Test Taking Strategies
General Guidelines
1. Gathering knowledge of the truth is the best preparation for tests. * Concentrated hours of effective study to force facts into your memory is the best way to prepare for any test. * However, teachers often try to test your memory of the material by slightly altering it. In this case, practice and some test-taking skill will help.
2. Always arrive early and take a moment to relax and reduce your anxiety. * This brief time period will boost your confidence * Use this time to focus your mind and think positive thoughts.
3. Listen attentively to last minute instructions given by the instructor. * Teachers often last minute changes. * Missing instruction causes extreme anxiety.
4. Read the test directions very carefully and watch for details. * You may find that more than one answer may be possible on multiple choice. * A key detail may require only three out of the five essay questions.
5. Plan how you will use the allotted time. * Estimate how many minutes you will need to finish each test section. * Determine a pace which will ensure completing the whole test on time. * Start with the easiest section to build your confidence.
6. Maintain a positive attitude. * Don.t let more difficult questions your raise anxiety and steal your valuable time. Move on and find success with other questions. * If you are not penalized for wrong answers, guess and move on. * Avoid watching for patterns. Noticing that the last four answers are "c" is not a good reason to stop, go back, and break concentration.
7. Rely on your first impressions. * The answer which comes to mind first is often correct. * Nervously reviewing questions and changing answers can do more harm than good.
8. Plan to finish early and have time for review.
1. Gathering knowledge of the truth is the best preparation for tests. * Concentrated hours of effective study to force facts into your memory is the best way to prepare for any test. * However, teachers often try to test your memory of the material by slightly altering it. In this case, practice and some test-taking skill will help.
2. Always arrive early and take a moment to relax and reduce your anxiety. * This brief time period will boost your confidence * Use this time to focus your mind and think positive thoughts.
3. Listen attentively to last minute instructions given by the instructor. * Teachers often last minute changes. * Missing instruction causes extreme anxiety.
4. Read the test directions very carefully and watch for details. * You may find that more than one answer may be possible on multiple choice. * A key detail may require only three out of the five essay questions.
5. Plan how you will use the allotted time. * Estimate how many minutes you will need to finish each test section. * Determine a pace which will ensure completing the whole test on time. * Start with the easiest section to build your confidence.
6. Maintain a positive attitude. * Don.t let more difficult questions your raise anxiety and steal your valuable time. Move on and find success with other questions. * If you are not penalized for wrong answers, guess and move on. * Avoid watching for patterns. Noticing that the last four answers are "c" is not a good reason to stop, go back, and break concentration.
7. Rely on your first impressions. * The answer which comes to mind first is often correct. * Nervously reviewing questions and changing answers can do more harm than good.
8. Plan to finish early and have time for review.