What could be more fun than studying, test taking and Final Exams?!

“Signal Words, or words you need to pay attention to!” Your instructor is not going to send up a rocket when they state an important idea or give an important example in class!! You must listen for “signal words and phrases”. Common Signal words/phrases: –“There are three reasons why…(HERE COMES SOME INFORMATION, LISTEN AND WRITE!) –“First, second, third….(HERE IS THE INFORMATION, YOU SHOULD BE WRITING!!) –“And most important….(A MAIN IDEA, WRITE IT DOWN!) –“A major development…” (A MAIN IDEA AGAIN, WRITE, WRITE, WRITE!!) –“Now that is important….” –“Remember that…..” –“The important idea is that….” –“The basic concept here is….”

More words to pay attention to!! “On the other hand….” “For example….” “For instance…..” “Therefore….” “In conclusion….” “In summary…..” “Finally….” Some “no brainer” words/phrases to pay attention to: “Now this is important and will be on the test….” “Remember that….. “The important idea is that…..” “The basic concept is….”

How to Succeed in taking those Test!  Study, Study, Study and be prepared!!!  So, how do you do that???  Create a quiet, neat study area, use the library or make your own “study haven”  Study from good notes or borrow from a friend who takes good notes. Study with a friend or group. Gather all books, notes, past tests/quizzes, and use them to study.  Study when you have the most energy. Take care of yourself, be well fed and rested on the day of your tests.  Make sure you know what the test(s) will cover and what they will not cover.  Reward yourself after studying with a “tasty treat”, a video game, “phone a friend”; do whatever works for you!

Strategies for specific types of tests.  THE ESSAY TEST!!  Read the whole question before you begin to write  Underline key words such as (compare, explain, justify, define) that tell you how to answer the question.  Start with the question that seems easiest to you.  Before you write, create an outline on scratch paper of what you want to say. Organize your thoughts before you actually write the answer.  Write something for every question, don’t leave a blank. Even a fragment of an answer might get you a few points!  Write legibly, your teacher has to be able to read your answer!!!

The ever popular Matching and Multiple Choice questions!  With Matching Questions, as you match each word or phrase, make sure you cross it off the list.  Read all the answers first so you know what answer choices you have.  For Multiple Choice Questions………  -use the process of elimination to narrow down the choices. -be careful of answers that look obvious, they may be a decoy to throw you off. -Trust your first gut reaction!! As long as it’s based on some sort of reason, it’s probably right. -Watch out for those “all of the above” choices!! That means every part of every choice has to be correct.

What if I get anxious before tests?  Come prepared to the test with paper, pencils/pens, notes to review, books.  Eat breakfast, get plenty of sleep the night before.  Be on time, don’t hurry to the test. That alone will make you panic!  Take some deep breaths before the test begins.  Think positive!! Avoid self-talk such as “I know I will fail.”  Visually imagine yourself working efficiently and doing well on the test.  If you feel tense and/or anxious during the test, stretch, sharpen a pencil, somehow distract yourself from the feelings of anxiety for a few moments.  Use deep breathing whenever you feel the panic, anxiety coming