Test Taking Strategies, Test Preparation and Reducing Test Anxiety

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Test Taking Strategies, Test Preparation and
Reducing Test Anxiety

• Learning Assistance Center (LAC)
• University Pavilion, Suite 120
• 556-3244

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General Test-Taking Strategies

• Relax.
• Look at the test.
• Read the directions
• When you are stuck, move on!

• Ask for clarification
• Learn from the test.
• Concentrate despite distractions.
• Proofread your work

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Strategies for Multiple Choice Questions

• Read the test items carefully and completely.
• Strike out wrong answers.
• Mark answers clearly and consistently.
• Change your answers cautiously.
• Guess
• Look for cues.
• Do not spend time thinking about how the question
  could have been written better.
• Check for clues in other questions.

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Strategies for True-False Questions

• Go with your hunch.
• Dont look for answer patterns.
• Honor exceptions to the rule.
• Analyze qualifying terms.

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Strategies for Essay Questions

• Anticipate essay questions.
• Read carefully.
• Analyze the question.
• Map your ideas.
• Create an outline.

• Reflect the question in opening sentence.
• Write like a reporter.
• Dont bluff.
• Write legibly.
• Be careful in use of humor.
• Proofread

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Test Preparation Long-term Strategies

• Pace yourself.
• Commit to a study group.
• Compare perspectives.
• Share hunches.
• Rotate special assignments.

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Test Preparation Short-term Strategies

• Know what to expect.
• Match your study to the test format.
• Size up the professor.
• Get an idea of whats on the test.

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Test Preparation Self-Testing

• Self-Testing
• Take practice test
• Use textbooks and notes to predict exam
  questions.
• Use Study Aids
• Create test-like conditions
• Create flashcards
• Create mnemonic devices
• Record your notes
• Create study checklists

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Reducing Test Anxiety

• Plan
• What you will need to study
• When you will study
• To study the material over several days

• Study
• In a well lit area at the same time each day
• In an area free from distraction
• Extra sources if possible to enhance your
  understanding

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Reducing Test Anxiety Dos Donts

• Do
• Get enough sleep
• Eat a starch or fruit
• Get there early
• Bring extras
• Bring a watch
• Take a deep breath
• Positive Self-talk
• Pace yourself
• Answer each question
• Avoid drug use!

• Dont
• Over-study
• Study up to the last minute
• Wait until the day before the test to ask seek
  help