Good studying starts with good information. Before an exam, you want to know what it covers, how long it is, what kind of questions it has and what you can bring. Some of this is on the syllabus. The rest you ask the professor, at the end of class or in office hours, or you ask a classmate.
Professors expect these questions, so don't feel shy. Keep each one short and specific. "What will the exam cover?" is better than "What do I need to know?", which sounds like you want the answers. A good time to ask is the last class before the exam, when many professors leave time for questions anyway.
One useful word: a cumulative exam covers everything from the whole semester, not only the newest part.
Phrases
asks which topics are on the exam
asks if it covers the whole semester
asks for the time you have
asks for the room; it's often not your usual one
asks what you may bring in
asks about a meeting to prepare together
asks for examples of real questions
asks how much it counts toward your grade
checks if the information is posted somewhere
asks a classmate for help with the place
Say it out loud
Tap a sentence to hear it. Say it after the voice.
Practice · 3 min
Ask the question that fits.
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Say it today
Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.