skill. It can be uncomfortable to identify our weaknesses even within subjects, but it's got to be done in order to target and improve!
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Seven weeks is really plenty of time, I promise! But, I can understand your panic when your peers seem to be on top of it! The key to studying is personalising it. There's no point in doing what Sally is doing if Sally is a brilliant writer but struggles to remember content, and you're the other way around. Using your half yearly feedback is absolutely essential to knocking your trials study out of the park. Where you had a downfall (big or small!) in half yearlies, becomes the path for your to succeed in the next exams! You've got to identify your weaknesses and work on them. For example, if you consistently score well in maths, but are sitting at 20th rank in English, then it's far more worth your while to knuckle down on English and jump your rank enormously, rather than just sit back and keep cruising with maths because you know it's your best skill. It can be uncomfortable to identify our weaknesses even within subjects, but it's got to be done in order to target and improve!
I looked through all my feedback for the Half Yearlies and for legal/modern, i ran out of time to finish both essays and consequenlty, my marks went down. I need help with time management because i tend to work on some sections more than others, and i know that is badd!!! because all sections weigh the same or relatively the same, how do i fix this problem? Especially when it comes to the Trials because i really want to turn this around for the trials so i don't stuff it up!! Any tips? And i need help with finding time to study for the trials because this term is so busy for me -- i have major works and assesments coming and going!! ANy tips on finding the proper time to study?
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I looked through all my feedback for the Half Yearlies and for legal/modern, i ran out of time to finish both essays and consequenlty, my marks went down. I need help with time management because i tend to work on some sections more than others, and i know that is badd!!! because all sections weigh the same or relatively the same, how do i fix this problem? Especially when it comes to the Trials because i really want to turn this around for the trials so i don't stuff it up!! Any tips? And i need help with finding time to study for the trials because this term is so busy for me -- i have major works and assesments coming and going!! ANy tips on finding the proper time to study?
Practice, practice, practice. The best way to get the hang of doing the exam under time, is to do the exam under time. It's about knowing where you can take time from to invest in other places - Lots of people do the MC for Legal in 5-10 minutes for example, taking the time they get back and sticking it into the Option essays! But you can only really get that balance right by trying it out, and getting used to the pressure :) for reference for Legal, I always did in order:
- Short Answer (20 mins)
- Crime Essay (45 mins)
- MC (5-10 Mins)
- Options (50-55 Mins Each)
Oh, and maybe give this guide a read for coming up with a good study timetable!! :)
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I looked through all my feedback for the Half Yearlies and for legal/modern, i ran out of time to finish both essays and consequenlty, my marks went down. I need help with time management because i tend to work on some sections more than others, and i know that is badd!!! because all sections weigh the same or relatively the same, how do i fix this problem? Especially when it comes to the Trials because i really want to turn this around for the trials so i don't stuff it up!! Any tips? And i need help with finding time to study for the trials because this term is so busy for me -- i have major works and assesments coming and going!! ANy tips on finding the proper time to study?
Agree with everything Jamon said, just thought I could add the Modern History perspective! This was roughly how I structured my exam time (I usually did the exam in order):
- Section 1: WW1 - MC and short answers (5 mins - however worked out the answers during reading time so more like 3 mins), 5-8 marker (10 mins), 10 Mark Source Analysis (20 mins) -- So 35 mins overall.
- Section 2: National Study - 50 mins
- Section 3: Personality Study - Part A (20 mins), Part B (35 mins) -- 55 mins overall
- Section 4: International Conflict Study - 45 mins.
If you can get WW1 (or any of the other sections) under 45 minutes, I highly recommend devoting the added time to the personality study. That tends to be the section most people fall down in in terms of time management, as due to the fact that part B is structured exactly like an essay, it is very easy for students to slip into the "got the same amount of time as an essay section" mindset!!
Also remember that there are more marks to be gained starting an essay than finishing one! If you've been writing for 55 mins, even if you feel as though you haven't got all of your points out - you've probably still done enough! That extra 5-10 minutes probably earned you max 3 marks, whereas 5-10 minutes starting an essay could have already landed you 10! So if you find that you have gone way overtime, leave some space (just in case you have time at the end), write your conclusion and jump straight into the next response :)
Good luck!
