1. Test-Taking Strategies
For Student Success
TNCC

2. Contents of Slideshow Test-Taking Preparation Combating Test Anxiety
Strategies for Various Test Formats
True/False
Multiple Choice
Fill in the Blank
Essay
Online Testing
General Test-Taking Strategies
TNCC

3. Test-Taking Preparation
Be Rested.
Study regularly to avoid cramming.
Be sure to be on time or early on the day of a test.
Wear layered clothing for comfort with temperature of the room.
Eat a light and healthy breakfast.
Avoid caffeine or processed sugar overload.
TNCC

4. Combating Test Anxiety
Take Slow Deep Breaths
Don’t Think About the Fear
Pause, think about the next step and keep on task, step by step.
Use Positive Reinforcement
Acknowledge what you’ve done so far.
Remind yourself you’re doing your best.
Expect Some Anxiety
Use the Anxiety
Can bring energy
Keep it manageable.
TNCC

5. Strategies for Various Test Formats
True-False Tests:
Mark a statement true unless you know it is false because True-False tests generally contain more True’s than False’s.
Assume a statement is False if any part of it is False.
Assume a statement is False if it contains words such as every, all, and always.
TNCC

6. Strategies for Various Test Formats
Multiple Choice Tests:
On MC tests there are usually four options: 1) a really crazy/silly answer 2)an answer that sounds right but is not even close 3) an answer similar to the correct answer and 4) the correct answer. Try to weed out first two to increase chances of answering correctly.
Options such as “all of the above” can be tricky. Read answers CAREFULLY.
Choice b or c or most often the answer.
TNCC

7. Strategies for Various Test Formats
Fill in the Blank Tests:
Decide what kind of answer the statement needs. Is it a date, person or place?
Look for key words in the statements such as where, when, how, and why etc.
TNCC

8. Strategies for Various Test Formats
Essay Tests
State your main point in the first sentence.
Use your first paragraph to provide an overview of essay.
Use the rest of essay to discuss these points in detail.
Back up your points with specific information, examples or quotations from the reading.
TNCC

9. Online Test-Taking Often timed, so budget time wisely
Backtracking is most often prohibited
Use reliable computer.
Remain focused.
Contact instructor immediately if anything goes wrong.
TNCC

10. General Test-Taking Strategies
Read over test and skim all answers.
Answer easier questions first and return to the difficult questions later.
Budget test-taking time.
TNCC