Study & Test Taking Tips

Tip I: 12- minute Study

Brief and frequent study sessions help you remember better than longer sessions. Self test for 12 minutes (no more than 12 minutes) by covering your information and trying to picture it. Then try to recall it or have someone (a friend, a parent/guardian, a sibling, etc.) "quiz" you on your material for 12 minutes. Give yourself a break after the 12 minutes. When you are ready to study again, first go over the material you didn't remember.


Tip 2: Make your own Flash Cards

Quizlet: A site that lets you create flashcards and help you review for tests. http://www.quizlet.com


Tip 3: The Benefits of Keeping Up With Your Homework

(From "Middle School Study Skills" by John Ernst)

1. You will be hassle free from your teachers about late or missing assignments.

2. You will improve your odds about getting better test grades because you will have practiced the skills and studied the information through your assignments.

3. You will be more familiar with what is going on in your classes and you can be more of an active participant.

4. You will have no lunch detentions for missing assignments.

5. You will have less worries about school.

6. You will feel much better about school, your teachers and yourself.


Tip 4: Test Taking Tip

  • Read ALL directions carefully. Okay to read them more than once.
  • Be sure you know what is being asked. Look for "KEY WORDS" that will help you know what is being asked.
  • Highlight or underline "KEY WORDS" that will help you answer the question being asked.
  • Try to kIf it's a multiple choice test:

a. Read ALL of the choices first.

b. Eliminate answers you know are wrong

c. Determine the best answer by solving the problem or choosing the answer that best answers the question

  • Check your work!
  • Take a deep breath and give it your best effort!

Tip 5: Helpful Study Time Rules

  • Use the same place every time.
  • Keep all of your study materials together. (Pencils, paper, colored pencils, etc.)
  • Keep the environment comfortable (well lit, quiet, away from things that distract you)
  • Try to keep distractions to a minimum

a. Put up a sign so family members know not to disturb you

b. Don't answer your phone

c. Don't face the tv

d. Eat your snack before you start studying

Tip 6: Test Stress:

Ten Terrific Test Taking Strategies from PBS http://pbskids.org/itsmylife/school/teststress/article10.html

  • Show up on time.
  • Stay focused and relaxed.
  • Sit Comfortably.
  • Expect and accept a little bit of stress
  • Read the directions.
  • Pace yourself.
  • Don't rush!!!
  • Don't get distracted.
  • Focus on the stuff you know
  • Use all your time by going back and checking your answers. Be sure to check to see if the answers make sense.

Tip 7: Organization Tip: (Packing your backpack)

Always pack your backpack the night before you go to bed!

Put your backpack in the same spot, so you will know where to find it in the morning. This way you won't be "running around" in the morning looking for your school books and homework.

Tip 8: Test Taking Skills

(by Gloria Frender in "Learning to Learn")

  • Become "test wise" by learning test taking strategies
  • Form a study group with your classmates.
  • Plan ahead and start studying a few minutes a day instead of "cramming" the night before the test.
  • Get a good night's rest and eat a good breakfast
  • Remember to take a deep breath and try to relax before taking the test
  • Remember to bring a couple of sharpened number 2 pencils and any other needed supplies (ie.: notes, books, calculator)