If you’re in Grade 12, many people have likely encouraged you to study for your final exams using past exam papers and memos.
Even though you may have heard it hundreds of times, practising past matric papers is one of the most effective techniques for achieving the results you want.
Why does it work?
Reviewing and analysing past exam papers while studying for your final exams has many benefits. The following are just a few reasons why it works.
Using past matric exam papers while studying:
- Improves your exam technique and time management skills.
- Enhances your subject knowledge and understanding.
- Lets you gain a deeper understanding of the exam format and question types.
- Helps you identify areas where you need to focus your studying and improve your weaknesses.
- Boosts your confidence and reduces exam stress by feeling more prepared.
How to use past exam papers for studying
When preparing for your matric exams using past exam papers, exam papers and memos, and study guides, you must tailor your approach to each subject’s requirements.
Here are some effective techniques for improving problem-solving skills in STEM subjects and tips for essay-based subjects using past papers.
Tips For Essay-Based Subjects:
When studying for essay-based subjects such as English, History, Life Sciences, Business Studies, Religion Studies, Visual Arts, or Dramatic Arts, focus on practising writing essays using past exam papers and memos.
Structure your essays with a clear introduction, well-organised body paragraphs, and a strong conclusion. If you are preparing for your exams, this will help you present persuasive arguments supported by evidence and examples from the texts or case studies provided in the exam papers.
In subjects like Life Sciences or Religion Studies, you must closely examine the content, form well-supported interpretations, and evaluate the presented information. Using past papers and the NSC past exam papers collection of the Department of Basic Education (DBE) can give you insight into the types of questions frequently asked.
Tips For STEM Subjects:
Focusing on problem-solving techniques is essential for technical and scientific subjects like Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, Technical Mathematics, Civil Technology, Electrical Technology, Mechanical Technology, and Information Technology.
Take time to thoroughly understand the steps involved in reaching the solution for different types of problems. It’s also beneficial to practice solving similar problems to reinforce your understanding and improve your problem-solving skills.
Consider seeking out challenging problems to push the boundaries of your understanding and improve your problem-solving capabilities.
What are some effective techniques for improving problem-solving skills in STEM subjects?
- Repetition is key: Practice regularly to build familiarity with different question types and concepts.
- Review your mistakes: Focus on areas where you frequently make mistakes.
- Break everything down: Learn to break complex problems into smaller, manageable steps.
- Focus on understanding the underlying concepts: Try to not just memorise formulas.
- Work in groups: Find a study group to help you get different perspectives.
- Get expert help: Get feedback from teachers or tutors to refine your approach and strategies.
General tips
- Check out old exam papers to learn the exam format. Look at how the questions are set up, how marks are given, and what types of questions they ask.
- Spot any patterns in old exam questions to find out which topics come up often. Focus on those topics in your revision.
- Practice managing your time by setting a timer and doing old exam papers under exam conditions. This will help you work on your time management for the actual exam.
- After you finish a past paper, go over your answers carefully. Use marking guides or memorandums (if available) to check your work and understand any mistakes you made.
- Figure out the areas where you keep making mistakes. Spend more time studying those topics using textbooks, class notes, and other resources.
- Understand how marks are awarded for each question. This will help you know what the examiners are looking for and how to present your answers clearly and directly.
- If available, use memorandums to compare your answers to determine the expected level of detail and specificity.
- If you’re finding some questions or topics tough, ask your teachers or tutors for help. They can give you extra explanations and resources to help you understand those tricky concepts.
Get through your matric exams with Tutors SA
At Tutors SA, we believe in giving students the tools they need to succeed and empowering them to reach their goals.
That’s why we have hundreds of past exam papers and memos just waiting for you to download and start practising.
Check it out today, and if you’re still struggling, one of our tutors could help change the course of your future.