Tips for test taking
October 8th, 2010
Even when you’ve studied for days, taking a test is a nerve-racking experience. The pressure of making a good grade can cause you to freeze and forget everything you know. However, there is a way to prepare for even the most stressful test. Thanks to collegeboard.com, we are able to recommend thirteen tips that will help you succeed.Don’t start hungryMake sure you eat before the exam. Missing breakfast (or lunch) will leave you hungry and distracted during the test.Be preparedMake sure you have all the products you will use on the test. Remember how your teachers say bring two number 2 pencils? They say that with good reason. Don’t leave yourself short if your pencil breaks or you run out of ink.Do an overviewBefore taking the test, look over the questions. By doing so you’ll know what to expect and where to start first.Take notesIf a question sparks an answer, write it off to the side of that problem. Collegeboard.com recommends briefly outlining essay questions, too.Don’t skipDon’t quickly skim a question, read every part of the problem carefully.That was easyAnswer all the questions you know first, leaving more time for the ones you don’t remember right away.Check every answer Even if you don’t know the answer, jot down your thoughts. One answer is better than no answer. Plus, you may get additional points if your answer is close.No question is stupidConfused? Ask your professor. There’s nothing wrong with needing clarity on a question.Highlight important wordsWords like compare, contrast, examples, and explain are important indicators of the expected answer. Make yourself aware of those important words. RewriteIf a question doesn’t make sense, phrase it differently to help your understanding. To ensure you don’t misconstrue the problem, you could ask the teacher if that’s what the question meant.Think firstBefore you write a three page essay, think about what you want to say, first.Make it Legible Take the time to make your writing readable.Don’t turn in the exam earlyRe-examine your test and make sure everything is answered the way you meant it.
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