My Personal O-Level English Study Schedule (and How to Make Your Own)

It has been a while since I took my O Level examinations. I still remember those two gruelling years of upper secondary, where all I did was bury my nose in textbooks, go for CCA, and battle all the issues that come with adolescence. It can be a lot! Therefore, today, I am sharing with you how I studied, my top tips for time management, and ways to study smart for the English O Level! This guide is specifically tailored to aid in your O Level preparation.

Find Out Your Learning Style

First of all, and most importantly, you need to get to know yourself and your learning style. Take a learning style quiz here: https://www.learningstylequiz.com/. This is because at the beginning of upper secondary, my school conducted a workshop where external trainers taught us study skills. I found those really helpful, as knowing my learning style helps inform how I should study so that I retain the most information from the content. Study smart, not hard! I am personally a mix of visual and auditory learner, so I personally love watching videos and documentaries! Understanding your learning style is a crucial first step in effective O Level preparation.

Plan, Plan, Plan

Ever heard of the phrase “fail to plan, and plan to fail”? Although this is overused, I believe there is some truth to every cliché saying. At the beginning of the year, our teachers would run through the syllabus and rubrics for every subject. Similarly for English, we were briefed on what was tested and what to do to score the best marks. I always found it useful to refer to the syllabus and rubrics so I know what to study for! You can find the syllabus documents for all your subjects on the SEAB website. Effective planning is essential for successful O Level preparation.

Time Management

Create a Study Timetable

A structured timetable helps you allocate time efficiently. Divide your study sessions into manageable chunks, such as 45-minute or one-hour study blocks with 10-minute breaks in between. Also, because you would be juggling six, seven, or even eight subjects, be sure to plan ahead which subject or subjects you want to focus on for the day. Dedicate specific days to different components of the English exam (e.g., one day for comprehension, another for writing practice). A well-organised timetable is a cornerstone of good O Level Preparation.

Prioritise Weak Areas

Be honest with yourself—what part of English do you struggle with the most? Is it summary writing, comprehension analysis, or essay structuring? Spend extra time refining those skills while maintaining a balance with other areas.

Set Achievable Goals

Instead of vague goals like “improve in English,” set specific ones, such as “write two practice essays per week” or “memorise 10 useful phrases for composition writing.” These clear targets will make your progress more measurable during your O Level preparation.

Study Tips for O-Level English

Practise Past Papers

The best way to prepare is by familiarising yourself with past exam questions. The SEAB website provides past papers (if your school does not get the ten-year series for you), and you can also source additional practice from assessment books. I did a lot of timed practices, and I found that those were very helpful for exam prep. You can also access other schools’ papers on grail.moe to get more practice. Mark your own work using official answer keys to understand what examiners are looking for.

Read Widely

Reading newspapers (e.g., The Straits Times, The Washington Post), opinion pieces, and well-written articles can help improve your comprehension skills and essay writing. I personally enjoy reading. I read voraciously throughout my primary and secondary school years, allowing me to live in many stories and gain perspectives about the world. My teacher also used to give us loads of articles to read, some even GP essays (e.g., from KS Bull). You don’t necessarily have to write like them (you are not required to!), but pay attention to sentence structures, tone, and argument styles.

Develop Good Comprehension Skills

To develop good comprehension skills, start by reading the questions carefully before looking at the passage. This helps you understand what to focus on while reading. As you go through the passage, highlight keywords in both the questions and the text to make it easier to locate relevant information. When answering, ensure your responses are written in complete sentences and avoid lifting directly from the text without proper explanation. Instead, rephrase the information in your own words to demonstrate a clear understanding of the passage.

Improve Writing with Feedback

Writing regularly is crucial, but getting feedback is even more important. Show your essays to teachers or tutors and take their suggestions seriously. If possible, form a study group where you can critique each other’s work.

Final Thoughts

Studying for O Level English doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With proper time management, structured study methods, and consistent practice, you can improve your skills and achieve great results. Remember, it’s about studying smart, not just hard. Good luck with your O Level preparation!