Test-Taking
Strategies
For Student Success
TNCC
Contents of Slideshow
 Test-Taking
Preparation
 Combating Test Anxiety
 Strategies for Various Test Formats
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True/False
Multiple Choice
Fill in the Blank
Essay
 Online
Testing
 General Test-Taking Strategies
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Test-Taking Preparation
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Be Rested.
Study regularly to avoid cramming.
Be sure to be on time or early on the day of a test.
Wear layered clothing for comfort with
temperature of the room.
Eat a light and healthy breakfast.
Avoid caffeine or processed sugar overload.
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Combating Test Anxiety
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Take Slow Deep Breaths
Don’t Think About the Fear
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Use Positive Reinforcement
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Pause, think about the next step and keep on task,
step by step.
Acknowledge what you’ve done so far.
Remind yourself you’re doing your best.
Expect Some Anxiety
Use the Anxiety
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Can bring energy
Keep it manageable.
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Strategies for Various Test Formats
 True-False
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Tests:
Mark a statement true unless you know it is
false because True-False tests generally
contain more True’s than False’s.
Assume a statement is False if any part of it
is False.
Assume a statement is False if it contains
words such as every, all, and always.
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Strategies for Various Test Formats

Multiple Choice Tests:
 On MC tests there are usually four options: 1) a
really crazy/silly answer 2)an answer that
sounds right but is not even close 3) an answer
similar to the correct answer and 4) the correct
answer. Try to weed out first two to increase
chances of answering correctly.
 Options such as “all of the above” can be
tricky. Read answers CAREFULLY.
 Choice b or c or most often the answer.
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Strategies for Various Test Formats
 Fill
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in the Blank Tests:
Decide what kind of answer the statement
needs. Is it a date, person or place?
Look for key words in the statements such
as where, when, how, and why etc.
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Strategies for Various Test Formats
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Essay Tests
 State
your main point in the first
sentence.
 Use your first paragraph to provide an
overview of essay.
 Use the rest of essay to discuss these
points in detail.
 Back up your points with specific
information, examples or quotations
from the reading.
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Online Test-Taking
 Often
timed, so budget time wisely
 Backtracking is most often prohibited
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Use reliable computer.
Remain focused.
Contact instructor immediately if anything
goes wrong.
TNCC
General Test-Taking Strategies
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Read over test and skim all answers.
Answer easier questions first and return to
the difficult questions later.
Budget test-taking time.
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