I very rarely studied for English, possibly due to my severe hatred of the subject. But two or three days before any exam/assessment, I'd be writing notes on my texts, their contexts, techniques etc. In my opinion, memorising an essay is NOT a good way to study, because if you're asked to write a feature article or something apart from an essay/speech format, you're kinda stuffed. Have an idea of what you want to write, and elaborate on that by making strong, clear points which can be inserted into any text type.
Wishing I did Standard, Advanced was shit and I was forced to do it against my will...