Susie
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My modern trials are on wednesday! (argh)
we're going to get two Germany questions instead of the conflict
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My modern trials are on wednesday! (argh)
we're going to get two Germany questions instead of the conflict
GOOD LUCK!! I'm sure you'll smash it :) Yeah that sometimes happens depending on how far a school is in studying the content. Timing wise it should remain the same though as both the Section II and Section IV essays take roughly the same amount of time to complete :) In terms of studying, just bang out a few past papers, consolidate your detail and construct a few argument/linking tables and you'll be sweet :) If you need any help with anything please let us know!
Susie
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GOOD LUCK!! I'm sure you'll smash it :) Yeah that sometimes happens depending on how far a school is in studying the content. Timing wise it should remain the same though as both the Section II and Section IV essays take roughly the same amount of time to complete :) In terms of studying, just bang out a few past papers, consolidate your detail and construct a few argument/linking tables and you'll be sweet :) If you need any help with anything please let us know!
Susie
Thanks alot!
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My trials are in roughly 6 weeks. While I'm not feeling the stress yet it seems so close. I can't help but worry that we won't even cover most of the content thoroughly.
For Ext 2 Maths we're only up to Conics whilst my other friends are already done Mechanics. Our paper is CSSA so its written by an external source.
I also can't quite find the motivation to study quite yet. I don't want to leave it to last minute and I know I should take my own advice but what should I be doing now? I'm planning on doing a 3u paper per day and doing select questions from 4u per day as well. My other subjects I'm unsure :( I've still got assessments before my trials with English being in 2 weeks and IPT in week 1.
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My trials are in roughly 6 weeks. While I'm not feeling the stress yet it seems so close. I can't help but worry that we won't even cover most of the content thoroughly.
For Ext 2 Maths we're only up to Conics whilst my other friends are already done Mechanics. Our paper is CSSA so its written by an external source.
I also can't quite find the motivation to study quite yet. I don't want to leave it to last minute and I know I should take my own advice but what should I be doing now? I'm planning on doing a 3u paper per day and doing select questions from 4u per day as well. My other subjects I'm unsure :( I've still got assessments before my trials with English being in 2 weeks and IPT in week 1.
Think about what you want to achieve, then think broadly about how you need to do that, then think specifically about how you need to do that, and put the specifics into a list. If you feel like you need a rest right now, do this process, then don't touch your list for a week if that's what you want - but only under the proviso that you owe yourself intense work later on, if that's the deal you want to make.
Seriously. Take a bath, stretch your muscles, go for a walk, find a nice tree. Sit there for 30 minutes just thinking about exactly what it is you need to be doing. Do you need to finish the course before your school, if things are going slowly? Do you need to focus on an area you got smashed on in half-yearlies? What's going to benefit you the most? Be zen, figure it out... Devise your method/process. Then, honour the process with peace in ur soul <3
Sounds like you'll be able to figure it out, and your limit right now is the feeling of "oh wow so much!!". Breathe through that feeling and you'll devise a good plan :)
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Think about what you want to achieve, then think broadly about how you need to do that, then think specifically about how you need to do that, and put the specifics into a list. If you feel like you need a rest right now, do this process, then don't touch your list for a week if that's what you want - but only under the proviso that you owe yourself intense work later on, if that's the deal you want to make.
Seriously. Take a bath, stretch your muscles, go for a walk, find a nice tree. Sit there for 30 minutes just thinking about exactly what it is you need to be doing. Do you need to finish the course before your school, if things are going slowly? Do you need to focus on an area you got smashed on in half-yearlies? What's going to benefit you the most? Be zen, figure it out... Devise your method/process. Then, honour the process with peace in ur soul <3
Sounds like you'll be able to figure it out, and your limit right now is the feeling of "oh wow so much!!". Breathe through that feeling and you'll devise a good plan :)
I feel like I really do need a plan. I'm actually so lost. I've been working on English lately but I know I need to ace my other subjects too. I think I need to work on my confidence a lot. I feel like limiting me most at the moment.
Cheers for the words, Wales
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I'm unsure as to how to study for content heavy subjects. I have had this predicament for awhile so I have resorted to only doing Maths and English study because I know I am being efficient. I find writing out notes tedious and I usually get distracted and consequently not take anything in. Also, when I do past papers I feel like I'm only doing questions that are highly unlikely to be in the trial.
