Overview
This lecture introduces the "reverse study" technique for exam preparation, focusing on practicing past questions before studying theory to improve results and retention.
What Is Reverse Study?
- Reverse study means starting exam preparation by practicing past questions, not reading the syllabus or official notice first.
- Instead of following the exam notice item by item, you study actual questions from previous exams for your field.
- Use past papers from the same examining board, even if from different cities or dates, to understand question patterns and topics.
Steps to Apply Reverse Study
- Find the latest exam board responsible for your field or exam.
- Search for previous questions from that board and role using question bank websites.
- Begin by attempting questions, even if you haven't studied the topic before.
- After making mistakes, focus your theory review on those specific weak areas.
Key Benefits and Rationale
- Making mistakes while answering questions highlights your knowledge gaps, helping your brain focus on learning the most important material.
- Past questions often repeat, so studying them gives you an advantage when similar questions appear on your actual exam.
- Learning from mistakes is more effective than passive theory reading, since you are actively correcting misunderstandings.
Practical Example
- For a traffic agent exam, the lecturer practiced past Portuguese and math questions, focusing on what examiners usually ask.
- A frequently repeated question was about placing a warning triangle 30 meters behind a broken-down car, which appeared on multiple exams.
- Traffic offense questions often focus on drinking and driving, a commonly tested topic discovered through reverse study.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Reverse Study — Starting exam prep by practicing past questions before learning the theory.
- Exam Board — The institution responsible for organizing and setting the exam.
- Hyper-focus — Concentrated attention on topics you frequently answer incorrectly.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Identify and gather past exam questions from the relevant exam board.
- Attempt questions, note mistakes, and review theory specifically on those weak points.
- Use platforms like Q Concursos to access a wide range of past questions.