Test Taking Tips
Test taking can be stressful! Many times, there are things students can do to help
eliminate some of the stress associated with test taking. The following tips are designed to
help you reduce stress and experience success on any type of test you take.
Tip #1 - Find out about the test
Ask your instructor about:
 The types of questions you can expect
 How many questions and their point values
 Time allowed for the test
 How the test will be graded
 Extra credit opportunities
 Study hints or a study sheet
Formulate your study strategy according to the length of the test and the types of test
questions. Use practice tests or workbook questions to study from. Be careful not to
assume that the same questions on practice tests will be asked again on the official test.
Tip #2 – Study throughout the course
 Establish a study plan from the first week of class and stick to it
 Complete homework & reading assignments as they’re given – it all leads to tests
Planning from the beginning creates peace of mind at test time while eliminating the panic
and frustration you may feel right before the test. Studying a little every day means that you
will not have to study everything the night before the test. Good planning also allows you to
make room for study in all of your courses so that you don’t have to neglect anything.
Tip #3 – Make and take a pre-test
Taking a pre-test before your actual test is the best way to determine how much you really
know. Answering questions without the aid of your book or notes can help you identify
information you need to review again before testing. Gaining a sense of how much you know
before the test reduces stress & gives you confidence! Follow these steps for making pre-test:
 Use section headings from your book and notes to write test questions.
 Try to write questions in the format you will have on the test.
 Take your pre-test at least two days before your actual test. This will give you
time to review the things you miss (if you miss any at all!).
 Use a study partner – exchange pre-tests.
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Tip #4 – Study with a partner or group
Studying with others can be very beneficial - especially when you are being tested on a large
volume of material. Follow these steps:
 Study only with people you know & trust. Choose those with similar study habits.
 Study with a small group. Three – four people is ideal.
 Study with a group ONLY after you have all studied on your own first.
 Study with group members by using informal discussion of test material. The more you
verbalize information and put it in your own words, the better you will understand it.
 Study with the group at least two days before the test instead of the night before.
This will give you time to review more on your own & know what you need to work on.
Three Principles for Taking Essay Tests
Essay questions usually test your knowledge of broad topics rather than detailed material.
They are graded on how well you organize an answer and how well you speak to the topic.
1.
Use exam time well
 Complete the easiest questions first, especially if there are also objective
questions on the test.
 Allocate time for each question – use point value & knowledge of material.
 Give less time for questions you know well & more for those you aren’t sure of.
 Wear a watch during the test so you can monitor the amount of time you spend
on each question (if you are allowed to – some watches are computers too).
2.
Write focused, organized, answers
 Read the questions carefully. Make sure you know what is being asked &
underline key words – it will help.
 Brainstorm! Write down everything you know about the topic of the question &
then read your list and underline the most important items.
 Write a brief outline using the underlined items from your brainstormed list.
 Begin your answer by re-writing the question. Follow your outline as you
write, and be sure to include an introduction and conclusion.
3.
Know key task words
 Task words tell you how to write your answer. Knowing the task words helps you
focus your essay on what is being asked. You may get points deducted from your
answer if you do not write according the to the task word, so be on the lookout!
Following are common task words in essay questions:
Analyze
Describe
Outline
State
Enumerate/List
Evaluate
Summarize
Diagram
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Relate
Interpret
Criticize
Discuss
Contrast
Illustrate
Trace
Compare
Prove
Explain
Define
Justify