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I'm unsure as to how to study for content heavy subjects. I have had this predicament for awhile so I have resorted to only doing Maths and English study because I know I am being efficient. I find writing out notes tedious and I usually get distracted and consequently not take anything in. Also, when I do past papers I feel like I'm only doing questions that are highly unlikely to be in the trial.
What content heavy subjects are you finding difficult in terms of revision/exam preparation?
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What content heavy subjects are you finding difficult in terms of revision/exam preparation?
Humanities- Economics/Business/SOR II
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Humanities- Economics/Business/SOR II
I cannot comment on Eco/Business although SOR II I can offer advice, from my side. Whilst SOR II is a content intensive subject, and many topics are covered, the way I tend to do this, is to maintain a mix. When I say mix I mean not five hours of pointless notes, doing this will result in boredom, lack of retention and in most cases lead to distractions. What I tend to do is make a key set of notes that summarises the most INTEGRAL/IMPORTANT content from each topic and to keep this on hand. Try to style the notes to your learning methods, the methods that best work for you. Whether that be mind maps, summaries, dot point, it is all down to the individual. For SOR II, I tend to learn the content In a summarised way, and answer questions in reference to these topics. By doing this I can see the areas that I am strong at, and I can filter the topics that I am having problems with and pinpoint these in the lead up to trials. I also discuss my content with an exterior source, such as family/friends, and I have found by engaging in friendly discussion about my topics, the retention is much stronger. Another option is to use a Pomodoro Timer? You can set the increments for study/break and I have found these are ideal for someone like myself who studies intermittently. No use to study for 3 hours straight if you cannot retain information, better to break it up into blocks that seem more achievable. Good luck with your study and hope you find a method best for your learning style.
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I cannot comment on Eco/Business although SOR II I can offer advice, from my side. Whilst SOR II is a content intensive subject, and many topics are covered, the way I tend to do this, is to maintain a mix. When I say mix I mean not five hours of pointless notes, doing this will result in boredom, lack of retention and in most cases lead to distractions. What I tend to do is make a key set of notes that summarises the most INTEGRAL/IMPORTANT content from each topic and to keep this on hand. Try to style the notes to your learning methods, the methods that best work for you. Whether that be mind maps, summaries, dot point, it is all down to the individual. For SOR II, I tend to learn the content In a summarised way, and answer questions in reference to these topics. By doing this I can see the areas that I am strong at, and I can filter the topics that I am having problems with and pinpoint these in the lead up to trials. I also discuss my content with an exterior source, such as family/friends, and I have found by engaging in friendly discussion about my topics, the retention is much stronger. Another option is to use a Pomodoro Timer? You can set the increments for study/break and I have found these are ideal for someone like myself who studies intermittently. No use to study for 3 hours straight if you cannot retain information, better to break it up into blocks that seem more achievable. Good luck with your study and hope you find a method best for your learning style.
Awesome advice that I certainly agree with! I cannot speak for the Business/Eco but can certainly for SOR II. QUOTES QUOTES QUOTES. Quotes will be your best friend in the trials - know a couple of real bangers and you are already half way there. My second point of advice: SOR II is a intensive, content-heavy subject I won't lie. Try and meet up with someone (note 1 or 2) and become an expert in a depth study (eg Islam) or a specific section (eg Ethics) and then try and explain it to someone else, preferably without notes. This is an awesome way to find out what you know and don't know.
What I used to do if I couldn't get anyone to meet up? 10 minute timer. Sheet of blank paper. I wrote down as much as I could remember of the top of my head on a particular topic (eg Christian Baptism).
One last piece of advice? Get yourself a good pen for the trials and HSC - you'll be writing 4-6 pages for two essays just with SOR II, not to mention all your other subjects. Make sure it works as well - don't wait until you are in there to try it for the first time. Some people also like to use a pen grip as my teacher said and I quote "to help lower the pain as you write 12 pages of essay" - I didn't but I'm left handed and pen grips never work for me.
So that one above wasn't my final piece of advice - here is a few quick tips.
> Stick notes/quotes all around your room or if your family lets you, your house. On the shelf next to that favourite food. In the shower even (put it in a plastic sleeve first though!) - you'll be studying without even realising! How awesome is that!
> Simplify the syllabus.
> Summarise your summaries.
