You’ve come a long way to reach your Grade 12 year – now it’s time to finish strong. The final exams may feel overwhelming, but success isn’t about luck or last-minute cramming. It’s about smart preparation, consistency, and balance.
You don’t have to do this alone. AI tools like ChatGPT can be your personal study assistant – helping you understand tricky concepts, create study materials, and actually make studying less painful.
We asked our current students for their best study tips (check out our TikTok video here) and we’re sharing some AI prompts that actually work.
Create a Study Schedule
Copy this prompt: I have the following matric exams: [list each subject and its exam date, e.g., “Maths Paper 1 on 5 Nov, Maths Paper 2 on 7 Nov, English Paper 1 on 10 Nov”]. My weakest subjects are [list subjects you struggle with most]. I can study for [number] hours per day. Create a realistic study timetable that prioritises subjects based on exam dates and gives more time to my weaker subjects.
Break Down Complex Topics
Copy this prompt: Explain [topic, e.g., “photosynthesis” or “Shakespeare’s themes in Hamlet”] to me like I’m 18 and preparing for my matric exams. Use simple language, real-world examples, and break it into easy sections.
Create Practice Questions
Copy this prompt: I’m studying [subject and topic]. Generate 10 practice questions with answers that match the South African matric exam format. Include multiple choice, short answer, and one essay question.
Simplify Your Textbook
Copy this prompt: I’m reading this passage from my textbook but I don’t understand it. Can you explain it in simpler terms and give me an example? [paste confusing passage]
Memory Tricks & Mnemonics
Copy this prompt: Help me remember [specific facts, formulas, or lists] by creating memorable mnemonics or memory tricks.
The Bottom Line
AI won’t write your exams for you (and it shouldn’t), but it can help you understand material faster, study more efficiently, and feel more confident going into exam season.
Good luck with your exams. You’ve got this.
