The Ten Steps to Better Test Taking
Here are some ideas from the Math Study Skills Workbook by Paul D. Nolting, Ph. D.
Step 1 Use a memory data dump.
When you receive your exam, immediately write down all the information (formulas, facts, figures) you have on your mental cheat sheet on the back of the test or in the margins.
Step 2 Preview the test.
Put your name on the test and start previewing. This requires you to look through the entire test to find the different type of problems and their point values (if given). Put a mark on the questions you can do without thinking. These are the problems you will do first.
Step 3 Do a second memory data dump.
This data dump is for writing down material you may have forgotten about but was jarred from your memory while previewing the test.
Step 4 Develop a test progress schedule.
Decide how many problems you should have completed by halfway through the time given for the test.
Step 5 Answer the easiest problems first.
Solve the problems you marked while previewing the test. Then review your answers. This will boost your confidence and ensure that you get points for the problems you know how to do.
Step 6 Skip difficult problems.
If you find a problem you do not know how to work, read it twice and then skip it.
Step 7 Review the skipped problems.
When you are working on the problems, think about how these problems are similar to other problems you have worked. While reviewing a skipped problem, you may realize how to do one of the other skipped problems. If this happens, go immediately to the problem and work it.
Step 8 Guess at the remaining problems.
Because partial credit is often awarded, do not leave any question blank. Write down whatever you know for the question. Rewriting the question, may jar your memory.
Step 9 Review the test.
Look for careless errors you may have made. Do not talk yourself out of an answer because it does not look nice. Answers to math problems often do not look nice.
Step 10 Use the allowed test time.
Review each problem by checking the answer two or three times. This could mean reworking problems on a separate sheet of paper.
There is no prize for handing your test in first!
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FAQs
I'm sure you've heard this at some point “if you don't know the answer, always guess C. because it's the most common correct option”. That's just a myth, and generally there are no most common answers on multiple choice tests.
How can I improve my test taking? ›
Test Taking Tips
- Estimate the time. Determine how much time you have to spend on the essay. ...
- Read directions carefully. ...
- Pay close attention to key instruction words. ...
- Make an outline. ...
- Write legibly. ...
- Proofread.
Follow these study tips to make your best grade!
- Get informed. Don't walk into your test unprepared for what you will face. ...
- Think like your teacher. ...
- Make your own study aids. ...
- Practice for the inevitable. ...
- Study every day. ...
- Cut out the distractions. ...
- Divide big concepts from smaller details. ...
- Don't neglect the “easy” stuff.
I'm sure you've heard this at some point “if you don't know the answer, always guess C. because it's the most common correct option”. That's just a myth, and generally there are no most common answers on multiple choice tests.
What is the most effective way to pass a test? ›
Here are the seven best things you can do to make sure you are prepared for your next test.
- Cultivate Good Study Habits. ...
- Don't “Cram” ...
- Gather Materials the Night Before. ...
- Get a Good Night's Sleep. ...
- Eat a Healthy Breakfast. ...
- Arrive Early. ...
- Develop Positive Rituals.
Before the Test
- Be prepared. Spend the time to study and understand the material thoroughly before the day of the test.
- Take breaks. Take breaks while you're studying. ...
- Hide. Study in an out-of-the-way place. ...
- Sleep. ...
- Eat healthy. ...
- Arrive early. ...
- Avoid those who increase your anxiety. ...
- Approach the test with confidence.
How to Take Multiple Choice Tests
- Preview the exam. ...
- Start with questions you can answer readily. ...
- Recycle through the test. ...
- Set goals for time and pace yourself accordingly. ...
- Read the questions carefully: twice if necessary. ...
- Circle or underline key words in questions.
Ace Your Finals with These Eight Strategies
- Prioritize! You know your classes better than anyone. ...
- Make a study schedule. Don't skip this step! ...
- Re-write your notes. ...
- Test your knowledge. ...
- Teach someone else. ...
- Get rid of the distractions. ...
- Stay healthy. ...
- Just do it!
Use repetition to firmly lodge information in your memory. Repetition techniques can involve things like flash cards, using the simple tips in this section, and self-testing. Space out your studying and repetition over several days, and start to increase the time in between each study session.
Should I guess b or C? ›
The truth is that it doesn't matter which letter you pick, only that you stick to the one you choose. The best strategy, and the one that will maximize your overall point gain, is to pick your favorite letter and fill it in for every blind guess.
Myth 1: You get penalized for filling in wrong answers. There is no penalty for guessing on the ACT. Never, ever, ever, leave any answers blank. You have a 25% chance of getting the question right if you guess.
What is the best letter to guess on a test? ›
To summarize:
- If you are guessing on the English, Reading, and Science, it doesn't matter what you guess, but you should guess in a straight line.
- On the Math section, if you are guessing in the last 10, A/F or E/K is the better guess.
1. The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) takes the top spot as the most challenging exam in the US, with an average preparation time ranging from 200 to 400 hours for each of its three steps.
What food to eat before a test? ›
Here are some great kinds of food to eat before a test to improve brain health.
- Fish for Omega-3s. Omega-3s are excellent brain food for exam preparation, and people most often talk about fatty fish as the top brain food. ...
- Dark fruits and veggies for antioxidants. ...
- Complex carbohydrates. ...
- Quality protein. ...
- Water.
Test anxiety is that nervous feeling you may get when you're about to take a test. It's normal to feel some pressure before an exam, and a little stress can actually help you focus and do better. But for some people, the worries are so strong that they can't concentrate and don't do as well they'd like.
How can the test be improved? ›
20 Ways To Improve A Test, Quiz, Or Other Assessment
- Reduce or increase length.
- Make it 'adaptive'–using technology, for example. ...
- Use language or examples more familiar, interesting, amusing, or otherwise more engaging to the student.
- Provide substantive student choice in the assessment–form, items, timing, etc.
Students who aren't prepared for tests but care about doing well are also likely to have test anxiety. If you know you're not ready, you may worry about doing poorly. You might feel unprepared because you didn't study enough, the material's tough to understand, or you're tired from not getting enough sleep.
What improves test performance? ›
Practice Tests: Research indicates that the number one study strategy to increase test scores is taking practice tests. Use the chapter tests in your text, online tests, or have members of study groups write test questions for one another.
What are the three test taking strategies? ›
Test taking: question strategies
- Answer each of the questions in your head first.
- Read through all of the answers before selecting one.
- Test each possible answer.
- Eliminate incorrect answers.
