Once you have a solid command of the subject matter
and material that will be presented on your test, it's time to put in play some
basic test taking strategies that have proven effective for thousands of
students. Remember, you must adapt test-taking strategies to the specific type
of test you're taking.
1.Have a Positive Attitude
Approach the big test as you'd approach a giant jigsaw puzzle. It might be tough, but you can do it! A positive attitude goes a long way toward success.
2. Make a Plan
The week before the test, ask your teacher what the test is going to cover. Is it from the textbook only? Class notes? Can you use your calculator? If you've been absent, talk to friends about material you may have missed. Make a list of the most important topics to be covered and use that as a guide when you study. Circle items that you know will require extra time. Be sure to plan extra time to study the most challenging topics.
3. The Night Before
Cramming doesn't work. If you've followed a study plan, the night before the test you should do a quick review and get to bed early. Remember, your brain and body need sleep to function well, so don't stay up late!
4. The Morning of the Test
Did you know that you think better when you have a full stomach? So don't skip breakfast the morning of the test. Get to school early and do a ten-minute power study right before the test, so your brain is turned on and tuned up.
5. Test Time
Before the test begins, make sure you have everything you'll need - scratch paper, extra pencils, your calculator (if you're allowed to use it). Understand how the test is scored: Do you lose points for incorrect answers? Or is it better to make guesses when you're not sure of the answer? Read the instructions! You want to make sure you are marking answers correctly.
Approach the big test as you'd approach a giant jigsaw puzzle. It might be tough, but you can do it! A positive attitude goes a long way toward success.
2. Make a Plan
The week before the test, ask your teacher what the test is going to cover. Is it from the textbook only? Class notes? Can you use your calculator? If you've been absent, talk to friends about material you may have missed. Make a list of the most important topics to be covered and use that as a guide when you study. Circle items that you know will require extra time. Be sure to plan extra time to study the most challenging topics.
3. The Night Before
Cramming doesn't work. If you've followed a study plan, the night before the test you should do a quick review and get to bed early. Remember, your brain and body need sleep to function well, so don't stay up late!
4. The Morning of the Test
Did you know that you think better when you have a full stomach? So don't skip breakfast the morning of the test. Get to school early and do a ten-minute power study right before the test, so your brain is turned on and tuned up.
5. Test Time
Before the test begins, make sure you have everything you'll need - scratch paper, extra pencils, your calculator (if you're allowed to use it). Understand how the test is scored: Do you lose points for incorrect answers? Or is it better to make guesses when you're not sure of the answer? Read the instructions! You want to make sure you are marking answers correctly.
6. Manage Your Time
Scan through the test quickly before starting. Answering the easy questions first can be a time saver and a confidence builder. Plus, it saves more time in the end for you to focus on the hard stuff.
7. I'm Stuck!
Those tricky problems can knock you off balance. Don't get worried or frustrated. Reread the question to make sure you understand it, and then try to solve it the best way you know how. If you're still stuck, circle it and move on. You can come back to it later. What if you have no idea about the answer? Review your options and make the best guess you can, but only if you don't lose points for wrong answers.
8. Multiple-Choice Questions
The process of elimination can help you choose the correct answer in a multiple-choice question. Start by crossing off the answers that couldn't be right. Then spend your time focusing on the possible correct choices before selecting your answer.
9. Neatness Counts
If your 4s look like 9s, it could be a problem. Be sure that your writing is legible and that you erase your mistakes. For machine-scored tests, fill in the spaces carefully.
10. I'm Done!
Not so fast - when you complete the last item on the test, remember that you're not done yet. First, check the clock and go back to review your answers, making sure that you didn't make any careless mistakes (such as putting the right answer in the wrong place or skipping a question). Spend the last remaining minutes going over the hardest problems before you turn in your test.
Be prepared.
There is no substitute for preparation. If you haven't studied throughout the semester. If you haven't reviewed prior to test day. If you don't know the test material, all the test taking strategies in the world won't save you. Preparation is key.
There is no substitute for preparation. If you haven't studied throughout the semester. If you haven't reviewed prior to test day. If you don't know the test material, all the test taking strategies in the world won't save you. Preparation is key.
