Test Taking Tips

Here are a few simple test taking tips anyone can do. These tips will help improve your score on ANY test.

Before the Test

The night before the test review sample tests and any review materials you have.

Get a good night’s sleep the night before the test.

If you usually work late, ask to leave work early.

Make the decision not talk on the phone, play video games, stay out with friends listen to music, or watch television late the night before the test.

Set your alarm early enough to allow time for everything you need to do the day of the test. Have a backup wake-up plan as well.

Get everything ready the night before the test.

Gather everything you will need for school on the day of the test. Have your books ready to grab as you walk out the door.

Lay out your clothes the night before. Having everything you need handy the day of the test will reduce stress before you take the test.

Eat a good breakfast the day of the test.

Try to eat a good mix of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. Example: Toast, peanut butter, and milk. If you eat something like a candy bar and soda, you will be hungry before the test is over.

When you are hungry, your mind is on your hunger not your work.

Try to arrive early so you will not be rushed and unsettled right before the test.

Know where you are supposed to take the test when you arrive at school.

During the Test

Carefully listen to all directions of the test and follow the directions exactly.

Actively read all passages. Underline important details. Make notes in the margin. If you are actively reading, YOU CANNOT SLEEP!!!

If you get nervous during the test, take a few Deep breaths slowly to relax yourself and get back to work. DO NOT PUT YOUR HEAD DOWN BECAUSE YOU MAY FALL ALSEEP.

Read all directions SLOWLY and carefully, and follow the directions exactly.

Write down important formulas, facts, definitions and/or keywords in the margin first so you will not worry about forgetting these important facts.

Read each question carefully. Ask yourself, “What is the question asking me to do?” Jot the answer down in the margin next to the question.

Read each question completely and look for keywords that will help you decide what the question is asking you to do.

Always read the whole question CAREFULLY, don’t make assumptions about what the question is asking.

Read each answer choice. Even if you think the correct answer choice is the first one given. Read all answer choices.

If you don’t know an answer, skip it. Go on with the rest of the test. Come back to the question later.

Take the test at your own pace. Do not worry who finishes before or after you.

THE ALABAMA HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION EXAM IS NOT TIMED.

TAKE YOUR TIME TAKING THE TEST. TURN YOUR TEST IN WHEN YOU ARE SATISFIED WITH YOUR WORK.

Believe that you will do well! People with positive mental Attitudes usually do well because they believe in themselves.