When you take a test,
you are demonstrating your ability
to understand course material or perform
certain tasks.
Successful test taking avoids carelessness.
Examples of objective tests are true-false,
multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank.
Examples of subjective texts are short answer,
essay, or oral exams
NB: If you have any doubts about the fairness of
tests,
or of the ability of tests to measure your performance,
please see your academic counseling service.
These suggestions may help you avoid
careless errors!
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Flash exercise contributed by Rebecca Schwartz, Seefeldt, Joe Landsberger
Prepare:
- Analyze how you did on a similar test in
the past
Review your previous tests, and
sample tests, especially when studying for the final exam.
Each test prepares you for the next: the more tests you
take, the better you will develop your test taking strategies.
- Arrive early for tests
Before a test, list everything you will need for it that is
allowed.
(pencils/pens, calculator,
dictionary, watch, etc.)
Good preparation helps you focus on the task at hand
- Be comfortable but alert
Choose a good spot
in the room and make sure you have enough space to work,
maintain
comfortable posture in your seat, but don't "slouch"
- 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
Test Taking:
- 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 questions in a strategic order:
- 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 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
Proofread spelling, grammar, punctuation, decimal points,
etc.
Change answers to questions if you made a
mistake, or misread the question
or if you find information elsewhere in the test that
indicates that your first choice is incorrect
Decide on and adopt study strategies that work best for you
Review your test preparation and identify those habits that worked
well and replace those that don't!
Website overview: Since 1996 the
Study Guides and Strategies web site
has been researched, authored, maintained and supported by
Joe Landsberger
as an international, learner-centric, educational public service. Permission is granted to freely copy, adapt,
and distribute individual Study Guides in print format in non-commercial educational settings that benefit learners. Please be aware that the Guides welcome, and are under, continuous review and revision. For that reason,
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Linking to the Guides is encouraged!
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