Student Test Taking Strategies
Preparing for Tests
- Maintain good study habits: Do your class work.
- Have a clear understanding of homework assignments before leaving class.
- Keep a record of assignments received and completed.
- Make a study schedule and follow it.
- Tell your parents about schoolwork and homework.
- Turn in homework on time.
- Get make-up assignments when returning from an absence.
- See teachers for additional help.
- Seek and use past homework assignments, class notes, and available review materials.
- Follow directions.
- Find out when tests will be given out.
- Get a good night's rest and eat a normal breakfast before testing.
During Tests
- Read and pay careful attention to all directions.
- Read each passage and accompanying questions.
- Read every possible answer--the best one could be last.
- Read and respond to items one at a time rather than thinking about the whole test.
- Reread, when necessary, the parts of a passage needed for selecting the correct answer.
- Don't expect to find a pattern in the positions of the correct answers.
- Don't make uneducated guesses. Try to get the correct answer by reasoning and eliminating wrong answers.
- Decide exactly what the question is asking; one response is clearly best.
- Don't spend too much time on any one question.
- Skip difficult questions until all other questions have been answered. On scrap paper, keep a record of the unanswered items to return to, if time permits.
- Make sure to record the answer in the correct place on the answer sheet.
- Only change an answer if you are sure the first one you picked was wrong. Be sure to completely erase changed answers.
- Work as rapidly as possible with accuracy.
- After completion of the test, use any remaining time to check your answers.
- Keep a good attitude. Think positively!
After Tests
- Examine your test scores; ask the teacher to explain your test scores if needed.
- Congratulate yourself on identified areas of strength.
- Identify areas of weakness which you will want to improve for a better performance next time.
- Ask your teacher to suggest areas of study that will help you perform better on the next test.