Student Test Taking Strategies

• 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.