If you are trying to look up the answer to every question as it comes up, it will become more and more difficult to finish the exams successfully in the time available because the course material is cumulative and concepts and terms build upon each other.

  ***To relieve much of the test-stress, here’s what you should do:***
(I recommend printing this page for reference)

Learn the basics of the 3 foundation sub-topics in Geology

1. The Geologic Time Scale
2. Plate Tectonics
3. The 3 basic rock groups (e.g., igneous) and their common rock types (e.g, granite)

  1. Memorize the basics of the Geologic Time Scale (GTS)
If you simply memorize this, then whenever these questions come up on an exam, they will be easy for you and you will complete them quickly and confidently – allowing you to spend more time on other, more challenging questions on other topics.
        -- use the Green Study Guide for the outline and basics of the GTS
        -- Memorize the names of the basic eras, eons and periods.
        -- Memorize the ages/dates at the beginning and end of the basic time divisions
        -- Memorize the basic events and important forms of life
            (e.g., when did trilobites live?  What happened at the end of the Paleozoic?)

2. Learn and understand the basics of Plate Tectonics
Plate Tectonics is the backdrop for most geologic interpretations in almost every setting; consequently, plate tectonic ramifications are discussed in almost every chapter of the text.  For example, types of volcanoes are dependent on the type of plate tectonic setting.  Similarly, earthquakes and seismic risk are correlated to plate tectonic setting.
         -- understand the geology of the 3 basic types of plate edges/environments and hot spots
             (where the earthquakes, volcanoes and mountains occur, Benioff Zones, etc.)
         -- know how to figure out the basic geology of any location on earth using maps
              that show the locations of trenches, the MOR, earthquakes, mountains, volcanoes, etc
              (these maps are in your text).

  3. Learn the basic/common rock types in each of the three major rock groups.
        -- Igneous Rocks: make a chart that shows you which rocks are plutonic (instrusive),
              volcanic (extrusive), sialic, mafic, felsic, etc.  Make sure that you also include rocks
               such as andesite, pumice, scoria, obsidian, etc.
        -- Sedimentary Rocks: make a chart/list that shows you which rocks are clastic (detrital)
              and which are chemical (monominerallic).  Identify which are biogenic (biochemical)
                and which are precipitated.
        -- Metamorphic Rocks: make a chart/list that shows you which rocks are foliated
             and which are non-foliated.  Identify which rocks metamorphose into which other rocks.

  If you learn/memorize these charts and lists, then you will find the exams much, much easier to complete… and this will ultimately reduce your test stress dramatically… which will leave time to deal with other questions which may require analytical thinking or problem-solving.