Spend as
many hours as necessary to understand the material that will be covered on the
test well enough to achieve a high score.
Since
teachers often slightly modify information on tests to determine if students
have good understanding of concepts, spend time on honing test-taking skills.
Always arrive early and
take a moment to relax.
You'll
increase your confidence if you take time to relax.
You'll be
able to narrow your focus for the upcoming test.
Arriving
early may allow you time to ask any last minutes questions of instructor or
listen to explanations being provided to other students. Some study resource
suggest that it's better to arrive on time to avoid "brain pickers",
student who ask questions right before a test, but we disagree. We believe
there is more to be gained by arriving a little early.
Listen attentively to last minute instructions given by the
instructor.
It is not
uncommon for teachers to alter test details at the last minute.
If you
miss test instructions, test taking anxiety will increase.
If you
miss test instructions, don't be scared to ask for instructions to be repeated.
Do a memory dump.
A memory dump can be a particularly useful strategy for improving performance certain types of tests.
A memory dump can be a particularly useful strategy for improving performance certain types of tests.
As soon as
you begin the test, write down information that you will likely need to know
for the test and you fear you may forget. (ie., formulas, equations, dates,
lists, etc.)
Read the test directions very carefully and watch for details.
Test
questions and directions often contain valuable information. Always read all
directions carefully to ensure you understand what is being asked.
It is not
uncommon to have two correct answers on a multiple choice question. Pay attention
to details.
Frequently,
test instructions will notify students that they only need to complete two
questions, but there will be 5 options.
Plan how you will use the allotted time.
Take a
moment to estimate how must time you'll have for each section of the test and
each question. Allow enough time for more difficult sections or sections that
are weighted more heavily in the final test grade.
Pace
yourself so you can complete the test in the allotted time frame.
Complete
the questions you know first then come back and tackle the problems you're not
sure about after.
Look for cues.
If two
answers are similar, they're usually not the correct answer.
Pay
attention to grammatical matching between the question being asked and answers.
If an answer seems right but doesn't match grammatically with the question, it
probably isn't the correct answer.
Look for
cues from other questions.
Answer all the questions.
Even if you're running out of time and can answer all the questions fully, it's important to answer all questions. Many professors will give partial credit for partially completed questions or if you're able to show your work. (Note: There are some tests in college where you are docked points for guessing. This is rare and usually be announced by the professor prior to the test.)
Even if you're running out of time and can answer all the questions fully, it's important to answer all questions. Many professors will give partial credit for partially completed questions or if you're able to show your work. (Note: There are some tests in college where you are docked points for guessing. This is rare and usually be announced by the professor prior to the test.)
Maintain a positive attitude.
Do not
lose confidence or waste time if you encounter confusing or difficult
questions. Answer the questions you know first.
If you
have no clue about the correct answer, make an educated guess if it will not
count against your score.
Disregard
patterns. It is probably coincidence if a string of multiple choice answers
that you know are correct are "a."
Rely on your first impressions.
The first
answer that pops in your mind is usually the correct answer. Don't change
answers unless you're sure the answer you've chosen is wrong.
It may be
counterproductive to review answers and make changes – especially if you're
struggling to get through the test.
Plan to finish early and have time for review.
Go back
and answer difficult questions after answering easy ones.
If you are
required to complete an essay, review it for spelling and grammatical errors.
Check to
make sure you have completed the entire test. It is not uncommon for questions
to be listed on the opposite side of a page.
Consider every
test a practice session - analyze your performance.
It takes
time and practice to develop effective test taking skills.
To
determine whether your test taking strategies are working, take time to
evaluate your performance after each test.
Be sure to
take note of where you're struggling
Arrange to
meet with teachers to discuss low test scores to determine what you can do to
improve. This is highly recommended if you struggle with essay questions. Make
sure you have enough space to spread your textbooks and notes out. Try and get
rid of all distractions, and make sure you feel as comfortable and able to
focus as possible. For some people, this may mean almost complete silence, for
others, background music
helps. Some of us need everything completely tidy and
organized in order to concentrate, while others thrive in a more cluttered
environment. Think about what works for you, and take the time to get it
right.
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