1. Bell Ringer 1/28/10
How do you think you did on your test yesterday? Why?
Regardless of your grade, what do you think you could do to make yourself a better test taker?
What are some of your bad habits during tests?

2. Test Taking Skills

3. What is wrong with this picture?

4. What do you do on your tests?
Do you read through the entire question, including all of the answers?
Do you eliminate the wrong answers on multiple choice questions?
Do you reason out why answers are wrong or right?
Do you make educated guesses?
Do you really study for a test?
Do you write out answers in complete sentences when you study or write answers on a test?
Do you get nervous taking tests?
Do you day dream during tests?
Do you get distracted easily?

5. Nervousness Practice the neutral tool – stop negative thinking
Write down positive what if questions
Think good thoughts
Get good sleep
Eat nutritious meals
Try breathing techniques
Try a little chocolate before the test.
Be prepared

6. What is wrong with this situation?
I’m Juanita, and I’m close to failing two subjects. I want to pass so badly and I try harder and harder. I check with my teacher constantly about when the next test will be, then I study hard and worry about it each night. As the test gets closer, I get more and more nervous. I worry, “Can I pass this test? What if I mess up like I did the last time? Have I studied enough?” By the time I go take the test, I am almost shaking and have already decided there is no way that I will pass.
What is Juanita doing wrong?
How can Juanita improve her test scores?

7. What is wrong with this situation?
I’m Jamal and I am going to be a baseball star. I am on a city league team. After school, I practice every afternoon until 5:30 p.m. When I get home, I eat, and then watch some TV. I usually start my homework about 8:00 or 9:00 p.m. I have a big test coming up in English, but I haven’t found much time to study. Besides, I would rather play baseball than anything, especially studying. But, I am a little worried about this test.
What is Jamal doing wrong?
How can Jamal improve his test scores?

8. Multiple Choice Questions
Read the question before you look at the answer.
Come up with the answer in your head before looking at the possible answers, this way the choices given on the test won't throw you off or trick you.
Eliminate answers you know aren't right.
Read all the choices before choosing your answer.
If there is no guessing penalty, always take an educated guess and select an answer.
Don't keep on changing your answer, usually your first choice is the right one, unless you misread the question.
In "All of the above" and "None of the above" choices, if you are certain one of the statements is true don't choose "None of the above" or one of the statements are false don't choose "All of the above".
In a question with an "All of the above" choice, if you see that at least two correct statements, then "All of the above" is probably the answer.
A positive choice is more likely to be true than a negative one.
Usually the correct answer is the choice with the most information.

9. The antebellum Republican party was distinct from the Democrats primarily in what way?
A. Only Southerners supported Democrats, while Northerners supported Republicans
B. All Rep. wanted to abolish slavery, while all Dem. supported slavery.
C. Rep. were united in their support of slavery, while Dem were divided.
D. Rep. adamantly opposed the extension of slavery into new territories, while Dem were often divided on the issue.