effective test taking
before a test
| Tip |
Action |
| Create a positive affirmation about taking tests |
Repeat your affirmation to revise your beliefs about your ability to succeed on tests (positive self-talk) |
| Find out what will be covered on the test and test format |
Ask questions. You can plan studying better when you know what you are responsible for knowing |
| Set a weekly study schedule |
Spread your study sessions over time-No cramming! |
| Take a practice test |
A trial run reduces test anxiety, even if it is a self/study group created practice test |
| Visualize success |
Create a positive mental movie |
| Get to the exam room early and find a comfortable place |
Set up your supplies, have a clock/watch to keep track of time. |
during a test
| Right before the exam is handed out, breathe, relax, say your affirmation and visualize success once more |
This last minute preparation will help you do your best work on the test. Take a deep breathe and begin. |
| Skim the test |
Get an immediate overview. Discover where the easy/difficult questions are. Understand the point value, number of questions and time limit to create a strategy for taking the test. |
| Read and follow the directions carefully |
Be sure you answer exactly what you are asked. Take your time. |
| Do easy questions first |
Easy points build confidence for the rest of the test |
| Multiple Choice |
- Read question, decide on answer first, then look for the answer.
- If unsure, eliminate obvious incorrect answers and choose from remaining. When eliminating, notice qualifiers, grammatical cues (subject and verb don’t agree) that eliminate answers.
- If 2 answers are similar with similar words (ie. Independent and interdependent) one of them is likely the correct answer.
- Look for answers contained in other questions
|
| Review your answers |
If you finish with time to spare, review each question and answer to make sure you have completed entire test |
| Match questions to answer sheet |
On a standardized test, quickly check to confirm your answers are correctly matched to the appropriate questions |
after a test
| Reward Yourself |
No matter how you did, treat yourself for your effort in preparing for the test |
| Get the correct answers to all questions you missed and study them |
This is essential because courses build on your knowledge base |
| Analyze your errors |
- A test provides feedback about whether or not you are on course in a class.
- Look at things like how many points you missed because you didn’t understand the material? Carelessness? Poor time management? Anxiety?
- With this information, you can create a better study plan for the next test
|
--Adapted from On Course, by Skip Downing
