To do well on a test, you must have good knowledge of the information that is being tested., but you must also have a strategy for taking the test that allows you to show what you know. The DETER strategy can help you do your best on any test. Each letter in DETER reminds you what to do.
D = Directions
Read the test directions very carefully, ask your teacher to explain anything about the test directions you do not understand, follow the directions
E = Examine
Examine the entire test to see how much you have to do, break it down into parts that become manageable for you.
T = Time
Once you have examined the entire test, decide how much time you will spend on each item - plan to spend the most time on the items that count for the most points.
E = Easiest
The second E in DETER reminds you to answer the items you find easiest first.
R = Review
If you have planned your time correctly, you will have time to review the directions and your answers and make them as complete and accurate as possible.
Multiple-Choice Tests
Guidelines When Taking Multiple-Choice Tests
Here are some guidelines that will help you correctly answer multiple-choice items.
Circle or underline important words in the item. This will help you focus on the information most needed to identify the correct answer choice.
Read all the answer choices before selecting one. It is just as likely for the last answer choice to be correct as the first.
Cross out answer choices you are certain are not correct. This will help you narrow down the correct answer choice.
Look for two answer choices that are opposites. One of these two answer choices is likely to be correct.
Look for hints about the correct answer choice in other items on the test. The correct answer choice may be part of another item on the test.
Look for answer choices that contain language used by your teacher or found in your textbooks. An answer choice that contains such language is usually correct.
Do not change your initial answer unless you are sure another answer choice is correct. More often than not, your first choice is correct.
Choose “all of the above” if you are certain all other answer choices in the item are correct. Do not choose “all of the above” if even just one of the other answer choices is not correct.
Choose “none of the above” if you are certain all other answer choices in the item are incorrect. Do not choose “none of the above” if even just one of the other answer choices is correct.
Analyze - Analyze tells you to break something down into its parts and show how the parts relate to each other to make the whole.
Compare – Compare tells you to show how two or more things are BOTH similar and different.
Contrast – Contrast tells you to show how two or more things are different.
Define – Define tells you to explain the meaning of something in a brief, specific manner.
Describe – Describe tells you to present a full and detailed picture of something in words to include important characteristics and qualities.
Diagram – Diagram tells you to illustrate something by drawing a picture of it and labeling its parts.
Evaluate – Evaluate tells you to present both the positive and negative characteristics of something.
Explain – Explain tells you to provide facts and reasons to make something clear and understandable.
Justify – Justify tells you to provide reasons and facts in support of something.
List – List tells you to present information about something as a series of brief numbered points.
Outline – Outline tells you to present the most important information about something in a carefully organized manner.
Summarize – Summarize tells you to present the main points about something in a brief form.
Trace – Trace tells you to present the order in which something occurred.
TEST ANXIETY: What is it?
Too much anxiety about a test is commonly referred to as test anxiety. It is perfectly natural to feel some anxiety when preparing for and taking a test. In fact, a little anxiety can jump start your studying and keep you motivated. However, too much anxiety can interfere with your studying. You may have difficulty learning and remembering what you need to know for the test. Further, too much anxiety may block your performance during the test. You may have difficulty demonstrating what you know during the test.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE TEST ANXIETY?
You probably have test anxiety if you answer YES to four or more of the following:
I have a hard time getting started studying for a test.
When studying for a test, I find many things that distract me.
I expect to do poorly on a test no matter how much or how hard I study.
When taking a test, I experience physical discomfort such as sweaty palms, an upset stomach, a headache, difficulty breathing, and tension in my muscles.
When taking a test, I find it difficult to understand the directions and questions.
When taking a test, I have difficulty organizing my thoughts.
When taking a test, I often “draw a blank.”
When taking a test, I find my mind wandering to other things.
I usually score lower on a test than I do on assignments and papers.
After a test, I remember information I couldn’t recall during the test.
WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT TEST ANXIETY?
Here are some things you can do before, during, and after a test to reduce your test anxiety.
Being well prepared for the test is the best way to reduce test taking anxiety.
Space out your studying over a few days or weeks and continually review class material. Don't try to learn everything the night before.
Try to maintain a positive attitude while preparing for the test and during the test.
Exercising for a few days before the test will help reduce stress.
Get a good night's sleep before the test.
Show up to class early so you won't have to worry about being late.
Stay relaxed, if you begin to get nervous take a few deep breaths slowly to relax yourself and then get back to work.
Read the directions slowly and carefully.
If you don't understand the directions on the test, ask the teacher to explain it to you.
Skim through the test so that you have a good idea how to pace yourself.
Write down important formulas, facts, definitions and/or keywords in the margin first so you won't worry about forgetting them.
Do the simple questions first to help build up your confidence for the harder questions.
Don't worry about how fast other people finish their test; just concentrate on your own test.
If you don't know an answer to a question skip it for the time being (come back to it later if you have time), and remember that you don't have to always get every question right to do well on the test.
Focus on the question at hand. Don't let your mind wander on other things.
When the graded test is returned to you, analyze it to see how you could have done better. Learn from your mistakes and from what you did well. Apply this knowledge when you take the next test.