TESTING SKILLS
1
Test Taking
Test Taking can be difficult for students. Use the links below for tips to remember with the different types of tests a student takes.
2
Multiple Choice Test Taking Tips
1. Circle/underline important words.
2. Read ALL answer choices before selecting one.
3. Cross out choices you know are incorrect. This helps narrow down the choices and helps you remember which ones you eliminated if you get stuck and have to come back to the question.
4. Look for two opposite choices. One of the two is most likely correct.
5. Look for hints in other test questions.
6. Look for choices that contain language your teacher or textbook uses; the answer is most likely that choice.
7. Do not change your answer unless you are sure another answer is correct.
8. Choose "all of the above" if all choices are right. Do not choose "all of the above" if even on is not correct.
9. Choose "none of the above" if all choices are incorrect. If even one is correct, do not choose "none of the above."
**Adapted from www.how-to-study.com.
DETER Strategy
One general test taking tip to remember when taking tests is the DETER strategy. The DETER strategy can help students pace themselves.
D= Directions- Read the directions carefully. As for clarification if necessary.
E= Examine- Look for how long the test will take.
T= Time- Decide how much time to spend on each question. Spend the most time on the questions worth the most points.
E= Easiest- Do the easiest questions first.
R= Review- If there is time left, review your answers and make sure you answered all the questions.
3
True/False Test Tips:
1. Choose "true" only when you are certain the entire statement is true.
2. Be careful when statements contain a negative word or prefix.
3. When the statement contains 2 negatives or prefixes, cross both out. This helps clear up the statement.
4. An absolute (all, none, always, every, never, only, no) statement is usually false.
5. A qualified (some, many, usually, most, sometimes, may, often) statement is usually true.
6. If uncertain, guess (unless there is a penalty for guessing). Best guess is to guess "true."
**Adapted from www.how-to-study.com.
4
Test Anxiety
Test Anxiety is when a student excessively worries about doing well on a test. This can become a major barrier to performing well on tests and cause extreme nervousness.
The following is a list of tips and strategies that can be useful in reducing test anxiety:
*Being well prepared for the test. This is the best way to reduce test anxiety.
*Space out studying over several days before the test and continually review class material. Don't cram only the night before.
*Keep a positive attitude while preparing for the test and while taking the test.
*Exercising regularly helps reduce stress.
*Get a good night's sleep before the test.
*Make sure you arrive to class early. This allows you to not worry about being late and allows you to ask any questions before the test for clarification.
*Chew gum (if allowed) during the test.
*Stay relaxed. If you start to get nervous, take a few deep breaths to relieve the tension.
*Read the directions slowly and carefully. If you don't understand the directions or something on the test, ask the teacher to explain it to you.
*Skim through the test so you can figure out how best to pace yourself.
*Write down important formulas, facts, definitions, keywords in the margin first so you won't forget them.
*Do the simple questions first to help build up your confidence for the harder questions.
*Don't worry about how fast other people finish the test, concentrate on your own test.
*If you don't know the answer to a question, skip it and come back to it later. Sometimes a question later in the test will help you answer the one you skipped. Remember that you don't have to get every question correct to still do well on the test.
*Don't let your mind wander.
**Adapted from www.testtakingtips.com.