1. Test Taking Strategies

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

3. 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

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

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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

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

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

12. 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.

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

14. 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

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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

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

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

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

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

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