1. Adapted from Becoming a Master Student
Test Taking Skills
Adapted from Becoming a Master Student
Presented by:
Kathleen E. High, M.Ed., CCSP, GCDF-I
Independent Education/Career Consultant
Your Dreams & Goals
4/6/2019
©2018 Kathleen E. High

2. Things to Know Prepare for the Test Types of Tests Test Anxiety
4/6/2019
©2018 Kathleen E. High

3. Before the Test: Manage Review Time:
Difference Between Learning and Reviewing
Daily, Weekly, and Major Reviews
Study checklists, Mind Map Summaries, Flash Cards
Monitor Your Reviews, Take a Practice Test
Get Copies of Old Exams
4/6/2019
©2018 Kathleen E. High

4. Before the Test: Difference Between Learning and Reviewing:
Learning: When First Presented
Emphasis on Understanding, Applying, Analyzing, Evaluating, Creating
Trying to Learn During Review Time is CRAMMING
Review: Recall Prior Learning
Demonstrate Remember and Apply Prior Learning
Rote (repetition): Best Method for Memorization
4/6/2019
©2018 Kathleen E. High

5. Before the Test: What Will the Test Ask You to Do? 4/6/2019
©2018 Kathleen E. High

6. Before the Test: Cooperative Learning
Form a study group
Choose a focus for your group
Look for dedicated students
Hold a planning session
Conduct your group
Test each other by asking questions
Teach each other
Compare notes
Brainstorm test questions
4/6/2019
©2018 Kathleen E. High

7. Before the Test: Predict Test Questions:
Ask about the nature of the test
Put yourself in the instructor’s shoes
Look for possible questions in your notes
Look for clues to possible questions in class
Save all work
Apply your predictions
Remember the obvious
Preview –
Survey entire book
Keep it short
Look for familiar concepts
Summaries
Chapter headlines/section titles & paragraph headlines
Look for recommended readings
Determine strategy – skimming or all 9 steps
Step 2: Outline
Complex – take time to understand
Section Titles & paragraphs serve as outline guides
Use outline format for you
Step 3: Question
Before begin – what you want?
Write down questions
If irrelevant, ask what you want from school (jumping through hoops)
Playful/creative questions
Lots of time for some subjects
4/6/2019
©2018 Kathleen E. High

8. During the Test As you begin: Pay attention to directions!
Multiple Choice Questions
True/False Questions
Computer Graded Tests
Open-Book Tests
Short-Answer/Fill-in-the-blank Questions
Matching Questions
Essay Questions
4/6/2019
©2018 Kathleen E. High

9. Types of Tests: Multiple Choice
Answer questions in head first
Read all possible answers before answering
Test each possible answer
Eliminate incorrect answers
4/6/2019
©2018 Kathleen E. High

10. Types of Tests: True/False Questions
Read the entire question
Look for qualifiers
Find the devil in the details
Watch for negatives
4/6/2019
©2018 Kathleen E. High

11. Types of Tests: Computer-Graded Tests
Make sure answer mark corresponds to question you are answering
Check answer sheet to test when changing columns
Watch for stray marks
Completely erase changed answers
4/6/2019
©2018 Kathleen E. High

12. Types of Tests: Short-Answer/Fill-in-the-blanks
Concentrate on key words – be brief
Over learn the material
4/6/2019
©2018 Kathleen E. High

13. Types of Tests: Matching Tests
First read through each column
Look for similar words – note differences
Match grammatically similar words
Phrases should be logically complete
Cross out items when through
4/6/2019
©2018 Kathleen E. High

14. Types of Tests: Essay Questions
Find out exactly what the question is asking!
Before writing, make a quick outline
Introduce answer by getting to the point
Write legibly
Write on one side of the paper only
4/6/2019
©2018 Kathleen E. High

15. Types of Tests: Essay Questions: Clues
Analyze: Break apart, examine, give opinion
Compare: Two or more – similarities and differences
Contrast: Show differences
Criticize: Make judgments, evaluate worth
Define: Explain exact meaning
Describe: Give detailed account
4/6/2019
©2018 Kathleen E. High

16. Types of Tests: Essay Questions: Clues (cont’d)
Discuss: Argue pros and cons
Explain: Make an idea clear
Prove: Support with facts
Relate: Show the connections between events
State: Explain precisely
Trace: Show order or progress of events
4/6/2019
©2018 Kathleen E. High

17. Test Anxiety Before: Prepare During: After: Do Proper Review Before
Get Enough Sleep
Eat Decent Meal Before
During:
Deal with your thoughts
Recognize and Stop Negative Thoughts
Engage in Positive Self Talk
Deal with physical sensations
Develop Relaxation Techniques
After:
Debrief: What Went Well
What Can You Learn From Experience
Engage in Self Care / Reward Yourself for Finishing
4/6/2019
©2018 Kathleen E. High