Test Taking Strategies

Understanding the test O Unit test or comprehensive? O Multiple choice, short answer, essay? O Day and time of test? O Take home test? When, where, how to turn it in?

Studying O Look back at previous tests and assignments - Read the comments -Look for recurring mistakes O Do not over-study O Read over chapters O Rewrite notes if needed O Do actual problems O Re-do previous essay questions and take a trip to the writing lab O Focus on main ideas

Studying continued O Find a place to study and keep it for study only. O Tool-up the environment with all study needs. O Control noise level and the visual environment to acceptable levels. O Avoid relaxing while working; create a work atmosphere.

Help O Talk with professor if still confused O Form study groups O Tutorial services

Online Exams O Make sure your computer works O Master the login process O Carefully read all questions and double check notes and books O Copy and Paste from your word processor if there are any short answers or essays O Always save, and often O Any serious technical problems, contact IT Help: (573) O More Tips:

Multiple Choice Exams O Read questions carefully O Look through the test answering what you know. Clues to difficult questions may be in the easy questions O Be careful with “all of the above” O If two answers seem right, choose the MOST correct answer. O Always remember to look back. O More Tips:

Short Answers O Tell the professor what you know, not what they already told you O Respond directly to the question O Ask the professor to be sure you two are on the same page O Stick with keywords, events, concepts, etc. O DO NOT LEAVE IT BLANK O Remember to edit O More Tips:

Essay O If you have an idea of the questions, prepare a brainstorm or outline O Avoid repeating the professor O Intro, three body paragraphs, conclusion O In the intro, explain what you are talking about and whether you agree or disagree O Three reasons why you agree or disagree for body paragraphs O Summarize in conclusion O Use details O Edit O More Tips:

What is Test Anxiety? O Test Anxiety is defined as being so afraid or worried about a test that performance suffers.

What Causes Anxiety? O Often Test Anxiety is a result of a lack preparation as indicated by the following: O Cramming the night before the exam O Poor time management O Failure to organize text information O Poor study habits O Another reason for Test Anxiety is worrying about the following: O Past performance on previous exams O How friends and other students are doing O The negative consequences of failure

Physical Symptoms Of Anxiety Anxiety can affect a person in multiple ways, including physically, cognitively, and emotionally. Listed below are some physical symptoms of anxiety. O Increased Body Temperature O Rapid, Pounding Heartbeat O Tightness of Chest O Butterflies in Stomach O Hyperventilation O Weakness All Over O Dizziness O Dry Mouth O Excessive Sweating O Confusion O Muscle Tension / Aches O Fatigue

Cognitive Responses to Anxiety Anxiety can affect someone cognitively. Listed below are some of the cognitive responses someone may have if suffering from anxiety. O I Can't Do It O I’m Going to Make a Fool of Myself O People Are Staring at Me O I Could Faint O Get Me out of Here O No One Will Help O I Can't Breathe O I'm Going to Die O I'm Going Crazy O I'm Trapped

Emotional Responses to Anxiety Emotional responses to anxiety vary greatly depending upon the individual and also the reason of the anxiety. Listed below are examples of the emotional responses to anxiety. O Fear O Panic O Excessive Worrying O Uneasiness O Isolation O Rejection O Loss of Control O Embarrassment O Anger O Depression

Where to Find Help O Counseling and Disability Services O Phone: (573) or on-campus x6191 O Location: Dearmont B1 Wing (NE side of building) O By appointment only O O Learning Assistance Programs O Phone: (573) or on-campus x2273 O Location: University Center 302 O

Helpful Links O Study Strategies O Test Taking Tips O Math Notes

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