This document provides exam strategies and tips for student success. It discusses preparing for exams by starting to review early, attending all classes, and getting good sleep. It offers techniques for studying like note cards, rewriting notes, quizzing oneself, and highlighting. During exams, the document advises reading directions carefully, skipping and returning to difficult questions, and sticking with first answers. It also provides tips for specific exam types like true/false, multiple choice, essay, and matching questions. The document concludes by discussing managing stress and taking test-taking hints like eating well, not cramming, relaxing, and rechecking answers.
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Exam Strategies
Pre-test
Preparation starts when you begin the course
What kind of exam?
What can you bring/not bring to exam?
Start reviewing early – good study habits
Lecture notes, readings, charts, graphs, problems
GO to ALL classes – take notes
Try to get a good nights sleep before the exam
3. Study Habits
Attitude
Good time management - Prioritize
The right environment
Learning styles
Auditory
Visual
Tactile
Kinesthetic
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5. Exam Strategies
Test Time
Relax and have confidence
Review exam – Read directions
Look at point value of questions
Leave nothing blank
If confused about question – skip and see if there are clues in other
areas of exam
Circle key words in difficult questions
GO with you first answer!!!
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6. Exam Strategies
True/False
Watch for limited terms/qualifiers
All, none, never, always, etc…with these qualifiers is must be true all the time,
many times this will lead to false answers
Usually, sometimes, and generally…if the statement can be considered true or
false depending on circumstances, usually lead to a true answer.
If any part of the question is false, the answer is false
If there is a long sentence set off by punctuation, make sure that all
parts are “true” or “false”
Make your best guess – if there is no penalty
50-50 shot
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7. Exam Strategies
Multiple Choice
Read the question before you look at the answer
Come up with own answer first
Eliminate wrong answers
Read all choices
Know if you are penalized for guessing
Answer easiest questions first
Circle key words i.e. “false”
Budget the amount of time you have with the number of questions
Reread exam if time allows
Stick with your first answer!
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8. Exam Strategies
Essay
Read directions carefully (i.e. answer 1 of 3)
Understand what is being asked
• Compare, contrast, list, criticize
Write down key words or an outline
Budget your time (weighted questions)
Proofread if time permits
Focus on main ideas
Have a strong opening/conclusion sentences & clear transitions
If unsure about question check with instructor before answering
question
Be neat
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10. Exam Strategies
Matching
Look at both columns first
Observe how they relate
Match the items you are positive about first then go back and make
the best educated choices
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11. Exam Strategies
Online Exams
Take exam where there will be no distractions
Find out ahead of time if there are any constraints (i.e. time limit)
Have paper available next to you
Be careful about browsing back and forth
SAVE ANSWERS!
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12. Exam Strategies
Post test
Review exam before you hand it in
Look for careless mistakes
Fill in all the blanks
Review exam when you receive it back
Check points
What questions did you miss and why
Read over professors feedback
Check where questions came from
Review how you studied and if changes need to be made
Keep tests if allowed
Talk with professor
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13. Stress
Stress
Natural
Without stress individuals would not be motivated, alert or driven
Bad reaction
Distressed
Overreact
Physical problems
• Nausea
• Insomnia
• Bad habits – drinking, drugs, overeating
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14. Stress
Managing Stress
Relax
If you believe you are stressed----you are
Get organized and prioritize
Think positively – don’t panic
Avoid excuses
Take “you” time
Surround yourself with positive people
If stress persists get help
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15. Summary
Test Taking Hints
Eat Well
NO Cramming
Relax
Arrive to class early
Read and follow directions
Skim over questions
Circle key words
Use memory devices
Recheck answers
Know ALL material
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