writing

Test Taking Strategies

When we do poorly on a class / term / test / exam, we sometimes tend to argue that there was a problem with the test or that the teacher simply did not know how to write the test. That is not the correct approach to take. Success on tests involve numerous activities before, during, and after the completion of the test. Here are some strategies that I have used and found to be successful over the years. They have worked for me and for many of my student. Hopefully, they will also enable you to improve your grades. Throughout the below, I use the word "test" instead of the dual term "class text / term exams".

1. What should you do before you take a test?
1. Prepare yourself by reviewing regularly.
Develop a study schedule that will provide you with at least xx hours of active study time. Your schedule should allow you to complete your review a day or two ahead of the test so that you can go to school and ask for help from your subject teacher, or classmates, if possible.
2. Learn the material the day you get it.
    2a. Do not save it up until the night before the exam.
    2b. Review on a daily, then weekly basis.
3. Use review tools.
    3a. Study checklists, maps, summaries, outlines, diagrams, etc.
    3b. Make up notes on index cards.
    3c. Associate yourself with a study group.
4. Prepare yourself by doing a dry run of the test.
    4a. Ask your subject teacher what to expect.
    4b. Prepare possible test questions.
    4c. Recite and write answer to possible test questions.
5. Get sufficient rest the night before the exam.
    5a. Cramming all night will only make you less alert on the test day.
6. Arrive early to the test area, but not too early, with all the necessary supplies.
7. Avoid talking to people who confuse you or make you nervous


2. What should you do when you first receive the test?

1. Pay attention to any verbal directions given as the test is distributed
2. Scan the whole test immediately.
    2a. Evaluate the point value and time requirements of each section.
3. Read the directions carefully. Then, reread them.
    3a. Do exactly what the directions ask.
    3b. Ask questions if you are unsure about what is being asked of you.
4. Before you start the test
    4a. Jot down any memory aids, formulas, equations, facts.


3. What should you do when writing the test?

1. Answer the easiest and shortest questions first: This will give you confidence, earn you quick points, stimulate associations, and should prepare you for the harder questions.
2. Start with multiple choice, true-false, and fill-in-the-blank questions. Finish with short answer and essay questions.
3. Use memory techniques when you get stuck
    3a. Remember something else related.
    3b. Think about the general concepts and then work back to the specific concepts.
    3c. Draw a map.
4. Look for answers in other test questions
5. Watch your time. If you get stuck, move on.
6. Leave some space between your answers. This allows you to add to your answer later. Your teacher may find it easier to read your efforts and thus grade your work.
7. In ‘quick-answer’ questions, such as multiple choice or true-false, stay with your first instinct. In other words, don't change your answer unless you know why your first choice was wrong and why your second choice is right.
8. Check over your work before handing it in
    8a. Make sure your answers are clear.
    8b. Make sure you have not left out any answers.
    8c. When all else fails, take your best attempt at an answer.
Some special pointers ...

Handling Different Types of Test Questions
When writing exams or tests, subject teachers make use of various forms of questions. Regardless of the type of question, sufficient study and preparation are required. However, you may wish to use different approaches when dealing with different types of questions. For example, ...
Dealing with Multiple Choice Questions

Check that the question requires only one (1) answer.

Try to answer the question in your head before looking at the choices.

Before selecting an answer, read all choices and mark each choice T, F, T?, or F?

Eliminate the choices you know are wrong.

Mark and come back to questions you can't answer immediately.

Dealing with True-False Questions

Read each question carefully – one word can make a statement false.

If any part of the comment is false, the complete comment is false.

Watch carefully for qualifiers, such as all, most, sometimes, never, or rarely.

Absolute qualifiers, such as always or never, generally suggest a false statement.

Dealing with Short Answer Questions

Concentrate on key words and facts and, above all, please be brief.

Repeat key words from the question in your answer.

Dealing with Essay Questions

Be certain you know what the question is asking of you.

Make an outline or mind map before writing. Why?
    2a. It organizes your thoughts so that your writings may be more coherent.
    2b. It reduces your chances of forgetting relevant ideas.
    2c. It may earn you marks if you run out of time.

Make your position clear and stick to the point.

Start with the most important points and work down through lesser important points.

Double space your lines of writing and leave space in the margins.
    5a. It looks neater.
    5b. It allows you to add ideas.
    5c. It may be easier for your instructor to read, make comments, and grade.

4. What should you do after you get back your exam or test?

Listen carefully as the test answers are discussed. Your teacher may have made an error in marking.

Make certain that you understand where you went wrong - see your subject instructor for help if needed.

Make note of sections or types of questions that gave you difficulty.

Check all marking and additions.

Use the test when studying for future tests.

Clifford Morris
July 17, 2002