When you take a test, you are demonstrating your ability
to understand course material or perform certain tasks.
Successful test taking avoids carelessness. Examples
of objective tests are true-false, multiple choice,
fill-in-the-blank. Examples of subjective texts are
short answer, essay, or oral exams. These suggestions
may help you avoid careless errors!
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Prepare:
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- Analyze your past test results. Each test can further
prepare you for the next test. Use your tests to review
when studying for final exams.
- Arrive early for tests. Bring all the materials
you will need such as pencils and pens, a calculator,
a dictionary, and a watch. This helps you focus on
the task at hand.
- Be comfortable but alert. Choose a good spot and
make sure you have enough room to work, maintain comfortable
posture but don't "slouch".
- Stay relaxed and confident. Remind yourself that
you are well-prepared and are going to do well. If
you find yourself anxious, take several slow, deep
breaths to relax. Don't talk about the test to other
students just before it; anxiety is contagious.
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Test
Taking:
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- Read the directions carefully. This may be obvious,
but it will help you avoid careless errors. If there
is time, quickly look through the test for an overview.
Note key terms, jot down brief notes
- Answer questions in a strategic order: First easy
questions to build confidence, score points, and mentally
orient yourself to vocabulary, concepts, and your
studies (it may help you make associations with more
difficult questions). Then difficult questions or
those with the most point value. With objective tests,
first eliminate those answers you know to be wrong,
or are likely to be wrong, don't seem to fit, or where
two options are so similar as to be both incorrect.
With essay/subjective questions, broadly outline your
answer and sequence the order of your points.
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Review:
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- Resist the urge to leave as soon as you have completed
all the items. Review your test to make sure that
you have answered all questions, not mismarked the
answer sheet, or made some other simple mistake.
- Proofread your writing for spelling, grammar, punctuation,
decimal points, etc.
- Change answers to questions if you originally misread
them or if you have encountered information elsewhere
in the test that indicates that your first choice
is incorrect.
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