2. Test Taking Skills and
Techniques
Test taking can be a
daunting prospect, but it
does not have to be.
Preparing for a test by
consciously focusing on your
reactions and managing them
goes a long way to supporting
your success as a test taker.
3. Test Taking Skills and
Techniques
Nugent and Vitale, in Test Success, outline some general test
taking techniques that would benefit you immensely as adults
participating in an accelerated program:
Follow your regular routine the night before a test –don’t further
unsettle yourself by changing your routines.
Arrive on time for the test. Who hasn’t had the nightmare where you
show up late for a test? Lateness will increase anxiety and perhaps
cause you to lose the opportunity to take the test at all.
Bring the appropriate tools. This is the “be prepared” reminder.
Take what you need or are allowed to bring so you will have the tool
handy if you actually need it.
4. Test Taking Skills and
Techniques
Understand all the directions for the test before starting. Read
the instructions for the test before beginning. They provide valuable
information and may save you time and/or prevent you from over-
thinking or burning up time on things you don’t have to do.
Manage your time when taking a test. Determine how much time
you have for each question and for reviewing your answers.
Budgeting your time helps you create a sense of structure and allows
you to have short and long term goals: complete this question in 1
minute, complete the test in 45 minutes with 15 minutes left for
review.
Concentrate on the simple before the complex. Take your easy
wins. It feels good and leaves you the time and energy to tackle the
harder questions.
5. Test Taking Skills and
Techniques
Avoid reading into the question. Don’t make the questions harder
than they need to be. Sometimes, they ARE that simple.
Make educated guesses if you must guess. Trust your instincts.
Reduce the options for the answer and then guess if need be among
the remaining options.
Maintain a positive mental attitude. Relax as best you can and do
not distract yourself with negative thoughts and fears.
Check your answers and answer sheet. If you have time, review
your work. Make sure you’ve answered in the correct areas if you
have computer scan sheets for recording answers. Many a mistake
has been made by putting the answers in the wrong columns!