Everyone has to take a test from time to time, even though it can be very scary.It is important to make high marks on your tests in order to determine what kind of college you get into and what type of job you will be able to get.Knowing how to be a good test taker is a very useful skill because it can reduce the amount of time needed for preparation and the levels of anxiety you feel about test taking.
Step 1: Before you start, read the entire test.
Before you take the exam, look over it carefully.When appropriate, write in changes when the teacher gives additional comments.Take note of any comments written on whiteboards.
Step 2: Carefully read the essay questions.
You do not want to end up answering something that wasn't asked at all.When you are stressed about a test, you tend to read too fast and try to get through the test as quickly as possible.This is when mistakes are made.Take your time, and read the questions thoroughly.
Step 3: Before reading anything, read all the questions.
You should read the questions first before you try to answer them if you are required to read a long excerpt.You will know what to look for when you do the reading.
Step 4: It should be easy for the teacher to grade your test.
If the teacher couldn't read your handwriting, you would get a question marked as incorrect.The less time your teacher has to grade your test, the happier he or she will be, and this might reflect in his or her grading choices.A teacher who also has 74 other tests to mark will probably mark spaghetti-line intersecting lines from column A to column B.Print don't write, you want to avoid getting something marked wrong just because the teacher can not read your handwriting.Spelling out True and False will make your Ts look better.
Step 5: You can show intermediate results.
If you did everything right but made a silly mistake at the end, you might get partial credit.No credit is always better than partial credit.Show your work as you go so your teacher can see that you know what you're talking about.This step can only be used to solve math questions on an exam.
Step 6: Go through the test slowly.
You should keep a rhythm of underlining words and circling questions that you don't know.You should never stop reading, writing or turning a page.Don't get frustrated and just quit.You don't have a lot of time, so you have to make the most of it.If you have a problem, skip it.You can come back later.You will be making the most of your time to ensure you get through the test.
Step 7: The rule of three is important.
The rule of three is a good rule to follow when writing an essay.It's better to discuss three things about the subject.You getbogged down in too much detail if you include many more.You're probably leaving something important out if you only have a few.
Step 8: Work strategically.
It's important to move through the test in a way that will benefit you and make the most of the time you have.Don't just take the test and hope for the best.If you have multiple choice and essay questions, read the questions first.Do not answer the notes yet.Answer the multiple choice questions.While you are doing this, your brain will be gathering information that will help you answer the essays.Short notes can be used later for the essays.You will have checked one box for each of the multiple choice questions once you have answered them.
It's always better to guess when it comes to multiple choice questions.A blank answer is an automatic wrong answer, while a guess gives you at least a chance at getting it right.The correct answer is usually the longest answer because it requires more language to be correct than the incorrect answer.Most truths don't exist as absolutes, so answers that contain words like always or never are almost always incorrect.Try to get rid of one or two answers that are incorrect.It's almost always one answer that is incorrect and then another one or two that you can guess.Eliminating wrong answers will increase your chances of guessing the right answer.Pay attention to what the other people are saying.Randomly generated tests don't repeat answers often.It is highly unlikely that the answer to number 2 will be A, if you know that number 1 and number 3 are both A.
Step 10: Pay attention to the values of the questions.
All other things being equal, get started on the questions that are worth the most points first.If you can answer all the higher point value questions that matter more, you won't have to waste time on the ones that count for less points.
Step 11: Be thorough.
Look through your answers again if you finish early.Special attention is given to questions with highlighted words.Don't stop working until the end.If you finish early, you may not have answered all the questions.You should go back and make sure there are other questions, like on the back side of a sheet, up on a blackboard, or on sheets you dropped.
Step 12: Don't give up.
You may only be getting half your answers right, but that could be a passing mark, even a top mark depending on the curve.You almost always know more about the tests than you think.You will remember a lot more once you take the test.If you struggle with a section, just move on and come back later.If you run out of time before you can answer questions that you definitely know the answers to, it means you don't have enough time.Sometimes there will be hints for the question that you are stuck on in the test that will jog your memory.The parts that gave you trouble at the end are the ones you should keep moving through the test.
Step 13: Don't ever cheat.
If you get caught, you could get a zero.Or worse.Don't write notes to yourself on your body, use the strategy in #2.Teachers are quick to notice wrong answers from neighbors.You will be known as "The Cheat" forever.Do the best job you can honestly, and spend the effort you might devote to cheating on it.If you fail, use it as motivation to take the next test.
Step 14: During test conditions, never talk to your friends.
If this is the case, you will not get the grade that you were expecting to get.You will not be able to take the test again if the teacher catches you talking.It's not a good idea to talk to your friends while taking a test.All of your brain space needs to be dedicated to the test in front of you.This will make you more successful.Even if you are not discussing the test, many teachers consider talking during it to be an attempt at cheating.Don't do it.
Step 15: Pay attention in class.
A lot of time is spent in class emphasizing certain topics that the teacher really wants you to know.The topics will be on the test.Make sure you study everything your teacher taught you in class.If your teacher gives you a study guide for the test, make sure you answer questions about it.If your teacher made you a study guide, that means he is serious about testing on the topics.It can be a good way to know what to study.
Step 16: If you need help, ask the teacher.
The teacher should stay with you after school.Ask him or her to explain the stuff that is most confusing to you.This will make a difference in your grade.When they grade your test, teachers remember who goes the extra mile by asking for help or really trying and this can affect their choices.If you are putting out a lot of effort but your teacher never sees it, that doesn't help you very much.Make sure your teacher is aware of the work you are doing by asking for help and talking to him or her.
Step 17: Your short term memory can be used.
Write down what you find difficult to remember while studying for the test.The notes will be loaded into your short term memory if you memorize them just before the test.Write this information into the margin of the test when you get the paper.Many exams require that you know various formulas, whether they are related to math, science, or something else.If you have to memorize a lot of formulas, you should write them down in the margins as soon as you take the test.The area of a circle has a formula.Write this down when you get your test and then commit it to your short term memory.
Step 18: Before the test, dress nicely.
The process will wake you up if your exam is early.It will make you feel alert while working on your test.You don't want to be uncomfortable.You don't want to be distracted by a warm or cold room.You should prepare what you will wear the night before.You will have more time in the morning to focus on eating a good breakfast and running through your notes if you pick out your outfit early.You don't want to decide what to wear on the morning of the test so you save all of your brain work.
Step 19: Get a good night's sleep.
Trying to be sharp for the test in the middle of the night is not a good idea.It's important to rest when you take a test.Lack of sleep can seriously affect your brain function in areas of memory, perception, and the level of cognitive capacity at which you can function.It is important to get a good night's sleep before a test.
Step 20: It's a good idea to eat a healthy meal before.
Your brain needs all the vitamins and minerals it can get.Before you take the test, eat a good breakfast or lunch.This will help you do well on the test.There are certain foods that are thought to be good for the brain and can be taken before a test.
Step 21: Prepare to take the test.
You need to bring everything you need.Don't expect other people to give you these items.You don't want to be forced to take a test without an item you need, because your teacher and classmates may not have extras all the time.You should pack your backpack the night before to make sure you have everything you need.You don't want to forget something in the morning.
Step 22: You should arrive early to find the best seat.
You can pick a great seat if you come early to class.You want to be away from distraction like a noisy hallway or another student that will distract them from their schoolwork.You have to choose your spot when you get there early.