Academic Learning Skills
A Student Guide to Test Preparation
Many students consider tests very stressful. Good test preparation can make tests much easier. Test preparation will not eliminate all the stress associated with testtaking, but it can make tests more manageable.
Before the Test
- Stay organized. Keep up with reading and note taking.
- Find out what topics will be covered on the test and what format(s) will be used.
- Complete a pretest review:
- Review and define terms and formulas. Look at headings, summaries, and chapter questions to review key points from the textbook. Also look at visuals, such as graphs and pictures. Do not forget to review your notes, as well.
- Explore examples and details. Come up with your own examples of ideas to determine if you really understand the material.
- Predict questions that might be on the test. Look at old tests if they are available to see how questions were asked and what kind of material was covered.
- Complete sample exercises from the text or provided by your instructor. Practicing the application of ideas will maximize your understanding. If the test includes essay questions, practice answering questions you think might be on the test.
- Have review sessions with your classmates. You can test each other on your understanding of ideas, and you can help each other gain a better understanding of areas with which you are not comfortable.
- Ask your teacher questions after you have tried to find the answer on your own.
- Do not cram at the last minute. Studying, especially memory work, is most effective if it is spread over a longer period of time than the night before the test. In addition, when you study for tests, you should take breaks during which you do completely different activities.
- The night before the test, take a break and have some fun! You will be more relaxed for the test.
- Read questions carefully. Read them more than once to make sure you understand what you are being asked.
- Keep track of time. Pace yourself.
- Recheck answers after completing all the questions. Do not worry if others are already turning in their tests. Take your time.
- Relax your muscles.
- Breath deeply.
| True/False: | Look at the small details. Watch out for double negatives such as "It is not inappropriate. . ." The "not" and "inappropriate" cancel each other, so the sentence really states, "It is appropriate. . ." |
| Multiple Choice: | Rule out in answers that obviously are incorrect. When you have similar choices, try to remember specific details from lectures that may rule out one of the choices. Read the question and all options carefully. |
| Short Answer: | Keep your answers brief but concise. Practice writing short answer responses before the test. |
| Essay: | Locate key points in the question. Outline your response before writing. Include topic sentences and support or evidence from lectures and reading. |
| Problem Solving: | Write every step. If you make a mistake somewhere, you still might receive partial credit for your work before the mistake. |
After the Test
Look over mistakes, and make sure you understand why the correct answer is right. Ask questions if you do not understand something. It may be too late to learn something for the current test, but you will know it for next time!
Developed by Jessie Moore
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