Test-Taking Tips

A test is coming up…

Have a Positive AttitudeJust like a giant jigsaw puzzle, it may

be hard, but you can do it!

The night before the test…Sleep is Important

Your brain and body need sleep to function well, so don’t stay up late!

The morning of the test…

Brain FoodEat a good breakfast of something that you are used to. You will think better on a full stomach.

Be PositiveTell your family that you will do great.

Turn Your Brain OnLook over your material before the test to make sure that your brain is turned on and tuned in.

Time for the test…

Be PreparedMake sure that you have everything that you’ll need - scratch paper, extra pencils, calculator.Understand how the test is scored. Ask your teachers if it is best to guess or will you lose points.

Read the InstructionsYou want to make sure that you are marking answers correctly.

Getting started…Sit Comfortably

Don’t hunch over or stiffen up. Sit in a relaxed way and keep your posture loose.

Neatness CountsFill in your answers carefully so that you don’t lose credit when the answer is actually right.

Pace YourselfScan through the test quickly before starting. Know how many questions there are and how much time you have.

Getting started…

Read the DirectionsThis will keep you from making simple mistakes and guarantee that you won’t have to go back and redo any work.

Manage Your TimeAnswer the easy questions first so that you can save your time to focus on the hard questions.

Don’t RushKeep and good pace but don’t rush through the questions. Make sure you understand what is being asked and read every possible answer.

While you’re working…

Don’t Get DistractedKeep your eyes on your paper unless you need to glance at the clock. Don’t look at students around you because they may distract you.

Focus On What You KnowIf you come across a question that absolutely stumps you, pass and come back if you have time.

Use All Your timeGo back and look over your work when you have finished.

Multiple Choice Tips

Read the question before you look at the answers.Come up with the answer in your head before looking at possible answers.Eliminate answers you know are wrong.Read ALL the choices before choosing.Don’t keep on changing your answers, usually your first choice is the right one, unless you misread the question.

More Multiple Choice Tips

In “none of the above” questions, if you are certain that one of the statements is true, don’t choose “none of the above.”In “all of the above” questions, if you are certain that one of the statements is false, don’t choose “all of the above.”If two answers are correct, then “all of the above” is most likely the answer.

True-False Tips

Read through each statement carefully, and pay attention to the keywords.Qualifiers like “never,” “always,” and “every” mean that the statement must be true all of the time. If you can think of a time when the statement is not true, put FALSE.Qualifiers like “usually,” “sometimes,” and “generally” mean that the statement can be considered true or false depending on circumstances.

Short Answer Tips

Try to anticipate questions that will be asked on the test and prepare for them. Usually what your instructor emphasizes in class will be on the test.Try not to leave the answer blank. Show your work/thoughts, you may get partial credit. If you don’t know the answer, finish the test and come back to make an educated guess. Other parts of the test may give you clues or help you remember the answer may be.

Essay Tips

As always, read the directions carefully. Pay attention to whether you are supposed to answer all the questions or only a certain amount. Make sure that you write down everything that is asked of you and more. The more detailed your answer, the higher your grade will be.

More Essay Tips

Budget your time. Don’t spend the entire test time on one essay.If the essay asks for facts, don’t give personal opinions.Make an outline before writing your essay. This way your essay will be more organized.Be as neat as possible so that you get credit for everything that you write.

If you make a mistake just put one line though it, it is neater and quicker.

More Essay Tips

Don’t write long introductions and conclusions, the bulk of your time should be spent on answering the questions asked. Focus on one main idea per paragraph.If you have time left at the end, proofread your work and correct any errors. If you aren’t sure about an exact date or number, approximate.

For example: “approximately 500” or “in the late 17th century”

Don’t Stress Out

Expect and Accept Some StressDon’t panic if you feel some stress when you start, everyone does. You will begin to feel better after you start working.

Stay Focused and RelaxedKeep your mind on the test but don’t tighten up.

Don’t Get DistractedDon’t look at other students around you. If they are nervous, it may make you feel more anxious yourself. Focus on your work.

Don’t Stress Out

Don’t Hold Your BreathTake a deep breath in and then breathe out slowly. Deep breathing is an excellent stress reducer.

StretchStretch your arms and fingers while sitting at your desk. Ask your teacher if you can get up and stretch your legs as well.

Release TensionGrab your chair tightly and clench all the muscles of your body, then slowly tell each muscle to relax one by one.