Test+Taking+Advice

These tips are from various people and sites. Take some time to look them over and then take it or leave it!

Always read directions carefully!

Pay close attention to words like NOT, FALSE, INCORRECT, they completely change the meaning of a question.

Always cover up the possible responses while you read the question. Try to anticipate the response. If you see the one you anticipated, mark it, then check to see if any of the others are better.

Responses that use the absolute words such as “always” or “never” are less likely to be correct than ones that use conditional words like “usually” or “probably.”

All of the above is often a correct response. If you can verify that more than one of the other responses is probably correct, than choose all of the above.

“None of the above” is usually an incorrect response, but this is less reliable than “all of the above.”

Look for grammatical clues. If the stem ends with the article “an” for example, than the correct response probably begins with a vowel.

The longest response is often the correct one.

Look for verbal associations. A response that repeats key words is likely to be correct.

If all else fails, choose b or c. Response “a” is usually least likely to be correct.

Use the process of elimination, eliminate all obviously wrong answers.

Answer all questions; there is no penalty for a wrong answer.

Calculate how much time you have for each question – answer the easy questions first, go back to the hard ones. English 45 minutes – 75 questions Math 60 minutes – 60 questions Reading 35 minutes – 40 questions Science 35 minutes – 40 questions

Don't keep on changing your answer, usually your first choice is the right one, unless you miss-read the question

A positive choice is more likely to be true than a negative one.

Being well prepared for the test is the best way to reduce test taking anxiety.

Space out your studying over a few days or weeks, and continually review class material, don't wait until the night before and try to learn everything the night before.

Try to maintain a positive attitude while preparing for the test and during the test.

Get a good night's sleep before the test.

Show up to class early so you won't have to worry about being late.

Stay relaxed, if you begin to get nervous take a few deep breaths slowly to relax yourself and then get back to work.

Read the directions slowly and carefully.

Write down important formulas, facts, definitions and/or keywords in the margin first so you won't worry about forgetting them.

Do the simple questions first to help build up your confidence for the harder questions.

Don't worry about how fast other people finish their test; just concentrate on your own test.

If you don't know a question skip it for the time being (come back to it later if you have time), and remember that you don't have to always get every question right to do well on the test.

Focus on the question at hand; don't let your mind wander on other things.