Test Taking Strategies
Grades are not everything. Some people are better writers than others hence their short answers
may "read" better. A student may have excellent comprehension of the subject matter but draw a
blank when it comes to expressing themselves on paper. Some people just don't "test" very well.
They freeze. But here are a few suggestions to help with that:
1. Create flash cards, each containing a manageable chunk of information.
2. Repetition is essential to memorization.
3. Don’t spend a lot of time studying the information you know – work on studying the information
you have forgotten or struggled to understand in the first place.
4. Study groups – in the “real world” things get done because people work well together. Plus,
studying with friends can take the pain out of studying.
5. As soon as you get your test paper, give it a quick look so that you can determine the scope of
the task that awaits you.
6. Don't write the first thing that comes to your mind. Read the question carefully. Take a few
notes. Think.
7. When necessary, refer to the facts. After all, it's the facts that will give evidence to your main
points.
8. You should make every effort to write legibly.
9. No smiley faces, cute remarks, or “text language” on essays or short answers. Just answer
the questions.
10. Use the entire time allotted for the test – there is no 1st place blue ribbon for finishing first.
11. Don’t spend too much time on questions you don’t know.
12. You should re-read your answers whenever possible. It's not that necessary to edit but do
make sure that what you say is clearly stated.