Raise Your Test Scores!
Test preparation is the key!
To do well on tests you must first learn the material, and then review it before the test.
Below are techniques from Study Guides and Strategies (www.studygs.net) to help you learn & study material:
Learning
- Take good notes in your class lectures and textbooks
- Review your notes soon after class/lecture
- Review notes briefly before the next class
- Schedule some time at the end of the week for a longer review
Review
- Take good notes: listen carefully as your teacher tells you what will be on the test
- Organize your notes, texts, and assignments according to what will be on the test
- Estimate the hours you'll need to review materials
- Draw up a schedule that blocks units of time and material
- Test yourself on the material
- Finish your studying the day before the exam
Emergency Test Preparation
Yes, tests can sneak up on the best of us – so here is a structured approach to cramming for a test:
- Identify 5 key concepts or topics that will be covered on the test
- In your own words, write an explanation, definition, answer, etc.,
of several lines or so for the key concept
- Compare your response with the course text and lecture notes
- Edit or re-write your understanding of each topic
- Sequence and number each topic 1-5 in order of importance; 1 = most important
- Review the day of the test, but try to relax just before
Tips for Successful Test Taking
- Stay relaxed and confident — keep a good attitude. Remind yourself that you are well-prepared and are going to do well.
- If you find yourself anxious, take several slow, deep breaths to relax. Don't talk about the test to other students just before entering the room: their anxiety can be contagious.
- Read the directions carefully. This may be obvious, but it will help you avoid careless errors.
- If there is time, quickly look through the test for an overview. Note key terms, jot down brief notes. If you can, mark the test or answer sheet with comments that come to mind — ask if that is permitted!
- Answer easy questions first to build confidence, score points, and mentally orient yourself to vocabulary, concepts, and your studies. It may also help you make associations with more difficult questions.
- Then answer difficult questions or those with the most point value. With objective tests, first eliminate those answers you know to be wrong, or are likely to be wrong, don't seem to fit, or where two options are so similar as to be both incorrect. With essay questions, broadly outline your answer and sequence the order of your points.
- Review: resist the urge to leave as soon as you have completed all the items. Review your test to make sure that you have answered all questions, did not mis-mark answers, did not make simple mistakes.
