1. Test-taking Strategies Dealing with Test Anxiety
Trenholm State Technical College
Student Success Center
Dr. Rebecca Ball-Coats
(334)
Mr. Damon K. Blythe
(334)

2. Test-taking Strategies
Survey and prepare
Read directions
Types of questions
review

3. Survey and Prepare Read over entire test Read instructions CAREFULLY
Figure out how much time you need to spend on each section
Do a “mind dump” on scratch paper
Take a deep breath and keep a positive outlook
Read entire test to get a feel for what types of questions are asked so that you know what strategies to put into place. Also, look at what content you are being asked about.
Read instructions. Sometimes you may be asked to choose ONE multiple choice answer; other times you may be able to choose ANY that fit.
Budget your TIME! Once you know what’s being asked, answer in a specific order: those answers you know, then those worth the most points, then the remainder of your time on those that are more difficult.
Do a “mind dump”: write definitions, mnemonic devices, anything you think you may forget in the stress of the test. Take a minute to write down info on scratch paper before you get started.
RELAX! You know this stuff! Keep a positive outlook—you know the material, you’re learning the strategies, and you can be confident about the test.

4. Read Directions Be sure to read ALL the directions!
Make sure you know what you’re being asked.
Matching
Write the Response
Draw a Line
True/False
Multiple Choice
One Answer
Mark All that Apply
Fill in the Blank
Short Answer
Essay
Math
Directions quiz handout

5. Types of Questions
Matching: This is often the easiest and best place to start.
True/False
Watch out for absolutes: all, none, etc.
The more detail, the more likely to be true
Multiple Choice: Read the ENTIRE question, paying attention to details.
Try to answer BEFORE looking at your answer options
Answer what you know
Process of Elimination
Qualifiers: always, never, none, all, except, etc.
Grammar clues: a/an, plural, etc.
Context clues development/context-clues-exercises
Matching: You eliminate answers simply by answering them!
True/False: You have a 50/50 chance! If you don’t know—guess!
Multiple Choice: What comes to mind first is often the correct answer. Have confidence in yourself!
Context Clues: Fold paper (follow directions) and hold up your answer to the questions

6. Types of Questions
Fill in the Blank: again, context clues and read carefully
If you’re not sure, but you remember something, write it down. You may get partial credit.
Consider the number of lines to be filled in, if more than one.
Be general, if you’re not sure: 2000s instead of 2005
Grammar clues, as with multiple choice (a/an, plurals)
Short Answer: restate the question and look back at your “mind dump” notes
Use the same strategies here as with Fill in the Blank questions
Essay Questions
Read carefully and look for key words: discuss, define, compare, etc.
Outline first and Proofread last
Restate the question and look back to your notes again
Remember, essays are not only about what you know but how well you can explain/describe it to your reader

7. Types of Questions Math Questions The same strategies apply!
Do a “mind dump” of formulas and rules
Pay attention to + and – signs
Show all of your work
Put a box around your answer so your instructor can find it easily
Don’t get bogged down—do the easy questions first, then budget your time
Review to make sure you have answered what the question is asking— especially with word problems

8. Review Leave time to review your test before you turn it in/submit it
Did you answer EVERY question?
Don’t change any answers unless you are 150% sure you made a mistake, usually this only happens when:
You realize you read the question incorrectly and gave an answer that wasn’t what was asked for
You found the correct answer somewhere later on the test
Take another deep breath and SMILE—you’re done!! 

9. Dealing with Test Anxiety
Prepare for your test early
Relaxation techniques

10. Preparing For Your Test Early
Check your syllabi—know when tests are coming
Make study notes
Study with classmates and find a tutor if needed
Predict possible test questions from your notes
Ask questions about items you’re unsure of during an in class test / quiz review
Review material periodically—don’t cram, it doesn’t work
Study in a test environment—if you usually listen to music but won’t be able to during the test, study without it
Tutors available at SSC and SSS
Cramming may work short-term for a test, but in the workplace, you’re not going to recall that information when you need it

11. Relaxation Techniques
Take deep breaths
Focus on relaxing muscle groups, clench then release from head to toe
Talk yourself through the test and visualize finishing successfully
Know that you are prepared
You have studied
You have pen/pencil/any materials needed
Have confidence in yourself! You’ve got this!!!

12. Questions? Trenholm State Technical College Student Success Center
Dr. Rebecca Ball-Coats
(334)
Mr. Damon K. Blythe (334)