Chapter 5 How to Solve Test Problems Preparing for the Test & Understanding Directions

Test Preparation Test taking is a critical part of advancement in school. There are certain planning requirements even before the test begins.

Test Preparation One of the rules is to get a good night’s sleep. Although you know this rule, how do you sleep when the most important test of your life is coming up?

Tip #1  Be prepared have the material to be covered already read and reread a few days before the exam make sure your notes are in order so you can review them easily

Tip #2  On test day arrange the test day to not include any other major stresses (like a first date) have your mind focused only on the test

Tip #3  Get plenty of rest go to sleep a little early for a couple of days before the test

Tip #4  Study early the day before the test  Then study at the same time as you will be taking the test  The night before the exam review as you fall asleep

Tips #5, #6, #7, #8  Make sure you eat a good meal the night before  On the test day, review your notes when you awake  Eat a good meal two hours before the test  Arrive at the test site a half hour early and look through your notes

Exam Time When the test proctor allows you into the exam room, look over the entire room and try to choose a desk and area familiar to you, or at least comfortable. If the desk you first choose creaks or is not flat on the floor, move to another desk.

Exam Time  If someone sits near you that you know is going to annoy you, move some people breathe louder than others others seem like they have the flu. still others look like they are going to be sharpening their pencils the entire test  Regardless, if you are not comfortable, move

Exam Time  Make sure the area you have chosen is well lighted has a little ventilation so you can feel the air move allows a clear view of the proctor and clock  You may not be allowed to leave the exam room once the test has started, so before the test visit the restroom

Understand the Directions The directions are usually on the top of the first page of each section of the test. They should clearly state the objectives and time constraints.

Understand the Directions Some standardized tests will penalize you for guessing. This means that your total number of wrong answers are multiplied by some ratio and then subtracted from your total number of right answers.

Understanding Directions  Do directions indicate you will be penalized for guessing how much will you be penalized  is a point subtracted for each wrong answer from your total number of right answers  or is a part of a point for each wrong answer subtracted from your total number of right answers

Understand the Directions Sometimes this information can be learned prior to the exam. In any case, you need to know and should ask if you have any doubts.