Reviews

Writing as another grannie – found this book breathtaking. Started reading at 11.00 p.m. couldn’t put it down until I finished it. Wish I could go back to school and follow the advice implicitly. Well done and good luck to the author,Dr Denise Gossage.

This is a really good book that breaks exam revision down into 4 simple steps that are easy to follow. It covers how to revise and how to do well in the exam so basically everything you need to know in one book. I already knew about quite a few of the techniques but not exactly how to do them. It tells you exactly what you need to do but not in too much detail so it’s a quick read. Quite light-hearted and funny in parts so less boring to read than the subject revision guides.

Awesome guide! It helped me get my head around revision and made me realise where I’ve been going wrong. I hadn’t thought about my revision as different stages before but now it makes so much sense and less daunting. I liked the tips from the students that got A’s and got into Oxford uni.

This book is exactly what we were looking for; a simple and practical revision guide that walks a student through each step of the process without becoming tedious or condescending.

Its written really well and the PUMP steps are easy to understand and follow. It puts all of the things that I remember helping me during exam times into an approach that a teen can read without feeling that their parents are lecturing them into revising.

Couple of other things that are really nice about this book. The author has filled every chapter with her personality which means that an otherwise dry description of revision timetables becomes quite readable. Also, some nice anecdotes and personal stories help break up the chapters and keep it interesting as well as instructive.

The best thing about it is that a simple and inspirational message runs throughout; “If I get an pass exams, so can you”. You might think I’m being cheesy when I say ‘inspirational’ but read the introduction from the author where she tells her own story and you’ll know exactly what I mean!

Top book to give any teen who is about to start exams; should be included in the National Curriculum.

Dr. Gossage has outlined a clear path to effective learning. No additional items need be purchased, no study partners need be found, and no complicated procedures need following. Your own notes, your own mind, and your own time are all that are required.
Her process PUMP (Plan, Understand, Memorise, Practise) is one that successful students follow intuitively. It boils down to read, revise, revise, revise, and repeat.
Succinct quotations from successful students and pertinent personal anecdotes help connect her advice to different learning styles. The layout uses text boxes, shading, and charts to highlight key points.
Having graduated university, worked as a free-lance writer, taught high school, and worked as a teaching consultant, I have used and read many study guides. This guide best reflects my own learning process. From the time I was in elementary school to my most recent lesson preparation, I have followed a process very similar to Dr. Gossages’ process of reducing large bodies of information to smaller and smaller units until I fully integrated the information into my understanding.
Dr. Gossage provides helpful hints and suggestions on how to make the most of your studying at each stage. No matter what your level, this book can help you improve your learning. Whether studying for your high school finals or trying for a machine operator’s license, these strategies can help you achieve your best score.