During the Test
1.
Get
to the test site early so you can select a seat, organize your materials, and
get relaxed. Be prepared with pencils, paper, calculator, books (if
appropriate), etc.
2.
Get
the big picture. Survey the entire test before you answer any questions. This
will help you to get an overview of what's expected and to strategize how you
will take the test.
3.
Take
a few deep breaths and to relax tense muscles. Repeat throughout the test. This
process will help you to stay relaxed and to make more energy available for
remembering, thinking, and writing.
4.
Read
directions carefully. If you can, ask questions if you don't understand or
need clarification.
5.
Do
a quick "mind dump" of information you don't want to forget. Write it
down on scrap paper or in the margin.
6.
Use
good strategies for answering multiple choice and other objective questions.
7.
Underline
key words while reading questions and answer choices.
8.
Try
to supply your own answer before choosing an alternative listed on the test.
9.
Mark
an answer for every question.
10.
When
answering essay or short answer questions, remember that the objective is to
demonstrate how well you can explain and support an idea, not just what you
know. Keep the following in mind:
- Read over all the essay questions before you start to write. Underline key words like define, compare, explain, etc.
- Think before you write. Remember, a good answer:
- Starts with a direct response to the question.
- Mention the topics or areas described in the question.
- Provide specific as well as general information.
- Use technical vocabulary correctly that relates to the essay or short answer topic
- Read over all the essay questions before you start to write. Underline key words like define, compare, explain, etc.
- Think before you write. Remember, a good answer:
- Starts with a direct response to the question.
- Mention the topics or areas described in the question.
- Provide specific as well as general information.
- Use technical vocabulary correctly that relates to the essay or short answer topic
11.
When
problem solving, ask yourself:
- What am I being asked to find?
- What do I need to know in order to find the answer?
- What information has been provided that will help me to find the answer?
- How can I break the problem down into parts?
- What steps should I follow to solve the problem?
- Does the answer make sense? Does it cover the whole problem?
- What am I being asked to find?
- What do I need to know in order to find the answer?
- What information has been provided that will help me to find the answer?
- How can I break the problem down into parts?
- What steps should I follow to solve the problem?
- Does the answer make sense? Does it cover the whole problem?
12.
DO NOT FORGET.... Keep an eye
on the clock. Make sure you'll have time to complete the test sections with the
highest value, if not the entire test.
"During the Test" techniques were adapted from
<
http://faculty.bucks.edu/specpop/tests.htm>
