Mid-term Preparation: Effective Study and Exam-Taking Techniques Presented by Dr. Cari Kenner Anna Urbanski, GA Academic Learning Center St. Cloud State University

Session Overview Tips on What to do Before Studying Tips on What to do Before the Exam Tips to Use While Taking Midterms Tips for Objective Exam Questions Tips for Essay Tests

Tips on what to do before studying Make a master list of exams. Know what to expect. Attend class. Complete all assignments on time. Take notes and review them regularly. Plan regular study time. Be aware of your environment. Study when you’ll be most attentive. Include dates, time, locations for each class Have an idea about what each exam will be like – paper or comp, comprehensive or section material, essay, MC, etc. ask if you don’t know Notes on what you read but also in your own words

Tips on what to do before the exam Use the 5-Day study plan. Use class and text study guides. Check the textbook website. Reduce distractions. StayFocusd for Chrome Attend or make study sessions. Sleep and eat!

Tips on what to do before the exam DAY OF THE TEST Get to the classroom early. Allow time for brief review. Sit in front of lecture halls. Keep an eye on the time.

Tips to Use While Taking Midterms Read/Skim entire test first. Know the amount of time, and plan sections. Try a “Mind Dump.” Read all directions. Answer questions you know first. If you get anxious, take a short break. Do not rush. Review entire exam before turning it in.

Tips for Objective Exam Questions Read entire question, underline key terms. After reading question, think of correct answer before looking at choices. Cross out answers you know are wrong. Tips for Objective Exam Questions

Tips for True/False Questions Watch for words like “always” and “never.” They tend to be “false.” Pay attention to every word in the statement. Don’t personalize questions. Mark true only if statement is completely true. Do not add your own reasoning or argument. Tips for True/False Questions

True/False practice ___ Do not pay attention to every word in a true/false statement. ___ Add your own reasoning argument. __ Mark true only if the statement is completely true. F F T

Tips for Multiple Choice Questions If an answer looks unfamiliar, it is probably wrong. If two answers are opposites, one of them is probably right. If two answers are similar, read them to see which has the correct info. If two answers mean the same thing but have different wording, neither are correct. If the options are numbers, choose in the middle. Longest answers tend to be correct. Often, “all of the above” is correct. “None of the above” is more likely wrong. Tips for Multiple Choice Questions

Multiple choice Practice When answering multiple choice questions, Shortest answers tend to be correct. Shortest answers could be correct. “None of the above” is more likely wrong. None of the above.

Tips for Essay Tests Read question carefully. Underline key words, so you know what question is asking. List Name items. Describe/Explain Use much detail. Compare/Contrast Describe similarities and differences. Define List a term and its definition. Give an Example Do not define; list applications. Make an outline before you begin. Use an intro and a conclusion. Use questions in your answer. Break into paragraphs, even if small paragraphs. Write neatly, and use a pencil to erase mistakes. Tips for Essay Tests

Conclusions Before the Exam During the Exam Essay Questions Objective Questions

Get Motivated: How to Avoid Procrastination Academic Learning Center 2nd Floor Centennial Hall, Rm 236 Coll 110: Reading and Study Strategies Coll 120: Power Reading Tutoring Center One-on-One Study Strategies Help www.stcloudstate.edu/alc Facebook Page For More Information Upcoming Workshop: Get Motivated: How to Avoid Procrastination Wednesday March 27, 1:00-1:50PM Atwood Cascade Room