How to Build an Error Log That You Will Actually Use

An error log is a notebook or spreadsheet where you record every mistake. Its value comes from seeing patterns that single tests hide.

Five columns

• Date and test name
• Topic or question type
• Cause: concept, formula, calculation, misread or time
• The correct method in a line
• Action: what you will do about it

Keep it small

If the log takes more than 15 minutes after each test, you will stop using it. Record only mistakes worth learning from.

Review every week

Sort the entries by topic and cause. If "calculation" is your top cause, work on speed drills. If one topic appears ten times, schedule time to relearn it. This is how a log turns into a study plan.

Connect to revision

Use the log as the source for your revision notes and your spaced review: spaced repetition works well with it. Use the checklist in how to review incorrect questions to decide what goes in.

The best way to fill your log is to take regular tests. Start with a few from the free mock tests list.