Test-Taking Strategies

1: Before-the-Test Study Strategies

1 Before-the-Test Study Strategies Smart test-takers begin thinking about a test long before they enter the test room. In their heads or on paper, they compile a detailed profile of the test format and the testgiver . When they prepare for the test, they don't necessarily read and memorize every detail in their notes. They study specific kinds of information, in a specific way, for each individual kind of test. Finally, they get their minds, bodies, and emotions ready to give their all for high marks. We'll show how to master all three of these important before-the-test strategies. STRATEGY 1: FIND OUT WHAT KIND OF TEST YOU'RE GOING TO TAKE Few students, except the ones who are instinctively testwise , try to find out in advance what kind of test they're preparing for. But if you know the kind of test, you know how to study for it. For short-answer, fill-in-the-blank, matching, and some 2 TEST-TAKING STRATEGIES true-false tests, emphasis should be placed on cramming into your brain as many specific facts and details as possible. For essay or oral tests, you should prepare to argue persuasively about several general topics and to back up each argument with enough specific details to show that you probably know what you're talking about. For multiple-choice tests, you don't actually have to recall anything: you just have to recognize related information when you see it. In studying, you should look for those relationships. As early in every course as possible, start compiling clues to what the exams will be like. Figure out the format. • How much will be true-false statements? • How much of the test will be multiple choice? • How much will be essay? And so forth. Decide on the areas of knowledge. • Will it include everything since the course began or only the last six weeks' worth? • Will you have to remember formulas or will they be given? • Will the textbook, outside reading, or lectures be given the most weight? There are several ways to get this information. Tactic 1: Ask the instructor Many teachers are willing to tell you whether you'll be responsible for just plugging formulas into mathematical equations or for applying them to concrete situations. They'll state whether they expect details or just major con- Before-the-Test Strategies 3 cepts. They'll say whether they want just the facts and conclusions you've learned in class and from required reading , or expect your deductions and opinions. They'll also indicate whether or not they expect you to show that you've done outside reading. Often, instructors will even tell you the format of their tests or the blocks of information and general subjects each test will cover. But many only tell the students who bother to ask. If you don't ask, you'll never know whether a testwise student is getting an informational edge on you. Tactic 2: Look at past exams If you've taken some tests in the course, you may already have a lot of clues about this coming test. Think about them. • Was the teacher after straight memorization or did you just have to recognize the correct answers? • Did earlier tests focus on trivia or on major principles? • Did they include abstract questions or concrete ones? • Did the teacher favor facts or ideas? • Were the tests hand-scored or machine-scored-and by whom? • Were there any catch questions? (If so, you'll have to watch for them this time around.) Some teachers make available copies of past exams they've given. Study them for the types of questions you can expect. But don't fall into the trap of expecting identical questions or of anticipating the same format and then not reading the directions carefully once you're in the exam room. Instructors have been known to change a format or a particular question just slightly-with a word or two-as a trap for careless readers. 4 TEST-TAKING STRATEGIES Tactic 3: Predict on past experience If your teacher won't say a word about an upcoming exam and this is your first test given by the teacher, don't give up. Be testwise. Try to guess possible questions and format from the type of information emphasized in class, the focus of assignments, and the way the teacher presents the...