Test Taking Strategies

  Test Taking Strategies

Different kinds of tests require different kinds of test-taking strategies. This study guide will provide you with some helpful approaches for taking a variety of diferent tests.

GENERAL TEST TAKING GUIDELINES

1. Be prepared.

• 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.

• 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 make 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 raise your 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.

• Return to difficult questions you marked for review.
• Proofread your essays and pay attention to grammar and spelling.
• Make sure you answered all questions. More than one student has failed to notice questions on the back side of the paper.

9. Consider every test a practice session - analyze your performance.

• Test taking is an art which needs refinement. One can not refine the art without practice and serious evaluation.
• Go through each test thoroughly and see if your plan worked.
• Look at each section to identify your fault patterns. Do you need to work on true/false, multiple choice, or essay?
• Talk to teachers regarding low scores, especially on essays.