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STUDENTS Strategically Approach Class Tests

Tags

Study Skills & Tools MS/HS/College Strategy

Skills

Flexible Thinking

STUDENTS Strategically Approach Class Tests

If you often get incorrect answers on content you know or have difficulty finishing

How To Apply It!

  1. Realize that doing well on tests goes beyond just knowledge, but also knowing how to strategically approach tests depending on the type of questions asked and the amount of time you have
  2. Test preparation should include knowing which strategies you will use for different types of test questions and how you will allocate your your time if you won't have as long as you might need to carefully consider every answer.
  3. When you get your test look it over and approximate how much time to spend on each section. Keep in mind that different questions have different point values and require different amounts of time and that you might be better at some skills than others.
  4. Don't feel obligated to complete the test in order. Teachers usually put the easiest questions (and the lowest point values) first. Consider how much energy you have, what you know best, what comes most easily, and your typical pace.
  5. Reading Comprehension. Often time consuming and tiring. Consider skimming the questions first and then decide how closely you need to read. You might discover that you don't need to read closely at all and can find the answers quickly.
  6. Multiple Choice. Can be particularly difficult if you have trouble with attention or flexible thinking. Eliminate obviously wrong answers first. If time is not an issue, analyze and eliminate the remaining options rather than picking what you think is the right answer since you might find a better one. Keep in mind that teachers know some students jump to the first answer that looks right so they often put "2nd best wrong answers" as A or B.
  7. True and False. Remember that "absolutes" such as ALWAYS tend to be false. Just try to think of a single exception to the rule. Once you have an exception, then you know it can't be true. In math always consider the case of zero or one which tend to have unique rules.
  8. Short Answer or Essays. Include specific examples from reading or class discussion to support your point of view. Find further details on how to explain your answer.
  9. Always show your work. Write in the margin if there is enough room, or on scrap paper which you hand in. Most teachers give partial credit if they can follow your logic.
  10. Double check your work if there's time. There's no prize for finishing early, but you might get a higher grade if you catch errors.

Why It Works (the Science Of Learning)!

Tests assess factual knowledge as well as ability to analyze. Different types of questions require different strategies and different levels of knowledge. Know which sections tend to come easiest to you and balance that with the point values of the questions.