Strategies For Doing Your Best On An Exam

 

  1. Look the test over: Scan through the test quickly. If there are no time restraints, read carefully, deciding how to best use your time. Answer the easy questions first and save the more difficult ones for last. Notice if answers to some questions are given away in other questions.
  2. Before you begin the test: Write or draw any lists, diagrams, tables, etc. on a blank piece of paper or the back of the test for later use.
  3. Start with the easy questions: This will get you in a more positive frame of mind and build confidence. Next, answer the questions that give you the highest points. Leave the most difficult, the ones that take the most writing, or have the least point value for the last.
  4. In matching and multiple-choice tests: cover up the possible answers and give your own answer before looking at your choices.
  5. In multiple-choice tests, guess intelligently: Toss the answers that you know are wrong. Only guess when there is no penalty for guessing (such as GRE's). If there is a penalty, don't guess unless you have solid reason for your choice. First choices are more likely to be correct so, don't change answers unless you have a very good reason.
  6. On essay tests, think before you write: Outline or make a mindmap (subject in the middle with points you intend to cover radiating from the center, with sub-points radiating from those) of what you want to cover. As they taught you in school, begin with a thesis statement. Summarize what you are going to say in the essay in the first paragraph, using the points you have written down in your outline or mindmap (This way if you are unable to finish the essay in time, the grader will know what you intended to cover. Finish the essay by discussing the points in detail, proving your thesis with specific information, examples, or quotations from your readings and notes.
  7. Review the test: Don’t leave as soon as you complete the test. Look over the exam one more time.
Did you answer every question?
Check for grammar mistakes, misspelled words and math mistakes.
Do a spot check of your answer sheet to make certain that you haven't inadvertently left a blank row and put all of the rest of the answers on the wrong lines.
  1. Notice what questions the teacher asks: This will help you on future tests. If a teacher likes trivia, you can study for trivia. If they want to know dates and places, you can spend your time studying on that the next test. If they like quotes, then you can wisely use your energies memorizing quotations.
  2. Analyze yourself: Affirm what you did right and well and decide if you can modify any of your strategies to make them even better. Examine your methods that did not work well and come up with new approaches. Ask yourself what you can do to better prepare for future tests.
  3. Save your tests: Use your tests to review when studying for final exams. Questions for finals are often taken directly from tests given during the semester.

 

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