1. Presented by Deanna Allegar –Tri 7
The Art of Test Taking
Presented by Deanna Allegar –Tri 7

2. What should you do… Read whole question and formulate your own answer.
Read ALL answers.
Choose the BEST answer and circle it.
Move to next question.
Repeat steps 1-4.
Complete page.
THEN fill in scantron up to finished page.
Move to next page and repeat steps 1-7.
Finish Exam.
Check accuracy of SCANTRON ONLY.
Recheck answers – never change an answer unless you are 100% sure you now have the correct answer.

3. DISCLAIMER!
None of the test taking strategies in the world will ever help you if you aren't familiar with the material!
For MOST students, test taking anxiety is due to a lack of preparation.
Talk about some note taking

4. #1 Study Skill that will help you on exam!
Find a way to study that you enjoy!
I prefer to teach someone the material that can check if I understand it correctly.
I also enjoy diagrams and concept maps.
Ask what some study skills are being used

5. The “Old Test” Dilemma If it’s on the course website, USE IT!
Tests are study tools for 1-2 days before the test.
They should not be your primary nor your first study method.
Old Tests
“Other” tests are risky.
Beware of incorrectly marked answers. Part of reviewing old tests should include knowing the material well enough to pick out things that don’t sound right.

6. Art of Test-Taking Basics of the test: Quickest ways to take a test:
Know the material
If you don’t know it,
Circle number on scantron
MOVE ON!

7. Art of Test-Taking Total of 3 rounds….. Exam (ROUND 1)
Step 1: Read question first and formulate your own answer.
(So that you will have an idea of the answer before reading them)
Step 2: Read ALL of the answers!
Why?
Catch “all of the above,” “none of above,” “2 of above,” etc.
“A” often a false positive (may sound right but is not).
Or A is right and so is D, and E is “two of the above.”

8. Art of Test-Taking Ex. “What spinal nerve roots may be involved?”
Step 3. Make modifications depending on class:
Alternate for Biomechanics and Diversified
Read end of question 1st
What is punch-line?
Ex. “What spinal nerve roots may be involved?”
This way you avoid getting lost in long paragraphs. You know what you are looking for, both in terms of the punch-line and possible answers.

9. Art of Test-Taking
Step 4: Use process of elimination and try to get it down to 2 answer choices at most.
Mark which two you are between
Step 5: Compare the answer choices to any notes or guesses you made when you first read the question

10. Example 1 Which of the following vertebrae has a mammillary process?
a) L1
b) T12
c) C4
d) L5
e) two of the above

11. Example 1 Which of the following vertebrae has a mammillary process?
a) L1 (yes) b) c)
d) L5 (yes)
e) two of the above (correct answer)

12. Art of Test-Taking Exam (Round 2):
Go back to the circles or question marks and see if it is easier to chose the correct answer
Sometimes other questions will answer previous questions
Make sure you have answered all of the questions

13. Art of Test-Taking Exam(Round 3): Verify Scantron
To double-check the accuracy of your SCANTRON
NOT the accuracy of the exam
Will save you time
Will save you points from sloppy test-taking

14. Art of Test-Taking Verify Answers in packet : TIME PERMITTING
Check over answers you may have gotten clues on from other questions.
Only change your answer if you are 100% positive.
Don’t change gut answers

15. Abbreviations You Need to Know
MACA- Mark all correct answers
AOTA- All of the above
NOTA- None of the above

16. Example Questions
Which of the following bones have a styloid process? MACA
a) temporal bone
b) humerus
c) scapula
d) radius

17. Example Questions
Which of the following bones have a styloid process? MACA
a) temporal bone (yes)
b) humerus
c) scapula
d) radius (yes)

18. Art of Test-Taking Lab Practicals Follow same sequence:
Read question FIRST! (Why are you worrying about the model if you don’t know what the question is?)
Look at model, picture or microscope and formulate your own answer.
Read ALL the answers and find the one you came up with.
Mark it and then check that you are standing at the station number that you bubbled in.
If you don’t know:
Write one or two words to remember for when you have more time or get a hint, think about it.
Make sure you mark the correct number!
Mock Practical in the Developmental and Applied Anatomy Open Lab.

19. Art of Test-Taking Chiropractic Practicals
Adjustment or Treatment exams
Get Rubric
Rehearse as if you were doing the practical
Have friend grade you with Rubric
Be tough on each other
Make it easier during the exam
Stay Calm

20. Art of Test-Taking Cost of being nervous:
Stress increases adrenal hormones
More blood to hindbrain-mediated reflex behaviors (fight or flight)
Less blood to forebrain (logic and reason)
Loss of memory when stressed (fear during study time makes it harder to remember information)
Increase susceptibility to illness (Who likes taking tests while sick?)

21. Art of Test-Taking How to get over nervousness:
Surround yourself with positive people.
Make a study plan and stick to it!
Think BIG PICTURE!
Remember, games are won during practice.

22. Art of Test-Taking End of Exam
Leave the room with your notebook for that exam.
Within 1st 3-5 minutes, go over all your notes and star/highlight/etc., EVERYTHING they tested on.
This material will most likely be on the final. If it was important now, it will be important then.

23. Overview Read whole question and formulate your own answer.
Read ALL answers.
Choose the BEST answer and circle it.
Move to next question.
Repeat steps 1-4.
Complete page.
THEN fill in scantron up to finished page.
Move to next page and repeat steps 1-7.
Finish Exam.
Check accuracy of SCANTRON ONLY.
Recheck answers – never change an answer unless you are 100% sure you now have the correct answer.

24. How to Study Listening to the professor: Overt clues:
“This will be on the exam.”
Stories & deviations
Their “favorite” technique, hormone, muscle group, etc.
“Board” questions
Professor repeats

25. Beating Test Anxiety 1. Study the material 2. Blood flow to the brain
3. Oxygen to the brain
4. Don’t sit next to loud or people who are reviewing
5. Eat a good breakfast so you are not hungry
6. Sleep!!
7. Positive thoughts all day- if you think you will do well, then you are more likely inclined to do well.
8. Use peppermint or lavender- study scents
9. Do not stand around after the exam and listen to what everybody put down for answers.

26. Tutoring website

27. Ask for help! Dr. Elbel: jelbel@parker.edu
To schedule an appointment please complete the counseling request form available under documents or in the Department of Student Affairs office (S209). 

28. Thanks for coming!

29. QUESTIONS?