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Test Taking Tips
What kind of test taker are you?
Test taking can make anybody nervous even an A student! No matter how prepared you are for a test, feelings of anxiety can surface because in your heart, you’ve probably got this one chance to show what you know and it will affect your grade. Here are some things to remember.
Tests make everyone a little scared. Just ask your teacher how he/ she felt when he/she took his/her exams in college to become a teacher.
Try to be positive. Say things to yourself like, “You know this material because you studied long and hard.” “You can do it. You have really been paying attention in class.”
Try to relax. Take deep breaths and slow down.
If it’s a multiple choice question, read ALL the choices before you choose the best answer. If the item is an essay, or short answer question make sure you write down as much as you can about the subject and support your answer. If we’re talking math, make sure you copy the problem carefully, watch the signs (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) and always double-check your work.
Make sure you get to bed early the night before an important test.
Drink plenty of water and even if you have “butterflies” in your stomach, make sure you eat breakfast the morning of the test. Sleep, food and water help your brain to work better!
If being nervous about test taking is a problem for you, ask yourself why. Are you waiting until the last minute to prepare and study? Has your confidence been shaken because of a previous test score? If so, you should talk to your parents and your teacher. It’s natural to be nervous, but talking about it might make you feel better and maybe you need more help and advice to be successful.
Answer these questions and then match your answers with the descriptions that follow.
- 1. What is your study routine like before a spelling or vocabulary test?
- A. I look over the words the night before.
B. I practice the words for 20 minutes each night prior to the day of the test. I review the night before with a parent.
C. I start to worry on Monday, but I don’t really begin studying until the last night. Then, I go crazy and study way past my bedtime. By the morning of the test I’m exhausted, but at least I studied.
- A. Turn it in quickly. My first answer is usually the best and I want to turn it in before the rest of my friends.
B. I go back to the beginning of the test. I read over each question and all the answer choices. I don’t spend too much time on any question and I?make sure I’ve chosen the best answers.
C. I go back to the questions that were difficult for me. I spend the rest of the time going over and over them. I may not have time to check anything else and I may leave some of the tough ones unanswered.
- A. Stay up a little later than usual talking on the phone or watching TV. We don’t have homework assignments this week!
B. Spend the afternoon relaxing and plan on getting to bed on time each night.
C. I go to bed 30 minutes early every night, but spend hours tossing and turning as I worry about the next morning’s test.
If you answered mostly A’s, you are a confident student. However, you should consider taking your studies more seriously. If your grades aren’t what you want them to be, then the problem could be the time and effort you are putting into preparing for your tests!
If you answered mostly B’s, you seem to be striking a balance between concern for your grades and a healthy attitude about your abilities as a student.
If you answered mostly C’s, you are worried about making the grade! You need to talk with a teacher or parent about what’s troubling you and make better plans for studying.
BE COOL
COOL
To prepare for a test, ask a friend to come over and quiz each other.
NOT COOL
If a friend is having trouble on a test, let him or her see how you answered some of the questions.
VERY COOL
Organize a study group to meet at the library. Work with your group and help one another prepare for a big test.
STILL COOL
Help out by giving a little brother, or sister a practice spelling test.
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