TIPS FOR TAKING TESTS
The purpose of testing is to motivate you to learn and to determine how much you have learned. In school and in your future career you will face many tests. Being adequately prepared is very important. Often you do poorly on tests because you lack the skills for preparing and taking tests. Always ask the teacher what kind of test questions will be on the test so that you can study more wisely for the test.
Test Taking Tips:
Listen carefully to oral instructions.
Scan the entire test before answering any questions to be familiar with the types of questions on the test.
Read the directions for each section.
Notice the weights assigned to specific questions.
Answer the questions you find easiest first, then go back to the more difficult questions.
Ask questions to clarify problems.
Check your answers if you have time.
Essay questions require writing essays of one or more paragraphs during the test time. Essay questions require organization of what you know and understand about a topic, then expressing the knowledge in a way that answers the question. The elements of a good paragraph are: topic sentence, support, unity and consistency.
First, read the question carefully. Next, jot down main ideas, secondary ideas and supporting details in the margin of your paper or on an extra sheet of paper. Use examples whenever possible. Write something for every question, even the ones where you are unsure of the answer. You may receive partial credit for what you wrote. Don’t add additional information that doesn’t apply to the question.
Tips for Essay Questions:
Jot down all the facts you know about the subject immediately.
Briefly outline the answer by organizing the facts.
Begin you answer with an introduction, cover your main points and end with a summary.
Reread your answer.
Write carefully and neatly.