Test Taking Tips
- Be ready
have your pen/pencil, eraser, water bottle, and anything else you are allowed to bring into the test.
have your pen/pencil, eraser, water bottle, and anything else you are allowed to bring into the test.
- Calm
Take some deep breaths in (count of 4), hold (count of 4), and exhale (count of 4). Do this 3 or 4 times.
Take some deep breaths in (count of 4), hold (count of 4), and exhale (count of 4). Do this 3 or 4 times.
- Do a memory dump
A memory dump can be a particularly useful strategy for improving performance on certain types of tests.
A memory dump can be a particularly useful strategy for improving performance on certain types of tests.
- As soon as you begin the test, write down information that you will likely need to know for the test and you fear you may forget. (ie., formulas, equations, dates, lists, etc.)
- Read the test directions very carefully and watch for details
- Test questions and directions often contain valuable information. Always read all directions carefully to ensure you understand what is being asked.
- It is not uncommon to have two correct answers on a multiple choice question. Pay attention to details.
- Frequently, test instructions will notify students that they only need to complete two questions, but there will be 5 options.
- Plan how you will use the allotted time
- Take a moment to estimate how much time you'll have for each section of the test and each question. Allow enough time for more difficult sections or sections that are weighted more heavily in the final test grade.
- Pace yourself so you can complete the test in the allotted time frame.
- Complete the questions you know first then come back and tackle the problems you're not sure about after.
- Look for cues
- If two answers are similar, they're usually not the correct answer.
- Pay attention to grammatical matching between the question being asked and answers. If an answer seems right but doesn't match grammatically with the question, it probably isn't the correct answer.
- Look for cues from other questions.
- Answer all the questions
Even if you're running out of time and cannot answer all the questions fully, it's important to answer all questions. Many teachers will give partial credit for partially completed questions or if you're able to show your work.
Even if you're running out of time and cannot answer all the questions fully, it's important to answer all questions. Many teachers will give partial credit for partially completed questions or if you're able to show your work.
- Rely on your first impressions
- The first answer that pops in your mind is usually the correct answer. Don't change answers unless you're sure the answer you've chosen is wrong.
- It may be counterproductive to review answers and make changes – especially if you're struggling to get through the test.
- Plan to finish early and have time for review
- Go back and answer difficult questions after answering easy ones.
- If you are required to complete an essay, review it for spelling and grammatical errors.
- Check to make sure you have completed the entire test. It is not uncommon for questions to be listed on the opposite side of a page.