Test Preparation and Test-Taking Strategies
(for Students)

Student Safety Net Home

What are Test Preparation and Test-Taking Strategies?

Get used to it!  Tests are a part of the normal routine of school life.  Tests of one form or another will be given throughout your school career and even into your adult life for various professional careers and licenses.  Tests are regularly used as a quick and efficient tool to measure your knowledge and skills.   Tests are used to determine your level of readiness (for new learning), mastery (of previously taught content), aptitude (for a particular skill) and your ability (to perform certain tasks).  Accepting tests as a normal part of your life and preparing well for their occurrence will greatly help your confidence and overall performance. 

During your school years, you will take many types of tests.  Listed below are some suggestions that may help you to do better on certain types of tests.

All Tests

·         Survey the entire test

·         Plan out your time

·         Read all directions and questions carefully

·         Check your answers

True/False

·         Go with your first hunch

·         Statements with absolute words (all, always, only, never) are often false

·         Statements with words that allow exceptions (sometimes, usually, seldom, rarely) are often true

·         Check for accuracy of facts (names, dates, specific places)

·         Pay attention to negatives; they can be confusing

Matching

·         Count to see if there is the same number of items in each column.

·         Work only one column at a time, usually the definition column, and work backwards to find the words or symbols that match.

·         Be sure to find out if answers can be used more than once.

·         Eliminate (cross out) answers that have been used.

Multiple Choice

·         Read the entire question and try to determine the correct answer before you look at the choices

·         Read all of the choices

·         Eliminate answers you know are wrong first

·         Watch for answers such as “all of the above” or “all except”.

Fill-In/Short Answer

·         Use content, line-length and grammar clues

·         Determine if a list of words to choose from exists

·         Look for clues from other sections of the test (definitions, vocabulary)

·         Always provide some answer

Essay Tests

·         Identify the question and key vocabulary

·         Plan the answer to the essay before you begin to write

·         Proofread your response

·         With multiple questions, plan your time wisely

·         Answer in outline form if you do not have time to write the complete essay.

Preparing well for a test is likely to be a very important part of taking the test and performing well.  Consider the following steps when preparing for a test:

·         Allow several study sessions for review

·         Review all class notes and hand-outs; use flash cards

·         Ask yourself (or use a partner to help you) questions

·         Make sure you understand the material

·         Get sufficient sleep, high-energy food, and the necessary materials (pens, pencils, erasers, specialized equipment, etc.)

·         Be confident in yourself as a learner avoiding any negative self-talk

·         Survey the test and carefully plan your time.

·         Follow your plan.

Most tests are designed to be completed within specific lengths of time, either an established number of minutes or within a class period.  Occasionally, and upon request, time limits can be extended.  It never hurts to ask.  The best guarantee to having enough time to complete the test is to prepare well to take the test.  Familiarity with the vocabulary, terms, ideas and concepts will help you to read and understand the questions more quickly.  If you consistently do not have enough time to complete tests, it is important to tell your teacher, parents or other adults.  In those circumstances, it is possible that specific accommodations can be made.   

It is important to understand the results of your tests.  If you do not understand the scoring information or a particular answer, be sure to ask for an explanation.  It is far more important that you understand the rationale behind a particular answer than the correctness of the answer itself.  Look for patterns in your performance from one test to another.  This may help you to learn more about your learning profile and/or your strengths and weaknesses.  Share your results with your parents so they can continue to support your learning and provide any suggestions or help that might be necessary.  Be sure to celebrate your accomplishments and correct any obvious shortcomings.