Understand the structure of the exam
The most important thing to know before you start studying for the Environmental Science exam is what the exam is made up of.
Buy a review book
While textbooks are a great way to learn information, they are simply not enough. Textbooks give details, specifics, and an in depth view of environmental science, while review books focus on the topics you need to know for the exam. Review books also come with sample questions, diagnostic tests, overviews of essential topics, and other strategies for taking the exam.
Watch the news daily
Sometimes, learning only from the textbook or a review book won’t give you adequate examples to use on the exam. That’s where the news comes in. If you watch the news daily, or read about current events involving the environment, you are building up an arsenal of potential examples to use in your FRQs. Even better, supplementing your learning with current events will help you remember certain topics and key concepts, without having to rely on rote memorization.
Check out TED Talks
Along the same lines as watching the news, TED Talks are an excellent way to digest information. TED Talks have a way of making you feel excited about something you may have been uninterested in before. There are a wide variety of environmental TED Talks, ranging from pollution to food waste, and from biodiversity to natural resources.
Focus on pollution
When in doubt, study pollution. According to the CollegeBoard, 25% to 35% of all multiple-choice questions are related to pollution (impact on the environment, economic impact, pollution types, sustainability, etc.). Spend some extra time studying pollution and make sure you have an expansive knowledge of it.