Test Preparation, Test Taking Strategies, and Test Anxiety

1. Test Preparation, Test Taking Strategies, and Test Anxiety PASS 0900

2. Before the Test • Spread studying over several days • Ask instructor what to expect • Make a list of what is to be studied for the test • Use review material in book • Review by yourself or with other students • Don’t cram at the last minute

3. Before the Test • Get a good nights sleep • Eat something light before the test • Wear comfortable clothes, wear layers in case the room is too hot or cold • Arrive early to get a seat and not be rushed • Do not talk to other students while waiting for the test, prepare your mind to concentrate

4. During the Test • Use relaxation techniques, remain calm • Pay attention to verbal and written directions • Notice how many points each part of the test is worth • Estimate how much time you will need for each section • Jot down memory aids in the margins

5. During the Test • Answer easiest, shortest questions first • Mark difficult questions and return to them later • Use context clues • Pace yourself, if stuck on a question, move on • Use all time allowed! • Check your answers before turning in the test • Don’t Panic!!

6. Essay Questions • Read through the entire question • Watch for key words: describe, compare, contrast, analyze • Develop an outline, organize your ideas • Your opening statement should summarize your essay • In your final paragraph summarize and draw your conclusion • Proofread answers for errors

7. Multiple-Choice Questions • Watch for tricky wording and similar answers • Read the question and all answer options before choosing your answer • Cross off answers you know are wrong • If you don’t know the answer, move on to other questions, they might trigger the answer. • Answer all questions unless there is a penalty for guessing

8. Matching Questions • See if there is an equal number of items • Match what you know first • Cross off information that is already used (unless some can be used twice) • Use the process of elimination for answers you might not know • Leave NOTHING blank!

9. Short-Answer/Fill–in-the-Blank Questions • The length of the blank does not always correspond to the length of the answer. • Look for key words in the sentence that may trigger a response. • Read the entire sentence to see if the answer you placed in the blank makes sense. • Leave NOTHING blank!

10. True-False Questions • Remember that if any part of a statement is false, the entire statement is false. • Read each question carefully, some may be tricky, especially cases of “always” and “never”. • If unsure about an answer, look over other questions on the test for context clues. • Leave NOTHING blank!

11. Symptoms of Test Anxiety • Unable to concentrate • Easily distracted • Fidgeting • “Butterflies” • Sweaty palms, headache, nausea • Increased heart rate • Tensed muscles

12. Tips for Avoiding Test Anxiety • Arrive at the test as prepared as you can be • Answer questions you feel confident on first • Think positively and focus your energy on the test • Do not compete with others, just do your best • Remember it is just one test; tests do not measure your self-worth. • Use relaxation techniques

13. After the Test • Reward yourself! RELAX!! • Learn from the exam, search for a pattern in your errors. • Make sure you go back and learn material you missed; it will probably be on the midterm or final exam. • See your professor if you need additional help in some areas.