Alternative Revision Ideas

Revision doesn’t have to mean hours of reading notes or memorising quotes. There are plenty of creative and effective ways to revise that can make learning more engaging, help you remember information better, and reduce stress. Here are some alternative revision ideas to try.

1. Mind Maps and Visual Organisers

Mind maps are a great way to organise ideas visually. Instead of writing linear notes, draw a central theme in the middle of a page and branch out with key points, quotes, or character traits. For example, for Macbeth, you could put “Lady Macbeth” in the middle and branch out with her quotes, actions, and development across the play. Using colour, symbols, or pictures can make the information easier to remember.

2. Flashcards

Flashcards are a flexible revision tool. You can write a key quote, term, or concept on one side and the explanation or analysis on the other. They’re perfect for self-testing or quizzing a friend. You can even make them digital using apps like Quizlet, which can add games, audio, and spaced repetition to improve memory.

3. Roleplay and Teaching Others

Acting out scenes or teaching a topic to someone else can help consolidate understanding. For literature, try performing a short scene from a play or novel and discuss the character’s motivations. For example, act as Scrooge explaining why he called Christmas “humbug” or as the Inspector questioning the Birlings. Teaching someone else forces you to explain ideas clearly and ensures you really understand them.

4. Record Yourself

Use your phone or computer to record yourself reading key quotes, summarising plot points, or explaining themes. Listening back can reinforce learning, and it’s especially useful for auditory learners. You can also create audio quizzes for yourself, asking questions aloud and pausing to give the answer.

5. Revision Games

Gamifying revision can make it more fun and memorable. Some ideas include:

• Jeopardy-style quizzes: Categories could include “Quotes,” “Character Traits,” or “Themes.”

• Memory match: Match quotes to characters, events, or analysis.

• Revision bingo: Create a bingo card with key topics, and tick them off as you revise.

Games make revision interactive and can help reduce the stress of studying.

6. Post-it Notes Around the House

Write key ideas, quotes, or terms on post-it notes and stick them in places you’ll see often—on your mirror, fridge, or door. Every time you see them, say the quote or concept out loud. This uses repetition in a natural way and helps with long-term memory.

7. Timed Challenges

Set a timer for 5–10 minutes and see how many key quotes, definitions, or plot points you can write down from memory. These timed challenges are useful for exam practice because they mimic the pressure of answering questions under time constraints. You can make them more challenging by increasing the number of points or reducing the time.

8. Storyboards and Comic Strips

For literature, creating a storyboard or comic strip of key scenes can be helpful. Summarising events visually forces you to think about the sequence of events, the motivations of characters, and key quotes. This works especially well for plays like Romeo and Juliet or Macbeth, where actions and dialogue drive the plot.

9. Revision Walks

Combine exercise with revision by going for a walk and talking through ideas out loud. For example, explain character development or key themes as you walk. This method is good for active learners and can help reduce stress while still being productive.

10. Mindful Reflection

Spend a few minutes at the end of each revision session reflecting on what you’ve learned. Ask yourself questions like: “What do I feel confident about?” and “What do I need to revisit?” Writing a short reflection helps consolidate learning and identify areas to focus on next.

11. Use Music or Mnemonics

Mnemonics are memory aids that can make memorising quotes or facts easier. For example, creating an acronym from the first letters of character traits or themes. You can also create a song or rhythm for a set of quotes or events—it may sound silly, but it works surprisingly well for memory.

12. Group Revision

Revising with friends can be highly effective if structured properly. You can quiz each other, discuss themes, or debate character motivations. Just make sure the group stays focused and sets clear goals. Peer discussion often helps uncover new perspectives and understanding.

Revision doesn’t have to be boring. Using a range of techniques—from visual organisers and flashcards to roleplay and timed challenges—can make studying more engaging and effective. Mixing different methods also helps target different learning styles, whether you are visual, auditory, or kinesthetic. Experiment with these alternative revision ideas and find the ones that work best for you. Revision can be productive, creative, and even enjoyable if you approach it with variety and intention.