IGCSE Study Guide Part 1

The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is an English-language examination board recognized by the United Kingdom and offered by many schools around the world. It is considered one of the most challenging exams for school stud...

Article Posted in: Preparation Tips

The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is an English-language examination board recognized by the United Kingdom and offered by many schools around the world. It is considered one of the most challenging exams for school students. Read this IGCSE study guide to learn how you can study for their exams.

What is the best way to study for IGCSE?

Here are some strategies you can use to prepare for IGCSE exams.

Tip 1: Make a plan!

Every good study session begins with a plan. Start preparing for each exam multiple months in advance, rather than cramming it at the last minute. Give each subject enough time, especially the ones you find difficult. If it suits your study patterns, mix things up: alternate between easy and difficult subjects to give yourself a break.

Space study sessions out so you have enough time to attempt practice exams and for revisions as well.

Tip 2: Take notes

One of the most effective ways to learn things long-term is to write them out. So, take detailed notes during your first round of study. Not does this help in memorizing difficult concepts but it also allows you to actively process what you have learned.

Compare the notes you've taken with class notes, as well as notes from your peers and classmates. This will help you identify knowledge gaps you may need to fill.

Make sure you take notes in a way that makes the revision sessions a breeze!

Tip 3: Study with a buddy

Notes aside, friends and classmates can make for great study buddies! Studying for exams, especially if you're doing it remotely or alone, can sometimes affect your motivation. So sometimes it's just good to have company.

A study friend can be someone you have discussions with, a peer reviewer, or someone who just checks in regularly. Wouldn't someone like that be a wonderful ally while preparing for difficult exams?

Tip 4: Look for past papers and study the exam pattern

Look up IGCSE papers from the last few years to study how exams have been conducted in the subjects you have chosen.

Carefully study question types and sample answers. In fact, you can even figure out which sections of the syllabus have been given more weightage in the exam.

Tip 5: Anticipate potential questions

If you want to ace an exam, it's worth getting into the examiner's head a little. Try to predict what kind of questions they are likely to ask in the exam.

Now model practice questions according to the format and see if you can solve them.

Who knows, maybe you might have even predicted the majority of the exam!

Tip 6: Don't skip self-care

All this effort is for nothing if your health takes a hit in the leading up to (or worse, during) the exams. So keep your body healthy with good food and exercise.

Ensure you get a full night's worth of sleep, especially the day before the exam.

Tip 7: Hire a tutor

Studying under a private tutor has many benefits: you learn from a professional who knows the subject really well and they adapt their teaching methods to your study patterns. So not only does this mean that you know the subject inside-out but it also means that you learn it in a way that works for you.

There are many options to find offline and online teachers who can help you prepare for IGCSE exams. If you are looking for an IGCSE tutor in Sharjah or Ajman, visit MyPrivateTutor UAE.

Can I do IGCSE self-study?

Absolutely! In the age of the internet, there are so many online resources you can rely on— from YouTube channels like "Science with Hazel" and CrashCourse to leading educational platforms like Khan Academy. In fact, Cambridge International's website also has some official websites which you can use.

But note that if you’re studying on your own, you’ll have to put in a lot more effort to ensure you’re on par with your peers. This is why we recommend that you study under a private tutor who can guide you regularly and can clear any queries you have through the course of study.

What is the easiest subject in IGCSE?

Each student has their strengths and weaknesses. Objectively speaking, there's no such thing as the "easiest subject" (or the most difficult one). So it's really a matter of what you find easy or difficult.

We will say one thing though: dedicate more study time to the subjects you find complex or difficult.

How many hours a day should I study for IGCSE?

In addition to the classes you're attending, you can study for up to 3-4 hours a day. This may not seem like a lot, but this calculation is assuming that you study every day and you study with great focus. It's also to ensure you have adequate breaks and time to process the information you study. To be fair, this is also subjective, so use this as a basis, and add more hours if you need to.

Another way to go about calculating study time is to block time out based on what you want to study.

Article Posted in: Preparation Tips
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