The man thinks that to prepare for the exams, the first thing is to figure out__

M: Hi, Jeannie. How’s it going?
W: Hi, Dan. Pretty well, thanks. How can I prepare for the coming exams?
M: Well, (5)the first thing is to find out exactly what’s required in the exams.
W: Right, I’ve done that. Then what?
M: Then you can sort out your revision priorities, based on what’s most likely to come up.
W: Do you write them down?
M: Yeah, I put these on a card, and read them through regularly.
W:(7)I’ve done that before, but it hasn’t helped me!
M: You also need a timetable, to see how you can fit everything in, in the time available. Then keep it in front of you while you’re studying.
W: Good idea.
M: Maybe you need to do something different everyday, (6)so if you break down your revision into small tasks, and allocate them to specific days, there’s more incentive to tackle them.
W: Oh, yeah. I also find that with big topics I’m more likely to put off starting.
M: And as I revise each topic I write a single paragraph about it—then later I can read it through quickly, and it helps fix things in my mind.
W: That’s brilliant. I’ll try. Thanks a lot. That’s great help.
M: No problem.
W: See you around.
M: Bye.