Test Preparation, Test Taking Strategies, and Test Anxiety

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Test Preparation, Test Taking Strategies, and
Test Anxiety

• PASS 0900

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Before the Test

• Spread studying over several days
• Ask instructor what to expect
• Make a list of what is to be studied for the test
• Use review material in book
• Review by yourself or with other students
• Dont cram at the last minute

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Before the Test

• Get a good nights sleep
• Eat something light before the test
• Wear comfortable clothes, wear layers in case the
  room is too hot or cold
• Arrive early to get a seat and not be rushed
• Do not talk to other students while waiting for
  the test, prepare your mind to concentrate

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During the Test

• Use relaxation techniques, remain calm
• Pay attention to verbal and written directions
• Notice how many points each part of the test is
  worth
• Estimate how much time you will need for each
  section
• Jot down memory aids in the margins

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During the Test

• Answer easiest, shortest questions first
• Mark difficult questions and return to them later
• Use context clues
• Pace yourself, if stuck on a question, move on
• Use all time allowed!
• Check your answers before turning in the test
• Dont Panic!!

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Essay Questions

• Read through the entire question
• Watch for key words describe, compare, contrast,
  analyze
• Develop an outline, organize your ideas
• Your opening statement should summarize your
  essay
• In your final paragraph summarize and draw your
  conclusion
• Proofread answers for errors

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Multiple-Choice Questions

• Watch for tricky wording and similar answers
• Read the question and all answer options before
  choosing your answer
• Cross off answers you know are wrong
• If you dont know the answer, move on to other
  questions, they might trigger the answer.
• Answer all questions unless there is a penalty
  for guessing

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Matching Questions

• See if there is an equal number of items
• Match what you know first
• Cross off information that is already used
  (unless some can be used twice)
• Use the process of elimination for answers you
  might not know
• Leave NOTHING blank!

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Short-Answer/Fillin-the-Blank Questions

• The length of the blank does not always
  correspond to the length of the answer.
• Look for key words in the sentence that may
  trigger a response.
• Read the entire sentence to see if the answer
  you placed in the blank makes sense.
• Leave NOTHING blank!

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True-False Questions

• Remember that if any part of a statement is
  false, the entire statement is false.
• Read each question carefully, some may be tricky,
  especially cases of always and never.
• If unsure about an answer, look over other
  questions on the test for context clues.
• Leave NOTHING blank!

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Symptoms of Test Anxiety

• Unable to concentrate
• Easily distracted
• Fidgeting
• Butterflies
• Sweaty palms, headache, nausea
• Increased heart rate
• Tensed muscles

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Tips for Avoiding Test Anxiety

• Arrive at the test as prepared as you can be
• Answer questions you feel confident on first
• Think positively and focus your energy on the
  test
• Do not compete with others, just do your best
• Remember it is just one test tests do not
  measure your self-worth.
• Use relaxation techniques

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After the Test

• Reward yourself! RELAX!!
• Learn from the exam, search for a pattern in your
  errors.
• Make sure you go back and learn material you
  missed it will probably be on the midterm or
  final exam.
• See your professor if you need additional help in
  some areas.