Past Questions vs Lecture Notes: Which One Helps More in University Exams?

As university examinations approach, many students face the same question: should you spend more time reading lecture notes or practising past questions?

Lecture notes help you understand what you have been taught, while past questions help you practise how to apply that knowledge during an examination. Both are useful, but knowing when to use each can make your preparation more effective.

Here is how to decide what to focus on and how to use both resources to your advantage.

1. Lecture Notes Help You Understand the Subject

Lecture notes are usually the best place to start when you are learning a topic or trying to understand a concept.

They explain the ideas, definitions, examples, and principles covered in your course. Your lecturer's notes can also help you identify the topics you are expected to understand before your examination.

Use lecture notes when:

• You are studying a topic for the first time.

• You need to understand a difficult concept.

• You want to review what your lecturer covered in class.

• You need to fill gaps in your knowledge.

If your notes are incomplete or difficult to understand, you can explore additional textbooks, summaries, and study guides on Jackobian.

You can purchase available materials or look for resources marked Open Access. Eligible Open Access materials can be unlocked by completing a sponsored task, such as watching an advert or completing a survey. Once unlocked, you have a 48-hour access window with up to two hours of reading time.

2. Past Questions Help You Practise for Exams

Past questions give you an opportunity to test what you have learned.

They help you become familiar with different question formats, practise answering under time pressure, and identify topics you still need to revise.

Use past questions when:

• You have covered the main topics in your course.

• You want to test your understanding.

• You need to practise writing answers within a time limit.

• You want to identify areas that require more attention.

You can look for relevant past questions through your department, course representatives, student associations, and educational platforms such as Jackobian, where available.

However, do not rely on past questions alone. Previous examinations cannot guarantee which questions will appear next, and memorising answers without understanding the subject can leave you unprepared for unfamiliar questions.

3. So, Which One Should You Read First?

For most students, start with lecture notes, then practise with past questions.

Here is a simple approach:

Step 1: Review the topic. Read your lecture notes and make sure you understand the main ideas.

Step 2: Test yourself. Attempt past questions related to that topic without looking at your notes.

Step 3: Check your mistakes. Identify the questions you could not answer correctly.

Step 4: Revise weak areas. Return to your notes or use an additional study resource to understand what you missed.

Step 5: Practise again. Answer similar questions to check whether your understanding has improved.

This method helps you use past questions to guide your revision rather than treating them as a replacement for learning.

4. What If Your Examination Is Very Close?

If you have only a few days left, you may need to combine both resources more strategically.

Start by checking your course outline and identifying the major topics. Review your notes on those topics, then use past questions to test your understanding.

If you struggle with a question, revisit the relevant topic instead of memorising the answer immediately.

You can also use concise revision guides or summaries to review key concepts, provided they match your course and do not leave out important information.

Avoid spending all your time reading passively. Set aside time to practise answering questions, too.

5. Where Can You Find Materials for Your Revision?

Preparing for examinations is easier when your resources are organised and accessible.

Jackobian is one place to explore available lecture notes, textbooks, summaries, study guides, and past questions.

You can buy the resources you need or access selected Open Access materials by completing a sponsored task. Check the details of each material to confirm its availability and whether it matches your course.

You can also check your university's learning portal, consult your lecturer, and ask your department where to find relevant past questions.

Final Thoughts

Lecture notes and past questions serve different purposes. Lecture notes help you build understanding, while past questions help you test that understanding and prepare for the examination format.

Rather than choosing one and ignoring the other, use both as part of your revision plan.

Need additional materials for your next examination? Visit Jackobian to explore available study resources and choose the access option that works for you.