* Announcements and syllabus: Pay close attention to what the teacher explicitly says will be on the test. Syllabi often outline topics covered in each exam. Any in-class announcements are even more crucial.
* Assignments and homework: Tests often reflect the material covered in assignments. If you struggled with a particular concept on a homework assignment, it's likely to appear on the test.
* Class notes: Thoroughly review your notes from lectures and discussions. Teachers often emphasize key concepts and ideas during class.
* Readings: Make sure you understand the main points and arguments presented in assigned readings.
* Practice problems/quizzes: If the teacher provided practice problems or quizzes, those are excellent indicators of the test's format and content. They are essentially mini-tests!
* Examples and explanations from class: The examples the teacher uses to explain concepts are likely to appear in a slightly altered form on the test.
* Recurring themes and concepts: Identify the overarching themes and concepts that the teacher repeatedly emphasizes. These are usually the most important material.
Essentially, it's about identifying the patterns and focusing on the material the teacher has explicitly highlighted as important. Don't just passively absorb information; actively engage with the material and try to understand the underlying principles. That's far more effective than trying to guess what the teacher *might* put on the test.