Test Taking Strategies

DISARM TESTS Tests measure how you did on the test – not what kind of person you are!

Review each subject at least once a week BEFORE THE TEST Review each subject at least once a week Create flash cards or concept maps for each subject

Create study checklists Skills to master Required reading Vocabulary Major ideas Specific problems

Test prep plan Date of each test Type of items – multiple choice, essay Dates/times you intend to study for each test Specific strategies

Schedule specific times in your agenda/calendar for reviews Look at the study check list you made Assess what you learned and what you still want to learn

Create mind map summary sheets: 1. Create a map totally from memory 2. Now go to your notes/reading 3. Fill in the rest of the map 4. Go from memory again 5. Go back to notes to fill in material you left out

Create flash cards Put questions on one side – Answers on the other side Carry them with you Review when you have a moment Include facts, formulas, definitions, dates, sample problems

Look for dedicated students Study Groups Look for dedicated students People who share your goals, pay attention, participate in class, actively take notes Limit groups to 4 people

Assign roles: Leader, recorder Leader should keep the group focused Recorder should write possible test questions, answers, and main points that are discussed

Study Groups Test review groups: Make up test questions Help each other discover sources of errors

Ask the teacher if you can use scratch paper on the test Prepare yourself Ask the teacher if you can use scratch paper on the test Use this to jot down memory aids, formulas, equations, definitions, etc.

Pay attention to verbal instructions Scan the whole test immediately Evaluate the importance of each section How many points is each part worth

Read the directions slowly then reread them Read the directions slowly then reread them. If directions are confusing, ask for clarification Let go of test anxiety

Multiple-choice Answer each question in your head first before you look at possible answers Read all possible answers

True/False Read the entire question. If any part is false, the entire statement is false Look for qualifiers – All, most, sometimes, rarely. . Always or never are generally false

Computer graded tests Make sure that the answer you mark corresponds to the question you are answering Check sections Watch for stray marks Erase carefully

Open-Book tests Carefully organize your notes, readings & materials Write down any formulas on a separate sheet of paper Use sticky notes to mark important pages

Short answer/Fill-in-the -blank Concentrate on key words and facts Be brief but accurate

Matching Read through each column; see if they are equal If not equal, see what item can be matched with 2 or more items

Look for items with similar wording & make note of their differences Match words grammatically – verbs with verbs Look for logically completed phrases

Essay questions What is the question asking? Underline “command” words, circle key words Make a quick outline

Get to the point then expand your answer with supporting ideas and facts Write legibly Write on one side of the paper only