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TEST-TAKING TIPS FROM MRS. FLESCH

The following test-taking tips are drawn from my own experiences as a student and my observations as a teacher. Test performance benefits from effective test-taking strategies. Some strategies, such as the ability to pace oneself, require practice to master, while others, such as double-checking the answer bubbles, can be used immediately. In time, these strategies become second nature allowing the student to approach test day with confidence.


There is no substitute for "knowing your stuff", but a little test savvy can go a long way!

General Tips:

  1. Be prepared!
  2. Read the question carefully and then reread the question. Silently restate exactly what is being asked.
  3. Double-check the answer number before you fill-in the bubble. A habit well-worth the fraction-of-a-second it takes to double-check.
  4. Do not spend too much time on any one question: PACE YOURSELF. This essential skill takes practice. Pay attention to the clock or wear a comfortable watch.
  5. Skip questions that you do not know or need extra time to ponder the answer.  Return to these questions later.
  6. Clearly mark skipped questions with a circle or star and be sure to skip this same question on your answer sheet (if applicable).
  7. Another tip for learning the fine art of pacing is to look over the test and note the number of questions, and then divide the number of questions by the time allowed. For example, if you have 40 minutes to complete 40 multiple choice questions, do not spend more than 60 seconds on each question. If you have 40 minutes to complete 30 multiple choice and two short answers, reserve 10 minutes for the short answers and the remaining 30 for the multiple choice.
  8. "Warm up" your test-taking skills by starting with the type of question that you find the easiest. For example, if you cringe at multiple choice and prefer true/false, start with true or false. This technique builds confidence before you tackle your least preferred question type.
  9. Begin with the short answer or essay section. “Writing questions” are time consuming, but are also worth more points than other question types.
  10. Always use extra time to check your work.

 

Multiple Choice:

 

  1. Multiple choice questions are not just recall, trivia-type questions. Multiple choice questions may test comprehension, application, and synthesis of concepts as well as basic knowledge. Treat multiple choice questions as thought-questions rather than immediate response questions.
  2. Cover the answer choices and try to answer the question without peeking at the answers. Pick the answer which most closely matches your answer.
  3. Circle or underline key words in the question. Key words often include new vocabulary, the question word (who, what, where, how, etc.), the verb, and comparison words (greater than, less than, etc.). This helps determine exactly what the question is asking and makes it easier to focus on the best answer.
  4. Circle the word "not" and note how this word affects the question.
  5. Cross-out answer choices that are definitely incorrect.
  6. Beware of the red herring! A "red herring" is an answer choice that is incorrect, but may distract the test taker and lead he or she away from the best answer. A "red herring answer" usually has something to do with the topic, but does not actually answer the question (A "red herring" is actually a literary device used to distract the reader from important plot events leading to a twist ending.). The less-than-well-prepared student is more likely to be distracted by such answers (hint, hint). Avoid these answers by silently restating exactly what the question is asking.
  7. Reread the question with your answer choice. Do they match?

 


True or False:

 

  1. Cross-out words which make the statement false and write-in words to make the statement true.
  2. If a statement is true, jot down supporting information or evidence. How do you know the statement is true?

 

Fill-in-the-blank, Short Answer, & Essay:

 

  1. For fill-ins, reread the statement with your answer. Fill-ins usually test your ability to use new vocabulary.
  2. Circle or underline the verb. The verb explains how to answer the question.
  3. For multi-part questions, double-check that you have answered each part of the question before moving on.
  4. Jot down a few notes to organize your thoughts before beginning an essay. Brief outlines are well-worth the time for longer essays.
  5. Use introductory (at the beginning) and summarizing (at the end) statements for essays.
  6. Quality over quantity: avoid rambling. Only write down information or apply concepts that answer the question.
  7. Regurgitating everything that you know about a topic will not earn you extra points and may steal time away from other answers, which also require your attention.
  8. Use examples to strengthen your answer.
  9. Demonstrate application skills by using new vocabulary.
  10. Reread your answer and the question: Does your answer match the question?