Today, many students still doubt the importance of IB mock exams. But as it stands, their importance is paramount to scoring high on the final exam. Not only do they provide essential practice, but they also recreate the experience for students to familiarise themselves with the real deal. Moreover, mocks serve as a way for students to gauge their preparedness and know which areas they fall short on and need more work. And finally, preparing for mock exams is the ideal opportunity to optimise your revision strategies. To help make the most of this one chance, check out this overview on effectively preparing for mocks and, ultimately, the final exam.
1. Treat mocks like your final exams
From your revision to your moments while sitting during the papers, mock exams are as much a practice as it is a review of your study methods. Putting your 100% towards every single mock exam will make sure that you know where you effectively stand in your understanding of your subjects.
Much of our education comes in the form of receiving and retaining what we have learned in classes. While homework and projects are meant for us to internalise these and replicate them for our teachers to give us feedback on, exams are their own unique challenges where students must do all these while under stressful exam conditions. Getting a routine and learning how to be mentally prepared for these mocks will ensure that you will not freeze up or encounter mental blocks when it counts during your final exams.
2. Emphasise active recall
Rather than utilising short-term memorising, practising active recall can help you stay prepared for exams in the long run. This not only saves you extra time in the years to come – but it also gives you a better foundation to build and work on to score for your exams.
Active recall serves as the critical component to correctly explaining concepts to others as well as answering past paper questions. Flashcards are an excellent way to incorporate active recall into your studies, and many apps like Quizlet or Anki make it easier to adopt. Whether you choose to use digital or physical flashcards, remember that the most important thing is enabling your brain to consistently bring up the information you need to learn and internalise.
3. Embrace and learn from mistakes
The purpose of mock exams is to give students a taste of how the final exam will play out, making them an invaluable learning experience. In essence, it is much better to make mistakes during these mocks as you can learn from them and prepare accordingly for the exams and tests that matter.
It isn’t just about the exams scores and grades only either. Unable to recall information you have already studied? Maybe it’s time to change your revision and active recall methods. Lack of time to finish your paper? Learn how to push yourself to finish your practice papers within a set time limit. Calculators or pens not working during the tests? Bring extras so you won’t be caught unprepared. What matters is that you reflect on these mistakes and learn from them, so they do not happen during the final exam.
Final word
The experience and lessons that students can gain from IB mock exams should not be underestimated. It isn’t just “another random test” but a tool meant to be used for the benefit of the students to do well in their overall education.
Aside from all these study habits, there are also various study tips and methods that our students engage in at Quintessential Education. Our experienced IB tutors are here to help if you need extra help in guidance, be it IB mock exams or any other areas that most students need more help in. Start today and we will assist you to get the academic success you deserve and desire.
