General Test Taking Strategies

Preparing for the test

Make and use a study guide.

• Listen to the teacher’s description of the test and ask questions.
• Use your study guide well by focusing on the things you don’t know.
• Study with a friend.
• Anticipate the questions you might see on the test.
• Find out all that you can about the exam:
• In class, listen for the teacher’s clues as to which material might be included on the test.
• What type format will the test be?
• For a fill-in-the blank test, prepare index cards/flash cards with key words and definitions.
• For an essay test, use a graphic organizer or mental map to help you organize information and see relationships. Learn overall concepts, but memorize enough facts to back them up.
• For multiple-choice test, review your notes and chapter. This type of questions can be tricky. Be sure you study in depth.
• Will any chapters or material not be included on the test? Unless the teacher tells you exactly what will not be included, study every chapter and all material.

Approaching the test – Be prepared

• Study beforehand.
• Get a good night’s sleep.
• Have a healthy breakfast.
• Approach the test with a positive attitude.
• Use your test results to evaluate what you need to learn.
• Think of a test as a way to show what you have learned.

During the test

• Listen and read directions carefully.
• Look over the entire test for an overview.
• Budget your time – divide your time according to point values.
• Use the full time allowed: Review your answers, make corrections, add more information, etc.
• Read slowly and carefully.
• Think before responding.
• Do easiest questions first: Don’t dwell on any particular question. You may come up with the answer as you work on a different question. Move on and circle the ones you “skip”. Return if time permits.

• In an essay test:
• Focus on key words in the question such as explain, define, compare, evaluate, and justify.
• Organize your thoughts into a simple outline.
• Be realistic: Answers should be logical and clear, but they do not have to be literary masterpieces!

• In a multiple choice test:
• Read each choice carefully: Beware of words like often, sometimes and always. Watch for words like always, never, all and none. These words usually include or exclude most responses.
• If you do not know the answer, make an educated guess:
• Eliminate the choices you know are wrong.
• Look for clues in the remaining choices (agreement between question and answer in logic, number, gender and person).

• If your mind is blocked by tension during and exam:
• Close your eyes.
• Take a long, deep breath.
• Let it out slowly. Concentrate on your breathing – actually feel yourself breath. Don’t allow yourself to worry about the time, test or tension.
  
  
  

Taken from:

The Center for Applied Research in Education (1997): General test-Taking Strategies.

Channing L. Bete (2000): About Test Anxiety.