Test Preparation and Test Taking Workshop The New Student Advisement and Retention Services (STARS) center

Studying For the Test Be prepared- the more prepared the better you will do. Schedule your study time to allow extra time to prepare. Reorganize your weekly schedule for extra study time. Schedule only as many hours that you can actually do…be realistic. To remember well, just don’t read it, say it out loud, look for connection to what you already know- elaborate, then the brain will process the information. Have an outline in mind, try to get the big picture of the test. DO NOT cram right up to the last minute. See a tutor who is an “expert” with the course (tutors know pitfalls and highlights of the course).

BEFORE THE TEST: BEFORE THE TEST: There are two types of preparation A. EMOTIONAL PREPARATION Ask the professor about the exam-form, length, and of grade If you must study before the, stop at least an hour before, relax and compose yourself Know the time and place of the test and what you need to bring Do not rush

Test Preparation B. PHYSICAL PREPARATION 1. Do not pull an “all Nighter” (do not go without sleep) the night before. Be sure to get at least 4 hours of sleep. You need brainpower to be alert and a apply the concepts you have learned 2. Maintain your regular exercise program (if you have one…if not, start one!) 3.Eat right. Be sure to have a healthy light breakfast (before morning exams) avoid greasy or acidic foods that may upset your stomach during the exam. Eat fruits, vegetable and food that are high in complex carbohydrates so that you will not experience high and lows in your energy level. Eat food that is high in potassium (bananas, cantaloupe) to prevent muscle cramps.

Test Preparation Continued 4.Bring all the materials you will need such as pencil, pens, calculator, and a watch! 5. Choose a good spot to the exam 6. Make sure they have enough room to work

TEST TAKING TIPS DURING THE TEST : Beware of the values per part, time limits for each section, question you will start with, etc Do the easy question first and the most difficult questions last (why), and then highest point value. As you read the questions, jot down brief notes indicating ideas you can use later in your answers Have an aggressive,yet realistic attitude: approach the test with the determination that you will do your best; but also accept the limits of what you know at the moment Use everything you know to do well… don’t blame yourself for what you do not know Maintain an upright posture in your seat Pay attention to the test, not to yourself or others. Don’t waste time worrying, doubting yourself, wondering how other people are doing blaming yourself, etc

More Test Taking Tips Pay attention to verbal directions given as the test is being distributed Scan the whole test immediately Notice how many points per sections, evaluate the importance of each section Read the directions slowly, then read again Jot down memory aids, formulas, equations, facts or other material you know you will need and might forget: do this in the margin Answer the easiest shortest questions first: - gives the experience of success - stimulates associations - prepares you for more difficult questions Next, multiple choice, true/false and fill-in-the blanks Then, do short answer and essay questions Leave plenty of space between answers: - Space can be used for additional information - Easier for person who grades the test Look for answers in other questions, use other questions to stimulate memory.

Different Types of Test ESSAY QUESTIONS TRUE AND FALSE MULTIPLE CHOICE TESTS OPEN BOOK TESTS SHORT ANSWER /FILL –IN-THE BLANKS TESTS MATCHING TESTS

ESSAY QUESTIONS First find out what the question is asking…precisely Budget your time, quickly survey the entire exam along with their point values. Start with the questions that are easiest Before you write make a quick outline. Three advantages: 1. able to write faster 2. less likely to leave out important facts 3. if lack of time, outline could win you points Get to the point…include part of the question in your answer Use your first paragraph to describe the main points Use remaining paragraphs to describe each points in depth Write on one side of paper Avoid “filler” sentences that say nothing. Write as if you expect the professor to be bored, tired and overworked.

Answer questions quickly..don’t invest time for few points Read carefully. Sometimes one word can make a statement inaccurate For the question to be true, every detail of the question must be true Statements containing always, never and only are usually false Look for words with such as not and cannot, read the sentence Without these words and see if it true/false. Reinstate the negative Words and see if the sentence makes more sense TRUE AND FALSE

MULTIPLE CHOICE TESTS Review al of the material covered in the course Choices with always, never, and only are often incorrect Answer each question in your head first..if you are confident of your Answer, look for the answer in the list of choices. Mark questions you can’t answer immediately and come back to them if time permits Read all possible answers before selecting one, sometimes two answers will be similar but only one will be correct Generally options that do not agree with the stem of the question are not correct Eliminate incorrect answers

OPEN BOOK TESTS Prepare thoroughly for this type of test as it is usually the most difficult Carefully organize your notes…use post –it notes on important pages of textbook Write formulas on separate paper Predict materials to be covered on test and highlight sections

SHORT ANSWER FILL –IN-THE BLANKS TESTS Concentrate on key words and facts Tests usually asks for definitions or short descriptions Be Brief

MATCHING TESTS Read through each column. Check the number of items in each Column to see if they are equal Look for any items with similar wording, note the differences between the items Match words that are similar grammatically, eg, verbs with verbs and nouns with nouns When matching words with phrases, first read the phrase then look for the word that completes the phrase Cross out items in each column when done