> This one is a bit controversial, but it has been proven to work. Make obvious mistakes in your summaries (mostly typos or capitalisation errors) I'll give you an example.
- Sam eats a icecream by the poool on a paticularly hot day.
- Max eats his sandwiches at recess.
Best of luck!!
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Thanks a lot for these replies :) I will definitely put these practices into action. Also, when preparing for your essays did you look at past papers to get a sense of what is likely to be asked? For example, an integrated essay hasn't been asked since 2013 and the significant person since 2012 so would you have greater preparation for essays on those two?
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I cannot comment on Eco/Business although SOR II I can offer advice, from my side.
Awesome advice that I certainly agree with! I cannot speak for the Business/Eco but can certainly for SOR II.
Thanks a lot for these replies :) I will definitely put these practices into action. Also, when preparing for your essays did you look at past papers to get a sense of what is likely to be asked? For example, an integrated essay hasn't been asked since 2013 and the significant person since 2012 so would you have greater preparation for essays on those two?
No worries happy to help :)
Definitely look at past papers. They are awesome.
I would also highly recommend looking at an integrated essay. Do all three equally as they will like to trick you into thinking they will ask something because they have not done so in a while. Integrated essays are harder but I have multiple copies if you want one (as above).
Hope this helps, let me know any more questions you have!
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I have my trials next week, so my holiday has been spent revising all content from term 4.
Everything I was going to say has already been said, but I think the importance of time management is essential to doing well. Focus your attention on the weaker subjects, but at the same time, don't neglect your strengths.
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So lucky! Mine starts not the first day of school ... :/
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So lucky! Mine starts not the first day of school ... :/
Ahhh, so did I :(
I reckon it is better this way as you have more time studying for the HSC and less time worrying about the trials - plus it actually forces you to do more in the holidays which is never a bad thing ;D
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No worries happy to help :)
Definitely look at past papers. They are awesome.
Hope this helps, let me know any more questions you have!
Thanks for this :D I have the 2016 CSSA paper so any before that would be great. Any resources you have are great even if you were doing different religions. Also for the peace essay, I was wondering if world peace is easily adapted to inner peace. I talk about the importance of inner peace before dispersing peace to the community in my world peace essay, however, could you say that bringing peace to others can be a means of bringing inner peace?
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Thanks for this :D I have the 2016 CSSA paper so any before that would be great. Any resources you have are great even if you were doing different religions. Also for the peace essay, I was wondering if world peace is easily adapted to inner peace. I talk about the importance of inner peace before dispersing peace to the community in my world peace essay, however, could you say that bringing peace to others can be a means of bringing inner peace?
No worries :) what religions did you do out of curiosity?
And no, world peace and inner peace are quite different to each other although there is one loophole you can use - in order to find peace in the world, one must first find peace in themselves. Great way to relate - was this used as a question quote one year??
Yeah it kind of works the other way as well but in order to love others you have to first love yourself. Same with peace.
Hope this helps!
Moderator edit: Removed parts where you are willing to distribute copyright materials
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I do mindmaps (1 A4 Page per syllabus heading) and they are fantastic to learn from... Also super dorky, but laminate your syllabuses and put them in the shower, behind the toilet, on the wall in your room - its makes a huge difference in familiarising yourself.. Good luck!!
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Hi!
Contrary to everyone doing the trials, my school pushed my trials early so I've already went through the trials! Now, whilst everyone is doing the trials, I'm wondering if and when should I be studying for my HSC? After the trials, I used up my 2 weeks of holiday to indulge in relaxation but now thaf I'm into the third week of school, I can't seem to get back into work! D: it's like I've rested too much and now my body is refusing to go back to studying! Help! What should I do?
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Hi!
Contrary to everyone doing the trials, my school pushed my trials early so I've already went through the trials! Now, whilst everyone is doing the trials, I'm wondering if and when should I be studying for my HSC? After the trials, I used up my 2 weeks of holiday to indulge in relaxation but now thaf I'm into the third week of school, I can't seem to get back into work! D: it's like I've rested too much and now my body is refusing to go back to studying! Help! What should I do?
Hey! I bet you're loving not having to do anything while everyone else is busy ;) don't worry, I didn't get back into proper study for my HSC until the start of September. If you are still feeling like time off, take it! Maybe start easing yourself back in, do an hour a day from the middle of August and build up slowly from there? :)