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 taking 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

Always assume that your teacher will have all of your testing materials available to you. True or False

False. Pay attention to any announcements that are made about testing.  Including checking your emails for information!

Multiple Choice Strategies

100

If you know two of three options seem correct in a question 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

Should you guess on a question that you are unsure of?

Not right away, you should skip the questions and move onto a different one then come back to it because it is possible that you might see something later on in the test that could possibly help you answer that question you were stuck on.

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

If the answer isn't there, there is an error with the choices. True or False

False.  The correct answer is always a choice.  Check your work again or go back and reread the question.

500

If you can't solve a problem or find the answer, you should spend even more time on that question. True or False

False.  Don't waste too much time on questions that are too hard or difficult. This creates brain drain.  Be confident in your answers.

Test strategies

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

If you can't figure out the answer to a question, plug in answer choices to see if you can come up with the correct answer. True or False

True.  Plugging in your answer choices can help you to find the correct answer.

300

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

(Answers may vary) Eliminate any answers that do not make sense or go with the question. Cover your answers and read the question over again and look for key words. Etc..

400

The most frequent error students make on a multiple choice exam is to misread and the misinterpret the question.  True or False

True.  Many students read the possible answers to the question before they have checked to insure that they understand he question. Often they find a possible answer to the misunderstood question, and of course, the answer is incorrect.

500

What are two things you should not do when you have finished your test?

Make a loud announcement to the class that you are finished, Disrupt the quiet testing environment, Ask to leave the room multiple times, try to sneak out your phone or other device, try to log onto other websites, etc.

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?

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 make a routine that helps you prepare physically and mentally before a test. True or False?

True! Whatever helps you focus and gets you into preparation then do it.  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.