Test Taking Skills

Multiple Choice Timing Plan for 30 sec. to 1 min. per question If you are stuck on a question, make a note of it then move on! Don’t dwell on one single mark!

Read through the question and determine key words –Never, always, none –Not, unless, usually Translate the question into your own words Answer the question in your head before reading the possible responses (try using a piece of paper to cover the answers) Multiple Choice Strategies

Narrow down your choices – which answers are definitely wrong? –There is usually one obviously wrong answer Treat each response like a True or False question Look for clues (key words, grammar) Multiple Choice Strategies

When you really don’t know the answer… –Narrow down your choices so you have fewer options to choose from –Come back to the question after answering more on the test – sometimes other questions might help you decide on the best response –Choose the longest answer –Choose (b) or (c) Multiple Choice Guessing

There is no penalty for a wrong answer! Multiple Choice Guessing

Short Answer Strategies Read through the questions before starting –Identify questions you know –Identify questions that are more difficult –Identify if there are any “long answer” questions Identify how many marks each question is worth –If you see “4 marks” for a question, the teacher is probably looking for 4 key points –A 10 mark question needs more time and effort than a 2 mark question

Short Answer Strategies Identify key words in the question Make sure you are answering what needs to be answered! If you get stuck on a question, come back to it later!

How to Prepare for a Test Stay on top of your course work. Don’t let yourself get too far behind. Make sure all homework and assignment questions are complete – they will likely come up on a test!

How to Prepare for a Test Find a study technique that works for you –Re-write key notes –Have someone quiz you –Do lots of practice problems –Make a mind map –Try teaching someone about the concept –Write your own questions

Try to be “stress-free” –Get a good night’s sleep –Do something to relax yourself –Avoid nervous chatter with friends –Avoid flipping through notes at the last minute –Try positive self-talk –Reassure yourself that you are prepared How to Prepare for a Test

Good Luck!