Test-Taking Strategies
General Test Taking Tips:- Get a good night’s sleep the night before
- Eat a good breakfast or meal before your test
- Know the time and location of your exam prior to your exam
- Relax use quick de-stressors such as breathing techniques
- Look over the entire test first
- Read, read, read the directions
- When you get stuck, identify the problem and move on
- Learn from the test-other test questions may jog your memory
- Concentrate despite distractions- don’t worry about who gets done first
- If you are confused, ask for clarification
- Read the test items carefully and completely
- Strike out wrong answers
- Mark answers clearly
- Change your answers cautiously
- Guess if you do not know the answer, do not leave a multiple choice question blank
- Go with your first hunch
- Don’t look for answer patterns
- Analyze qualifying terms like always, usually and never- they are often (but not always!) false
- Skip questions you do not know, the answer may reveal itself later
- When studying, practice writing down the answer
- When studying, anticipate possible questions and work out answers
- Read questions carefully
- Highlight the requested action
- Re-state the question in the opening sentence
- Outline key idea; develop the main body of essay
- Use humor sparingly; if at all
- Summarize only if you have time
- Write legibly
- Proofread your work!