GCSEasy

Study tools

Simple tools that work with any subject: a revision tracker, a focus timer, a countdown to your exams, the revision methods that actually work, and the command words every paper uses.

Revision tracker

Tap the stopwatch at the top of any page when you start revising, then Stop and save when you finish. You can pause for breaks. Saved only on this device.

Last 7 days

By subject

Recent sessions

    Focus timer

    Work in short, focused blocks with breaks in between. Put your phone in another room.

    Focus
    25:00

    0 focus blocks done today

    My exam countdown

    Add your own exams. They're saved only in this browser, so nobody else sees them.

      Revision methods that work

      Re-reading and highlighting feel productive but don't stick. These do.

      Active recallTest yourself instead of re-reading. Flashcards and exam questions force your brain to retrieve the answer.
      Spaced repetitionCome back to a topic after 1 day, 3 days, then a week. Each return makes it stick for longer.
      InterleavingMix topics in one session instead of doing one topic for hours. It's harder, and that's why it works.
      Past papersDo them timed, mark them with the real mark scheme, then redo what you got wrong.
      BlurtingWrite everything you remember about a topic on blank paper, then check your notes and fill the gaps in another colour.
      SleepYour memory sorts what you learned while you sleep. A late-night cram costs you more than it gains.

      Command words

      The first word of a question tells you what the examiner wants. These mean the same thing in almost every subject.

      WordWhat to do
      State / Give / NameA short answer. No explanation needed.
      DescribeSay what something is like or what happens. No "why".
      ExplainSay why or how. Link your points with "because" and "so".
      CompareSimilarities and differences. Use "whereas".
      SuggestApply what you know to something new. Any sensible answer can score.
      Evaluate / AssessArguments for and against, then a justified conclusion.
      To what extentWeigh up both sides and say how far you agree.
      AnalyseBreak it down and show how the parts link. In English: how language creates an effect.
      CalculateWork out a number. Show working and give units.
      JustifyBack up your answer with evidence or reasons.

      Count the marks: a 3-mark question needs 3 separate points.