Lesson

Studying & Exams

Vocabulary for studying and taking exams

≈ 15 min 8 block(s)

Text

Studying & Exams — Vocabulary

This lesson covers essential vocabulary used when studying, preparing for tests, and taking exams. You'll learn common nouns, verbs and expressions that appear in academic and professional testing contexts.

  • Key words for preparation: revise, study, review, mock exam
  • Terms for evaluation: grade, mark, pass, fail, deadline
  • Academic issues: plagiarism, coursework, revision strategy

Table

Studying & Exams — Reference Table

Term Part of speech Example
syllabus noun The syllabus lists all the readings and deadlines.
revise / review verb I need to revise chapter 3 before the test.
mock exam noun The department organised a mock exam to prepare students.
deadline noun Submit your report before the deadline next Friday.
plagiarism noun The university penalises plagiarism seriously.
procrastination noun Procrastination can harm your revision schedule.
coursework noun The coursework counts for 40% of the final grade.
grade / mark noun She received a high grade on the final exam.

Tip

Key tips for using study vocabulary

Memorise collocations and appropriate registers:

  • Use 'revise' or 'review' for preparing material before tests.
  • 'Mock exam' means a practice test that simulates the real exam.
  • Use 'deadline' for submission dates and 'due date' as a synonym.
  • Use 'plagiarism' when referring to copying someone else's work.

Match the word to the task: planning, practising, submitting, or reporting

Example

Examples in context

I reviewed the syllabus to check the exam format.

We sat a mock exam to practice our timing.

Please submit your coursework by the deadline.

The committee detected plagiarism in his report.

Tip

Common mistakes to avoid

Watch out for these universal learner errors:

  • Using the wrong collocation (e.g., 'do a coursework' instead of 'do coursework' or 'complete coursework').
  • Confusing countable and uncountable nouns (e.g., 'many homework' is incorrect).
  • Misusing articles with general academic terms (e.g., 'the homework' vs 'homework').
  • Using informal verbs in formal contexts (e.g., 'cheat' vs 'commit plagiarism' in reports).

Focus on collocations, countability, article use, and register to sound natural

Quiz

Which word best completes the sentence: "I have to _____ my notes before the exam."

Hint: Think about a verb meaning to review study material

Quiz

Complete: He was expelled for _____.

Hint: Think about academic dishonesty involving copying another person's work

Quiz

Which sentence is correct?

Hint: Consider countable vs uncountable nouns

Key Points

Vocabulary

syllabus

noun CEFR B1 //ˈsɪləbəs//

An outline of the subjects in a course of study or teaching.

The professor uploaded the syllabus on the course page.

Vocabulary

revise

verb CEFR B1 //rɪˈvaɪz//

To study material again in order to prepare for an exam.

She needs to revise the presentation before the assessment.

Vocabulary

mock exam

noun CEFR B2 //mɒk ɪɡˈzæm//

A practice exam that simulates the conditions of an actual test.

Attending the mock exam helped them manage time better.

Vocabulary

deadline

noun CEFR B1 //ˈdɛdlaɪn//

The latest time or date by which something should be completed.

The project deadline is next Wednesday at 5 PM.

Vocabulary

plagiarism

noun CEFR B2 //ˈpleɪdʒərɪzəm//

The practice of taking someone else's work or ideas and passing them off as one's own.

The paper was rejected due to plagiarism.

Vocabulary

procrastination

noun CEFR B2 //prəʊkræstɪˈneɪʃən//

The action of delaying or postponing tasks.

Procrastination made it hard for him to meet the coursework deadline.

Vocabulary

coursework

noun CEFR B1 //ˈkɔːswɜːk//

Work assigned to and done by a student during a course of study.

Coursework contributes to the final grade in many modules.

Vocabulary

grade

noun CEFR B1 //ɡreɪd//

A score or mark given for a student's performance.

She was pleased with her final grade in the course.