General Guidelines | True/False | Multiple Choice | Short Answer
Essay Tests | Flash Cards | For More Information

The real key to taking a test is to be prepared -- to have spent consistent time studying. But there are test-taking strategies that might help you do well on a test.

General Guidelines

• Get a good night's sleep before the test.

• Arrive early and take a moment to relax.

• Don't go to the test with an empty stomach.

• Read directions carefully. Listen to instructions from the teacher. Important directions could be given.

• If you go blank on a question, skip it and come back to it at a later time.

• Make a study sheet before the test and use it to review.

• Be sure you have all of the supplies you need -- pencil, calculator, texts, etc.

• Save time at the end to review what you have done. Make sure you've answered everything.

• Answer the easiest questions first.
  

True/False Tests
(http://www.studygs.net/tsttak2.htm)

• · Most true/false tests contain more true answers than false answers. When in doubt, guess true.

• Watch for qualifiers. These are words like no, never, always every, entirely, only. They usually imply false answers.

• Read questions that have negatives very carefully. These tend to be confusing.

• Every part of the statement must be true to get an answer that is true, so read long questions carefully.
  
  
  

Multiple Choice Tests

• Read the stem carefully.

• Read all of the answers before selecting.

• First eliminate answers you know are wrong.

• Always guess when there is no penalty for guessing. Don't guess if you are penalized for guessing.

• Your first choice is usually correct, so don't change answers unless you're sure you are correct.
  
  
  

Short-Answer Tests

• Find out if you need to write in complete sentences. When in doubt, use complete sentences.

• Use grammatical clues to help you. Look for plurals.

• Let the instructor know if you think more than one answer is possible. The instructor may give you a clue to what he/she is looking for.

• A guess may give you a few points. You will get no points if you leave it blank.
  
  

Essay Tests

• Read directions and all of the questions before you begin.

• Look for key words like compare, contrast, or criticize to determine how to structure your essay.

• Make a brief outline of what you want to write.

• Write down key words you want to use in your essay.

• Start with a strong introductory statement. State your main point in the first paragraph. This paragraph should be an overview of your essay.

• Begin each supporting paragraph with a key point.

• Support your answer with examples and facts.

• Write a summary at the end of your essay.

• Review, edit and then correct!
  
  

Flash Cards
(These may seem old fashioned, but they really work!)

• Great for review of vocabulary, dates, mathematical terms and formulas, and foreign language.

• Put question on one side and answer on the back.

• As you're using flash cards, put aside those you already know and review ones that need work.

• Review them often. They're a great study aid.
  

For more information on test-taking skills, go to these sites:

Dealing With Test Anxiety
http://www.studygs.net/tstprp8.htm

The Essay Type Exam
http://www.studygs.net/tsttak4.htm

Multiple Choice Tests
http://www.studygs.net/tsttak3.htm

Short-Answer Tests
http://www.studygs.net/tsttak5.htm

Study Guides and Test-Taking Strategies Hotlist
http://www.eop.mu.edu/study/

Study Tips and Test Taking Strategies
http://www.eop.mu.edu/study/

Survival Strategies for Taking Tests
http://www.mtsu.edu/~studskl/teststrat.html

Ten Tips for Test-Taking
http://www.studygs.net/tsttak1.htm

Test-Taking Skills
http://intranet.cps.k12.il.us/Assessments/Preparation/
Elementary_Test_Preparation/Elem_Chapter_2/elem_chapter_2.html

Test-Taking Skills, Tricks, Strategies and Techniques
http://www.testtakingtips.com/test/index.htm

Test-Taking Strategies
http://www.d.umn.edu/student/loon/acad/strat/test_take.html

Tips on Test-Taking
http://www2.ncsu.edu/unity/lockers/users/f/
felder/public/Papers/testtaking.htm

True/False Tests
http://www.studygs.net/tsttak2.htm

 

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