An error log is a short record of mistakes from practice. Its purpose is not to collect every wrong answer forever. It helps you notice repeated patterns and decide what to fix.
What an error log is for
An error log is a short record of mistakes from practice. Its purpose is not to collect every wrong answer forever. It helps you notice repeated patterns and decide what to fix.
Keep the fields simple
A practical log can use five columns: date or paper, topic, what went wrong, error type and next action. Add the correct principle or method only when it will help you recognise the same issue later.
Record the cause, not just the answer
Writing “Question 8 wrong” is not useful. Writing “used percentage increase when the question asked for percentage of the final amount” tells you what needs attention.
Include correct guesses and uncertain answers
A lucky correct answer can hide a weakness. If you guessed, used an unreliable method or were unable to explain why the answer was correct, record it for review.
Review patterns regularly
Once a week, scan the log for repeated topics or error types. Three unit mistakes suggest a checking habit. Repeated conceptual errors suggest revision and targeted practice.
Retire problems that are genuinely fixed
The log should change over time. When you can consistently handle a previously weak pattern, mark it as improved and focus attention on current weaknesses.
Put it into practice
Good study advice becomes useful only when it changes what you do. Choose one small action from this guide and test it in your next study or practice session. Then use the result to decide whether to keep, adjust or replace the approach.
- Can I explain the main idea without looking at my notes?
- Have I practised applying it rather than only reading about it?
- What evidence from my recent work shows what I should do next?
Effective preparation is not about making every session perfect. It is about using feedback from your own work to make the next session more focused.
Put the Strategy Into Practice
Use an ExamDecoded learning hub, then review what worked and what needs another attempt.