If the test covers literature–poetry, prose, fiction, essays, etc., –then the elements may include rhyme, meter, alliteration, assonance, sonnet, free style, ballad, etc. for poetry, plus style, diction, vocabulary, voice (first person, third person), plot, statement of objective, summary or conclusion, thesis, coloring, foreshadowing, etc. In addition, it helps to know something about the author.

If the test covers English grammar, then you need to focus on sentence construction–subject, predicate, placement of verbs, adverbs, nouns, articles, prepositions, etc.

English, as a school subject, covers a lot of different areas and material. By knowing the specific aspects or elements of the material covered, you are well on your way in preparing for the exam. Approach the matter as you would an outline–from broad to more specific. Concentrate first on learning how the outline fits together and then study the various parts in descending order.