Test-Taking Strategies

Here are important tips to help students do well on tests.

 

Test Taking Tips

Multiple Choice Questions

  • As you are reading the questions, try to come up with the answer in your head before you look at the answer choices.
  • If you are not sure of an answer, eliminate the choices you know are incorrect by crossing them out.
  • If two of the choices are similar or opposite, one of them is probably the correct answer

True/False Questions

  • Statements with always, never, every, all, and none in them are usually false.
  • Statements with usually, often, sometimes, most, and many in them are usually true.
  • Read True/False questions very carefully. One word will often determine whether a statement is True or False

Essay Questions

  • Read each question and then start with the easiest one.
  • Note how many points each essay is worth, and adjust the time you spend on each question accordingly.
  • Before you write, brainstorm.  Jot down keys words, ideas, and points that you want to cover in your answer.
  • When you write, begin by restating the question and tell the reader what they can expect to learn from your essay.
  • Use complete sentences and write legibly.
  • If you don’t know the answer to a question, take a couple minutes to write down what you do know about the subject. You may hit on something and get partial credit

 

Open Book Tests

  • Have your notes already highlighted so that important information is easy to locate
  • Put sticky notes or bookmarks in your textbook to help you locate important information.

 

Other Test Taking Tips

  • Use relaxation strategies right before a test
  • Look at the entire test and read the directions before you begin answering questions
  • Mark the questions that you are not sure of and go back to them later
  • Use a scrap paper or your hand to block out the other questions, so you are not looking at more than one question at a time. Sometimes a whole paper full of questions can be overwhelming.
  • If you are not sure of an answer, go with your first instinct. Many times this is right.