TEST TAKINGPREPARATION

BEGINS THE FIRST DAY OF CLASS

Presentation provided by UTPB West Texas Literacy Center, an HSI funded program. HSI is a federally funded program granted by the Department of Education Title V programs.

Developed by Ana Miller, M.A., Reading Specialist

Test Anxiety: How Do We Develop Feelings of Panic?

Past experiences Inadequate preparation

Why prepare?

Less anxiety No time constraints Access to books notes, and tutors Answers are in your book, handouts, notes,

other resources Preparedness = Improved performance

Test Preparedness

Analyze the professor’s test technique Complete projects and papers well before

scheduled exams Create study guides and flash cards as you

take notes Adjust your study method. For objective tests,

focus on specific details. For essay exams, focus on broad concepts and relationships.

Types of Tests

Open book Computation Essay Short answer Fill in the blank True-false (objective) Multiple choice (objective)

Open Book Tests Prepare Become extremely familiar with the book,

handouts, study guides If you are allowed, make a reference sheet to

save time Focus on main ideas and where you can find

them in the book or other approved materials Highlight important points, use post-it-notes,

add notes IF ALLOWED

Open Book Tests Continued

Take all resources the professor has approved

Answer the questions you know, then go to your resources

Use your book and other resources as a back up and for verification

Computation Tests Understand why, when, and how to use specific

formulas Create a formula study sheet and use it as a review When you receive the test, write down the formulas

you can remember in the margin of the test READ ALL DIRECTIONS CAREFULLY Show ALL work (partial credit) Check over the test

Essay Exams Read the directions carefully Read and analyze the questions critically

Be sure that you understand the question. Do a “Memory Dump” –Quickly write out memorized dates,

names or points, so you can relax, think, and write Create a quick outline or other organizational format Begin with a thesis sentence and refer to your major points Focus on one main point per paragraph Use the technical vocabulary and define the terms Proofread Watch the time BE NEAT

Understand the Question COMPARE = Examine qualities of what is being compared,

stress similarities CONTRAST = Examine qualities of what is being contrasted,

stress differences CRITIQUE = Evaluate merits and faults DEFINE = Brief, clear meaning DESCRIBE = Objectively tell about something, do not evaluate it DIAGRAM = Create an appropriate, labeled chart, plan, or

drawing DISCUSS = Make a detailed analysis (study), including

description and/or comparison, contrast, or evaluation

Understand the Question ENUMERATE = List and briefly discuss the required

points EVALUATE = State your opinion, supported by

examples; give advantages and disadvantages EXPLAIN = Clarify and interpret, stating “how” and

“why,” including expert opinion if appropriate ILLUSTRATE = Literally draw a graph or create a

clear example INTERPRET = Translate, give examples, solve, or

discuss; include your judgment or feelings JUSTIFY = Give evidence to support your

conclusions

Understand the Question LIST= List and briefly discuss required points OUTLINE = Give an organized description, focusing

on major points and supporting details PROVE = Confirm or verify; use logical reasoning to

make your points, or state evidence and evaluate it REVIEW = Critically and systematically examine,

analyzing each major point STATE = Briefly express main points SUMMARIZE = Write a condensed discussion of

main points or facts TRACE = Describe a series of events in

chronological or other appropriate order

Objective Tests Answer the easiest questions first Read all of each question and the choices

carefully before selecting an answer When you must guess, eliminate first For true/false questions, assume that a

statement is true until you prove otherwise Always write something on fill-in-the-blank

questions Think about the question

Objective Tests Continued

Should you guess? YES, but consider this: Use of absolute words (all, none, always never)

Often untrue Use of moderate qualifiers (often, frequently, many…)

more likely to be true Look for clues within the question itself Longer, more detailed answers tend to be correct. If two answers are total opposites, one is likely to be

correct If two answers are very similar, it is likely that both are

incorrect

Fill-In-The-Blank Tests Remember basic rules:

Unless directions say otherwise, one word per blank The length of the blank is not necessarily a clue to the

length of the word The completed sentence should make sense and be

grammatically correct Blanks separated by commas, indicate a series of

items Several blank lines without commas indicate a phrase

with a specific number of words. The word “an” before a blank indicates that the

needed word begins with a vowel sound.

Fill-In-The-Blank Tests Answer the questions you know, bypass the

difficult ones Return to the difficult questions; using

delayed response Those questions remaining, apply assisted

response, skim through the items that will trigger an association to the needed word

Finally, WRITE SOMETHING If time permits, review

REVIEW Review- Look for skipped items, answers marked in

the wrong space, or illegible answersSHOULD YOU CHANGE ANSWERS? Know your own history

Do you tend to find wrong answers and correct them? Then continue to do so.

Do you tend to second guess yourself and change right answers to wrong ones? Then be cautious.

Change only if you realize that you misread or misunderstood the question on the first attempt or if you recall a relevant fact that warrants changing an answer

Oral Tests Confirm time and place Take visual aids and props Dress appropriately Be early Turn off cell phone Maintain eye contact Maintain correct posture Speak clearly and with proper formal grammar and

diction Speak in complete sentences Thank the instructor

Test Taking Tips Worth Repeating!!! PREPARE, PREPARE, PREPARE-START EARLY!!! Arrive early and prepared Read ALL the directions carefully Preview the exam before you begin Plan your time Read all of the question and choices completely and carefully Answer the easiest questions first Answer every question, even if you have to guess (unless there

is a guessing penalty-ask the professor) Review if time permits

Post Test

Relax and celebrate Carefully analyze the errors when the test is

graded and returned Ask the professor for clarification if you do not

understand why you lost points

Disappointed by Your Grade?

Seek the professor’s advice with the attitude that you want to improve next time.

Remember test taking is a skill that requires TIME AND EFFORT to develop.

You may want to seek assistance: Literacy Center- Ana Miller MB 4180 Math & Science Center- Jill Miller MB 4180 Writing Center- Kellye Manning MB 2100 Mentor program- Stephanie Hernandez MB 4109 SI (Supplemental Instruction) Dr. Castro Pass Office

References

Feldman, Shattles, & McKenzie. (2004).Oracle EDU 1110. Unpublished manuscript, Southern Methodist

University, Dallas, TX