Test Taking Tips

Test Taking Tips: Before a Test

• Have a "study" plan, and spread studying over several days.

• Take practice exams if applicable.

• Take care of yourself. (Eat healthy, exercise, and sleep)

• Make sure you eat right, and get plenty of sleep before the test.

Test Taking Tips: During a Test

• Answer easiest and shortest questions first.

• Mark difficult questions and return to them later.

• Pace yourself, if stuck, move on.

• Take your time at the end to check your answers.

• Check bubble sheet to ensure that all answers are properly recorded.

Multiple Choice Questions

• Read the question, and answer it before reading the choices.

• Look for similar answers; one of those will usually be the right answer.

• Cross off answers that you know are wrong.

• Read all the options before selecting your answer.

• If you cannot answer, move on to the next one. Another question might trigger the answer.

Multiple Choice Questions (cont.)

• In questions that have more complex alternatives involving more than one right answer, mark each item as true or false. When you finish all the alternatives, you will be more likely to have the correct best answer.

• Change your answer only if you have reason to do so.

• Analyze the question and underline the subject and the verb.

How to Make an Educated Guess• If two answers are similar, choose one of them.

• If two answers have similar words (perpetrate, perpetuate), choose one of them.

• If two answers have opposite meanings, choose one of them.

• Choose the longest answer. If...

• If none of the above works for you, choose (B). Studies prove that (B) is the correct answer 40% of the time. The next best guess is (C).

Fraser, Lisa Making Your Mark 2005Fraser, Lisa Making Your Mark 2005

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Essay Questions• Plan your time wisely.

• Read through the entire question.

• Pay attention to key words: describe, compare, and contrast.

• Develop an outline, so you know what to include in the answer.

• Your opening statement summarizes your essay.

• Make sure you have transition sentences between paragraphs, so that the essay flows.

• Summarize and conclude your thoughts again in your final paragraph.

• Take time at the end to reread your answer.

Words to Watch for in Essay Questions

• Analyze

• Define

• Compare

• Criticize

• Describe

• Discuss

• Contrast

• Explain

• Prove

• Relate

• State

• Summarize

• Trace

Test Anxiety

Eliminate Exam Anxiety:

• Eliminate negative self talk and replace it with positive thinking.

”If I think I can I can, If I think I can’t I won’t.”

• If you draw a blank, don’t panic. Breathe and take a few minutes, and it will come back to you.

• Prepare well for a test by sticking to your study plan.

Fraser, Lisa Making Your Mark 2005Fraser, Lisa Making Your Mark 2005LDF Publishing Inc.LDF Publishing Inc.

Test Anxiety (cont.)

• Deep Breathing-Controlling your breathing by taking several slow, deep inhalations followed by exhalations.

• Muscle Relaxation (the tense and body scan)– Scan the body for tension, exaggerate tension points and then relax. Start at toes and feet and progress through calves, legs, abdomen, arms, shoulders, neck and face.

• Daydream-pick your favorite vacation spot or place that you love. Imagine that you’re there, visualizing all the details and the accompanying feelings Fraser, Lisa Making Your Mark 2005Fraser, Lisa Making Your Mark 2005

LDF Publishing Inc.LDF Publishing Inc.

Test Anxiety Articles

• Test Anxiety: Overwhelmed by the Amount of Material

• Test Performance Anxiety

• Study Habits and Test Anxiety

Test Taking Tips: After a Test

• Reward yourself.

• Learn from the exam by searching for a pattern to your errors.

• Target areas to improve and learn from mistakes.

Counselors Can Help

• As counselors at Rio Salado College, it is our goal to help you become a successful on line learner.

• We want to see you accomplish your academic goals.

• Please contact us anytime if you need our help.

• We are available by phone, email, chat, and in person appointments. Please review our website ( this link needs to be changed) for more information.