Test-Taking Strategies
Part of being successful when taking tests is knowing how to take the test.
Test-taking is a skill that can be learned.
Below are several links to online sites that share information about test-taking.
For an individual or a group study session, contact our office.
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Testing Aid Descriptions
De-Coding Different Types Of Test Questions: To understand what a question is asking, it is helpful to understand types of questions. You then know what type of strategy to use to answer the question.
How to Tackle Exam Questions: Test-taking strategies for different types of questions.
Test-Taking Tips
Read the test directions carefully.
Budget your test-taking time.
Change positions to help you relax.
If your mind goes blank, skip the question and go on. Mark the question and return to it later.
If you're taking an essay test and you go blank on the whole essay, pick a question and start writing. It may trigger the answer in your mind.
Testing and time
Since most tests are timed, it is important to determine how much time you give to each question so you don't end up with several unanswered questions when the testing time ends.
A recommendation for each type of question is:
30 seconds per true-false item
60 seconds per multiple choice item
120 seconds per short answer item
10-15 minutes per essay question
5 to 10 minutes to review your work
When you begin your test, quickly look it over to see what types of questions it contains and note what time it will be when you are one-quarter, one-half, and three-quarters way through. This will give you a sense of where you should be while taking the test in relation to finishing the test on time.
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