Transcript Test Preparation and Test Taking Workshop

Test Preparation and Test
Taking Workshop
The New Student Advisement and
Retention Services (STARS) center
Studying For the Test
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Be prepared- the more prepared the better you will do.
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Schedule your study time to allow extra time to prepare.
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Reorganize your weekly schedule for extra study time.
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Schedule only as many hours that you can actually do…be realistic.
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To remember well, just don’t read it, say it out loud, look for connection to
what you already know- elaborate, then the brain will process the
information.
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Have an outline in mind, try to get the big picture of the test.
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DO NOT cram right up to the last minute.
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See a tutor who is an “expert” with the course (tutors know pitfalls and
highlights of the course).
BEFORE THE TEST:
There are two types of preparation
A. EMOTIONAL PREPARATION
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Ask the professor about the exam-form, length, and of grade
If you must study before the , stop at least an hour before ,
relax and compose yourself
Know the time and place of the test and what you need to
bring
Do not rush
Test Preparation
B. PHYSICAL PREPARATION
 1. Do not pull an “all Nighter” (do not go without sleep) the
night before. Be sure to get at least 4 hours of sleep. You need
brainpower to be alert and a apply the concepts you have
learned
 2. Maintain your regular exercise program (if you have
one…if not, start one!)
 3.Eat right. Be sure to have a healthy light breakfast (before
morning exams) avoid greasy or acidic foods that may upset
your stomach during the exam. Eat fruits, vegetable and food
that are high in complex carbohydrates so that you will not
experience high and lows in your energy level. Eat food that is
high in potassium (bananas, cantaloupe) to prevent muscle
cramps.
Test Preparation Continued
 4.Bring all the materials you will need
such as pencil, pens, calculator, and a
watch!
 5.Choose a good spot to the exam
 6.Make sure they have enough room to
work
TEST TAKING TIPS
DURING THE TEST:
 Beware of the values per part, time limits for each section,
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question you will start with, etc
Do the easy question first and the most difficult questions last
(why), and then highest point value.
As you read the questions, jot down brief notes indicating
ideas you can use later in your answers
Have an aggressive ,yet realistic attitude: approach the test
with the determination that you will do your best; but also
accept the limits of what you know at the moment
Use everything you know to do well… don’t blame yourself for
what you do not know
Maintain an upright posture in your seat
Pay attention to the test, not to yourself or others. Don’t waste
time worrying, doubting yourself , wondering how other people
are doing blaming yourself, etc
More Test Taking Tips
 Pay attention to verbal directions given as the test is being distributed
 Scan the whole test immediately
 Notice how many points per sections, evaluate the importance of
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each section
Read the directions slowly, then read again
Jot down memory aids, formulas, equations, facts or other material you
know you will need and might forget: do this in the margin
Answer the easiest shortest questions first:
- gives the experience of success
- stimulates associations
- prepares you for more difficult questions
Next, multiple choice, true/false and fill-in-the blanks
Then, do short answer and essay questions
Leave plenty of space between answers:
- Space can be used for additional information
- Easier for person who grades the test
Look for answers in other questions, use other questions to stimulate
memory.
Different Types of Test
 ESSAY QUESTIONS
 TRUE AND FALSE
 MULTIPLE CHOICE TESTS
 OPEN BOOK TESTS
 SHORT ANSWER /FILL –IN-THE BLANKS
TESTS
 MATCHING TESTS
ESSAY QUESTIONS
 First find out what the question is asking…precisely
 Budget your time, quickly survey the entire exam along with their
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point values.
Start with the questions that are easiest
Before you write make a quick outline.
Three advantages:
1. able to write faster
2. less likely to leave out important facts
3. if lack of time, outline could win you points
Get to the point…include part of the question in your answer
Use your first paragraph to describe the main points
Use remaining paragraphs to describe each points in depth
Write on one side of paper
Avoid “filler” sentences that say nothing. Write as if you expect the
professor to be bored, tired and overworked.
TRUE AND FALSE
 Answer questions quickly..don’t invest time for few
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points
Read carefully. Sometimes one word can make a
statement inaccurate
For the question to be true, every detail of the
question must be true
Statements containing always, never and only are
usually false
Look for words with such as not and cannot, read the
sentence
Without these words and see if it true/false.
Reinstate the negative
Words and see if the sentence makes more sense
MULTIPLE CHOICE TESTS
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Review al of the material covered in the course
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Choices with always, never, and only are often incorrect
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Answer each question in your head first..if you are confident of your
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Answer, look for the answer in the list of choices.
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Mark questions you can’t answer immediately and come back to
them if time permits
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Read all possible answers before selecting one, sometimes two
answers will be similar but only one will be correct
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Generally options that do not agree with the stem of the question
are not correct
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Eliminate incorrect answers
OPEN BOOK TESTS
 Prepare thoroughly for this type of test as it is
usually the most difficult
 Carefully organize your notes…use post –it
notes on important pages of textbook
 Write formulas on separate paper
 Predict materials to be covered on test and
highlight sections
SHORT ANSWER
FILL –IN-THE BLANKS TESTS
 Concentrate on key words and facts
 Tests usually asks for definitions or short
descriptions
 Be Brief
MATCHING TESTS
 Read through each column. Check the number of
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items in each
Column to see if they are equal
Look for any items with similar wording, note the
differences between the items
Match words that are similar grammatically, eg,
verbs with verbs and nouns with nouns
When matching words with phrases, first read the
phrase then look for the word that completes the
phrase
Cross out items in each column when done