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Test-Readiness
Brain Blockers
Test Strategies
Test Pitfalls
Anxiety Reducers
100
Identify the best daily strategy for absorbing information from each class period for future tests
Reviewing notes after each class and using them to create study guides
100
How does not getting enough sleep impact your test-taking?
It restricts the oxygen flow to your brain, impacting your ability to retrieve information
100
What is the first thing you should do when you get your test (after writing your name)?
Jot down any information that has been consuming your mind. Then look over the whole test.
100
If a true/false question contains “sometimes, usually, or generally” would it be more likely to be true or false?
True
100
Which questions should you answer first?
Start with the easiest questions. Build your confidence by working your way up to the hard ones (Just be sure to budget enough time for them!)
200
How can you get a sense of what’s going to be on the test?
Go back over notes to look for what was emphasized in class If you’ve had tests before, see where the teacher pulled the questions from
200
How does test-taking when you’re hungry impact your brain?
It will negatively impact your cognitive functioning. Your brain thinks “I need to conserve brain energy, since I only have reserve fuel” and will limit what information you can access and generate
200
What’s the better strategy: diving right in to answer questions or looking at the whole test first?
Skim the whole test and develop a plan of where to start
200
What are two reasons why it’s a good idea to go over past tests?
You can see where the teacher tends to pull questions from. You can see the types of mistakes you made and focus on how to correct them
200
Before you even go to take the test, what can you do with all the worries in your mind to keep them from clouding your focus?
Write them down.
300
What’s the best way to prepare for a vocabulary test?
Write out definitions Use Flashcards or Quizlet Mnemonic memory-triggers
300
How does test-taking when you’re incredibly stressed impact your brain?
It tightens your blood vessels, thereby restricting the flow of oxygen to your brain (impacting your ability to retrieve information)
300
List several ways to improve your odds at getting the right multiple choice answer?
Cover the answers and read the question. Think of the correct answer before looking for it. Cross out any obviously wrong answers Eliminate answers with extremes (like all, every, always, never, etc.)
300
What could go wrong if you don’t read test directions carefully? (And how can you ensure that you follow all the steps?)
You could misinterpret what the teacher is looking for (like “circle all the answers that…” or “choose 1 of the 3 topics…”) Underline the critical steps in the test directions, and if there are several, number them
300
What should you do if you don’t understand the directions to a question?
Ask your teacher! Reread slowly
400
What’s the best way to prepare for essay tests?
graphic organizers like Venn diagrams Come up with examples of concepts Practice writing out answers
400
Sometimes the array of options on multiple choice tests impedes you from clearly recalling the correct answer. How can you prevent this?
Cover up the options so that you only see the question. Think of the answer first, then reveal the options to see which one best matches it.
400
If you are having difficulties with a question, what should you do?
Skip it! But be sure to circle it so you’ll come back to it. (And ALWAYS guess if you won’t be penalized for it.)
400
Sometimes students start writing the answer to an essay question and then realize they should have included something sooner. What can you do to address this?
Make an outline or mind-map before you start writing
400
How can you use past tests to reduce your anxiety about future tests?
See where the teacher pulled information from to extrapolate his/her test-making tendencies Analyze the types of mistakes you made to reduce the likelihood of repeating them
500
What should you do the morning of the test?
-Eat Breakfast! You think better on a full stomach. -If it works for you, do a ten-minute power study to “warm up” your brain.
500
What type of food is the worst “brain food” (and what is the best?)
The worst: Sugar and High Fat (especially fried foods) The Best? Proteins (Dairy, Meat, Nuts)
500
What should you do when you’ve finished your test? (And what should you NOT do?)
DO: Go back and review everything: the instructions, the questions and your answers—especially for Essay Questions. DON’T: CHANGE YOUR ANSWERS or SLEEP
500
What should I do if I freeze?
Consciously relax. Start writing what you CAN think of…your brain will begin to make associations
500
What should you do if you feel your stress level increasing?
Take a minute to consciously relax. Use stress reduction techniques like deep breathing, muscle relaxation, stretching, or visualizing yourself smiling as you remember all you’ve studied. Use positive affirmations like “I’m smart, I’ve studied, and I can do this.”