Exam study stationery: highlighters, sticky notes and flags

Exam season comes fast. Students in Qatar's schools and universities spend many evenings with books and notes. The right stationery will not study for you, but it makes revision faster, clearer and less stressful. Here is a simple kit that really helps.

1. Highlighters: use colours with a plan

Highlighters are great, but only if you do not colour the whole page. Pick a simple colour code and stick to it:

• Yellow for key points and definitions.
• Green for formulas, dates and numbers.
• Pink or orange for things you keep forgetting.
• Blue for examples.

A pack of four or more colours is enough. Highlight after you read a paragraph, not while reading, so you only mark what really matters.

2. Sticky notes: your memory helpers

Sticky notes come in many sizes. Small squares are good for one word or one formula. Bigger ruled notes give space for a short summary.

• Write one question on the front of a note and test yourself.
• Stick key formulas on your desk, mirror or wardrobe so you see them every day.
• Put a summary note at the start of each chapter.

3. Index flags: find pages fast

Index flags are thin, coloured strips that stick out of the book. Use them to mark chapters, important pages or questions you want to ask the teacher. Unlike folding the corner, they do not damage the book and you can move them.

4. A notebook just for revision

Keep one notebook only for revision notes. Write short summaries in your own words, one topic per page. Subject notebooks with tabs are handy if you revise many subjects at once.

5. Pens, pencils and correction

• Two or three good pens that you like writing with. Read our ball pen or gel pen guide.
• Pencils and an eraser for maths, diagrams and drawing.
• Correction tape for neat notes. Check your exam rules before you take correction tape or fluid into the exam hall, because some schools do not allow it.

6. A tidy desk

A pencil case or desk organiser keeps everything in one place, so you do not lose ten minutes looking for a pen. Keep only what you need for today's subject on the desk.

Simple study tips

1. Study in short blocks, then take a short break.
2. Turn your notes into questions and test yourself.
3. Practise past papers with a timer.
4. Sleep well the night before the exam.

Shopping for the whole family?

If you are buying for several children, see our full school stationery list. You can send one list and get everything in one delivery.

Order study stationery in Doha

Browse highlighters, sticky notes, index flags, notebooks, correction pens and tapes and erasers.

Have a list from school? Send it on WhatsApp. Raifa Centre is in Doha with branches in Barwa Village and Matar Qadeem, delivers across Qatar and accepts cash on delivery.

Cover photo: Two highlighters, closeup by J.smith, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.