Test Taking Strategies!

Before a test

100

Look through and preview the test and questions before starting on it to get a sense of what you're going to be doing. True or False?

True, because if you get a sense of what you're taking on the test you are able to note questions that you may have an idea of how to answer or mark ones that you would come back to later in test taking period.

200

Should you arrive early to your testing destination and get comfortable or arrive late?

You should arrive early with spare time on your hands to be able to avoid the stress of running late right before your test.

300

Create negative affirmation about test taking such as "I am going to fail" or "I am not prepared for this test at all. True or False?

False! You should never create negative affirmation; it should be positive. You should have thoughts such as "I am fully prepared for this test" or "I am confident to pass and earn the highest score". (Never put yourself down, you can do it!)

400

Before starting your test, should you write down anything you remember that will help you or should you just wing it and go by what you think would be right.

You should write down whatever you remember (which is also known as Memory Cues); never wing it. Always chose the best thing to do over just "getting by". (Possible cues include formulas, dates, quotation or acronym.)

500

List 5 things you should do the night before your test.

(Answers will vary) 1. Get your clothes ready for the next day. 2. Study 3. Do something that helps you relax/destress 4. Get at least 8 hours of sleep 5. Make sure you have everything you need for the test (pencil, paper, etc)

Multiple Choice Strategies

100

If you know two of three options seem correct in a question but you aren't sure about the third option then choose "all of the above" as your answer choice. True or False?

True, because if you know that the two choice are correct then it leaves it to be "all of the above".

200

Once you finish your test with time to spare you should NOT check your answers. True or False?

False because it is possible that you may have misread a question the first time around.

300

What is the first thing you should do when coming across a lengthy question?

Look for keywords throughout the question, underline anything important (if you're allowed to write on the test), analyze and see what relates to any of your answers.

400

Should you guess on a question that you are unsure of? Explain your answer.

Not right away. You should skip the question and move onto a different one and then come back to it when you are done. It's possible you will see or read something that can help you with that question later on.

500

What are 3 ways to improve your chances of getting the right answer on a multiple choice question?

(Answers will vary) Eliminate answers that are obviously wrong or don't answer the question, reread the question, and underline keywords.

Test strategies

100

What shouldn't you do when you have finished your test?

You should check your answers but you should NOT change your answers unless new information has surfaced or it was something you missed when answering the questions leave them like you had them; always go with your gut.

200

You are on question 30 out of 75 and the testing instructor just announced there are 5 minutes remaining for this section. What do you do?

Since there are so many questions left, the best option is to try and answer the remaining questions even if you just have to fill in the bubbles randomly. "C" is the most common answer so that could give you the best advantage.

300

What should you do once you have read through a question and the answers?

(Answers may vary)Underline key words, eliminate answers that don't make sense or are wrong, etc.

400

If you're having difficulties with a certain question, what should you do about it?

Skip the question and move on to a different one. Do not stay on that question for so long because it will take away from your test time. You can circle it and then come back to it at the end.

500

In a multiple choice question, what are some strategies that will help you decide between 2 very close answers?

(Answers will vary) Compare each option with each other and analyze how they are different. Responses that are more precise or technical are more likely to be correct. Write in the margins a list of how these answers answer the question.

Mental/Physical Preparation

100

What should you do if you feel like your mind has went blank or you just need to refocus?

(Answers may vary) There are many different ways from turning your test over and closing your eyes just to pause momentarily or take a deep breath, you could roll your head in a circle slowly or even have a mental talk with yourself to regroup, etc.

200

How many hours of sleep should you get before a test the next day?

At least 8 hours.

300

List some foods that you should eat before a test that will wake up your brain and body to do their actions.

(Answers may vary) Nuts, apples, yogurt, blueberries, dark chocolate, peanut butter, eggs, oatmeal, milk, orange juice, grapefruit, etc.

400

Should you cram hard a night before an exam or should you stop and get your rest?

You should NOT cram a night before a test because you need approx. 8 hours of sleep and if you do cram, you won't really remember anything because of how tired you are. You need your focus and recognition.

500

You should do what you want or make a routine that helps you prepare physically and mentally before a test. True or False?

True! You should do whatever you do, if it's jamming to music then jam to music or if you like to do yoga with calming wave sounds then do that. Whatever helps you focus and gets you into preparation then do it.

Just For Fun: About Mrs. Baker

100

What is Mrs. Baker's first name?

Laura

200

What is Mrs. Baker's dog's name?

Troy

300

What is Mrs. Baker's husband's name?

Jesse

400

What is Mrs. Baker's favorite food?

Spaghetti

500

What is Mrs. Baker's favorite board/card game?

Throw Throw Burrito