Exam and Test Preparation
• Exam preparation happens all term, starting with
the skills we have been discussing:
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Paying special attention to the syllabus
Note-taking
Pre-reading & skimming
Active reading
Regularly reviewing the notes from your ‘lectures’ and
readings
– Learning to look for connections between ideas & class
readings, lectures & discussions
– Forging ahead despite our fears
– Assessing all the resources at our disposal
Learn About the Exam
• When, Where, How Long?
• What format?
• multiple choice, short answer, essay questions,
true/false questions, matching questions, etc.
• What will it cover?
• lecture material, readings, sections of the text, all
learned so far from all sources
• What resources for help are available?
• teaching assistants, copies of old exams, other
students, etc.
• What is it worth?
How should I study?
• Make a list of what to study.
• vocabulary; lists; key ideas stressed; possible test
items; previous tests/assignments; handouts; class/
lecture notes; textbook reading assignments
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Go through the list systematically.
Make up questions as you go.
Summarise difficult points.
Go to other sources.
Study alone / with others.
Remember the basics.
What should I study?
Review everything, but focus on what counts
the most.
1) definitions of specialized terms
2) lists
3) ideas stressed in books and class
4) possible exam material (questions)
5) previous exams / tests / assignments
6) study guides, handouts, reviews
7) lecture / class notes
8) textbook assignments
Tips for Improving Concentration
General Tips:
Specific Tips:
• establish a positive
attitude
• establish a purpose
for reading/study
• preread / skim the
material
• look for relationships
between what you’re
studying and the rest
of the material
• set realistic goals for
each task
• take a short break after
completing each goal
• break down large tasks
into smaller ones
• combine different
types of study activities
• remember to maintain
a positive attitude
More Tips for Improving
Concentration
1) reduce / eliminate outside distractions
2) reduce / eliminate inside distractions
3) overcome a lack of interest
4) study alone
5) position your body for alertness
6) choose a good study area
7) check your physical condition
8) keep needed study materials handy
The Study Cycle
Review
15 minutes
Break
15 - 20
minutes
Study
60 minutes
Study
60 minutes
Break
15 - 20
minutes
Review
15 minutes
Preparing to Write the Exam
1. Read the whole exam
• Begin by reading all instructions carefully
• Read all questions and jot down notes to yourself
2. Prepare a strategy
• Decide which questions you will answer
• Determine time allotments for each question.
• Double-check your strategy
3. Answer the questions
• Always answer the easiest questions first.
Interpreting Short Answer and
Essay Questions
1) Read every word of a question carefully.
2) Analyse each question before you answer it.
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1. Mark words that identify the subject area to be covered.
2. Mark words that suggest a particular approach to material.
3. Circle the words (usually verbs) that tell you what to do.
4. Number the parts of the question.
3) Sketch the Answer.
– 1. Jot down ideas that come to you when analyzing the
question.
– 2. Brainstorm
– 3. Quickly organize your ideas into an outline.
Ten Steps to Writing Essay
Exams
1. Plan
– set up a manageable study schedule that covers the
whole course
2. Anticipate
– what is likely to be asked? what connections can you
make? **re-examine the course syllabus**
3. Rehearse
– practise writing sample questions; pretend you’re in the
exam situation
4. Schedule
– divide your time among questions; decide what to answer /
what order
5. Read
– read the whole exam carefully; read each question carefully
6. Analyze
– mark key words to help you answer; identify question words
7. Think
– what are you expected to write? What do you know about the issue?
8. Sketch
– sketch a helpful guide based on your brainstorming and thinking
9. Write
– enough to answer the question fully; don’t include unnecessary information;
no flowery writing or long introductions or conclusions
10. Check
– check that you’ve answered correctly; add extra points that you forgot
Exam Post-Mortem
• Try to learn from the results of your exam;
what content areas were weak? What
style of questions were hardest for you?
What can you do to improve next time?
Additional resources:
• http://www.ucc.vt.edu/stdysk/stdyhlp.html