Things to do to prepare yourself to be a better test taker.

                                                                                    

• In order to do well on any test, you must study hard and be prepared.  Having done that, you can further improve your test performance by using the following test taking strategies.

1.        Get off to a good start-  have everything you need for the test (pencil, calculator, etc.) As soon as you get your test, do a "brain dump" -write anything (everything) that you know about the subject matter and anything that you think may be on the test- such as formulas vocabulary, facts, dates, equations and/or memory aids (mnemonics). 
2.       Develop a plan-  look over the entire test before beginning and plan your test taking strategy- doing the multiple choice, matching and true and false before completing the essay or short answer questions.  (Some answers to these questions are often revealed in other questions on the test).
3.      Mark questions you wish to return to-  Sometimes it takes a few minutes to get your brain in gear.  Chances are you will know the answers when you come back to them later.  (*"If you are not sure of an answer, always go with your first instinct") 
4.      Increase your odds on multiple-choice questions- 
   • As you read the question, try to come up with the answer in your head before you read your choices. 
   • If you are not sure of an answer, eliminate the choices you know are incorrect by crossing them out.  Then make an educated guess.
   • If two of the choices are similar or opposite, probably one of them is the correct answer.
   • Read all of the answer choices.  There will probably be at least a couple of choices that sound like they could be correct; don't be tempted to mark the first one that sounds good.  ("Use the test to help you take the test.  Sometimes questions give you information that can help you answer other questions")
5. Look for key words in True/False questions-  Statements with always, never, every, all, and none in them are usually false.  Statements with usually, often, sometimes, most, and many in them are usually true.  Read True/False questions very carefully;  one word will often determine whether a statement is true or false.
6. Know how to approach essay questions- 
   • Read each essay question and then start with the easiest one. 
   • Before you do any writing, brainstorm.  Jot down key words, ideas and points that you want to cover in your answer.
   • Begin writing- Write legibly and in clear, concise, and complete sentences.  Restate the question.  Provide details. Conclude your essay.  Reread to make sure it makes sense and conveys exactly what you are trying to convey to the reader.
   • If you do not know the answer,  take a few minutes to write down what you do know about the subject.  You may hit on something and get partial credit.
7. Improve your math test scores-
   • Before you start to solve a problem, try to estimate what the answer will be
   • If you're  having difficulty with a problem, try drawing a picture or a diagram
   • If you get stumped, go on and come back to it later
   • SHOW ALL OF YOUR WORK.-  Even if you get the wrong answer, if you were on the right track, you may get partial credit.
8. Be prepared for open book tests-  During an open book test, you must be able to locate information quickly.  To help you do this:
   • highlight your notes
   • put self-stick notes or bookmarks in your textbook to help you locate important information
   • rewrite all the information you know you'll need on a separate sheet of paper
9. Check your answers- if you have time, check all of your answers, even the ones you know are correct.  You may have read the question wrong or made a careless mistake. 
10. Go over all returned tests- Once your test is returned, go over each question you missed and write in the correct answer.   

Other information:  jc-schools.net/tutorials/test-strategies.ppt