Review Your Mistakes
Learn
Reviewing mistakes is one of the most powerful ways to improve your test scores. Every error is an opportunity to strengthen your understanding and avoid similar mistakes in the future.
Why Mistake Review Matters
- Targeted improvement: Focus your study time on areas where you actually need help
- Pattern recognition: Identify recurring weaknesses across multiple practice tests
- Deeper understanding: Moving beyond "I got it wrong" to "I understand why"
- Confidence building: Knowing you've addressed your weak spots reduces anxiety
The Error Log System
Create an error log with these columns for each mistake:
- Question type: (e.g., main idea, grammar, algebra)
- My answer: What you chose
- Correct answer: The right choice
- Why I was wrong: Your reasoning error
- Lesson learned: What to do differently next time
Examples
Example Error Log Entry
Question type: Inference
My answer: B - The author disagrees with the policy
Correct answer: C - The author is neutral about the policy
Why I was wrong: I assumed the author's description of problems meant disapproval, but the author was just presenting facts
Lesson learned: Distinguish between describing problems and taking a position. Look for opinion words like "unfortunately" or "wisely"
Practice Quiz
Test your understanding with these 10 questions. Click on each question to reveal the answer.
1. What is the main purpose of keeping an error log?
Answer: To track patterns in your mistakes, understand why you made errors, and create targeted study plans for improvement.
2. You notice you've missed 5 comma questions in the last 3 practice tests. What should you do?
Answer: This pattern indicates a knowledge gap in comma rules. Dedicate focused study time to comma usage, then practice more comma-specific questions before your next full test.
3. What is the difference between a "content" mistake and a "process" mistake?
Answer: A content mistake means you didn't know the material (e.g., a grammar rule). A process mistake means you knew the content but made an error in approach (e.g., misread the question, rushed, or second-guessed yourself).
4. How soon after a practice test should you review your mistakes?
Answer: Within 24-48 hours is ideal, while the test experience is still fresh. This helps you remember your thought process for each question.
5. You got a question right but weren't sure of your answer. Should you still review it?
Answer: Yes! If you weren't confident, you might have guessed correctly. Understanding why the answer is right ensures you can get similar questions right consistently.
6. What should you do if you keep making the same type of mistake even after reviewing it?
Answer: Go deeper. Review the underlying concept from scratch, try different learning resources, and do intensive drill practice on that specific skill until it becomes automatic.
7. How can you tell if a mistake was due to time pressure vs. lack of knowledge?
Answer: When reviewing, ask: "If I had unlimited time, would I have gotten this right?" If yes, it's a time/process issue. If no, it's a knowledge gap that needs study.
8. What does it mean to "learn from your correct answers"?
Answer: Review what strategy worked, why it worked, and how to apply it to similar questions. Reinforcing successful approaches is just as valuable as correcting errors.
9. You missed a question because you misread "NOT" in the question stem. What type of mistake is this?
Answer: This is a process/careless mistake. The fix is to slow down and underline or circle key words like "NOT," "EXCEPT," "BEST," and "LEAST" as you read questions.
10. How often should you review your error log?
Answer: Review before each new practice test to remind yourself of past patterns. Also do a comprehensive review weekly to identify overall trends and adjust your study plan.
Check Your Understanding
You should now be able to:
- Create and maintain an effective error log
- Distinguish between content and process mistakes
- Identify patterns in your errors
- Turn mistakes into targeted study plans
Next Steps
- Review any concepts that felt challenging
- Move on to the next lesson when ready
- Return to practice problems periodically for review