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Test Quest
Self-Check

Introduction
Meet The Questers
Learning Styles
Study Habits / Time Management
Test Taking Skills
Taking Notes
Active Listening
Improving Your Memory
Activites
Test Quest Teacher Guide & Handouts
Educational Services
PBS 45 & 49

Teachers: Read these questions to the students one at a time and then review the answer so that they have immediate feedback.

  1. When creating a study environment, it is okay to have some music or the radio on in the background.
    False
    Especially if you are an auditory learner. The more sensory distractions you have, the fewer opportunities you have to remember the material. While you may think that having some music on in the background is harmless, you are turning your auditory sense away from the task at hand. The urge to listen to the music, sing along with the lyrics, or stop to listen to the weather report all take away from concentrating on the material at hand.


  2. It is fine to study with the television on.
    False
    Television distracts two sensory channels, auditory and visual. Even if you are not directly in the room, if you can hear the TV, your instinct will be to turn to see why they are laughing or what just exploded.


  3. Studying on your bed is a great place to be comfortable.
    False While comfort is important, being too comfortable can defeat you purpose. Beds are for sleeping, and like it or not, if you are trying to concentrate while reclining on your bed, the harder you try, the more your body is going to go into sleep mode.


  4. It's okay to eat or drink while you study.
    True The need for intake is as much a part of your learning style as is being an auditory or visual learner. If you need a snack and don't have one, thinking about it will create another distraction, so make the popcorn before you begin your study session.


  5. When answering short-answer or essay questions, it is important to restate the main idea of the question in your answer.
    True
    Especially on standardized tests, readers are often trained to look for that restatement of the question in the answer and if they cannot find it easily, you may lose a precious point.


  6. Skimming is an effective reading strategy
    True
    If it is not your only reading strategy. Preview skimming to get acquainted with the text or overview skimming to review and refresh your memory are excellent study methods.

  7. Scanning can help you find answers quickly.
    True
    - again, if it is not the only method. There is no replacement for reading text thoroughly, but scanning, using your eyes to "glide" through the material looking for one specific piece of information, can be helpful when reviewing or answering follow-up questions.


  8. When studying for a test, it is best to study all of the information equally.
    False
    Don't waste time on the items you already know. Concentrate your efforts on the material you cannot readily recall, and skim the things you already know well.


  9. The best way to study is to do a quick review five to ten minutes before the test.
    False
    Short-term memory can only hold seven to ten pieces of information at a time. A quick scan before the test may help to refresh your memory on a few facts, but it will not be an adequate substitute for a study session that helps put information into long-term memory.

  10. It is important to be relaxed and focused during a test.
    True
    Being relaxed and focused means being prepared. If you have studied well and are confident about the testing situation, your anxiety level will naturally fall. Eliminating distractions and being well-fed and rested will also help you turn in a positive performance.


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