Test Wise
Study Habits
Always
Usually
Sometimes
For each sentence, check the box which tells about you.
Never
A good test taker is a good student every day.
I am in my seat and ready to learn when class begins.
I have my paper and pencil ready for each lesson.
I complete my homework and bring it back to class.
I pay attention in class.
When I do not understand, I ask for help.
I complete class assignments.
I am a good listener.
I work cooperatively with other students.
I use my time wisely.
Strategies to become a better student:
1. Change your bad habits! Get rid of all of the "sometimes"
and "never" checks on your list.
2. School is your job. Make learning your work each day.
3. Find out what you do not know. Set goals for yourself. Ask for
help when you do not understand.
Always
Get ready for big tests with extra review.
Never
Be ready for tests by doing your work each day.
Usually
Before a Test
Sometimes
Test Wise
Do you find out what information the test will cover and
what kind of questions it will have?
Can you explain in your own words what you will need to
know and be able to do on the test?
Do you study for tests by reviewing your homework
and classwork papers?
Do you review over several days, studying some every day?
Do you get plenty of rest the night before and have a good
breakfast on the day of the test?
As you begin the test, do you read the directions carefully
and ask questions when you do not understand?
Do your tests show what you have learned?
Strategies for greater success:
1. Get rid of the "nevers" and "sometimes" from this list.
2. Take action to be "test-ready" by finding out exactly what
will be on your tests. Make time to review and study.
3. Believe in yourself. You are the key to your own success!
Test Wise
Taking Tests
Here are some strategies that will help you become a better
multiple choice test taker. Keep these ideas in your notebook and
review them before your tests.
Remember: Tests are supposed to let you and your teacher know what you have
learned and what you still need to work on. Do your part by paying attention in
class, completing all assignments, asking questions when you do not under
stand, and reviewing before the test. Do your best and don't waste your energy
or your time worrying.
❑ As you begin the test, take time to think about the "big picture." Remind
yourself of what the test is all about.
❑ Read the questions carefully. Ask yourself, "What is this question trying to
find out?"
❑ If there is a vocabulary word in the question that you do not know, try to
figure it out by reading the rest of the question and the answer choices.
❑ Try to figure out each answer before you look at the multiple choices. Next,
see if your answer matches. If it does not match, reread the question and
check your work.
❑ If you do not know which answer choice is correct, eliminate the ones you
believe are wrong. Then work backwards to see which of the answer choices
that are left work best to answer the question.
❑ If you have no idea what the answer should be or how to figure it out, skip
the question. You can come back to it when you have finished the questions
that you do know.
❑ Use time wisely. Don't daydream or spend too long stuck on one question.
Best Strategy: Be prepared!
Test Wise
After the Test
Wait! Don't throw that test paper away. Use it to see what you still
need to learn. Grab a pencil and let's get started.
Explain: What was this test all about?
Identify what you missed and why
Make a list of what you missed. Place the number that best fits beside each item.
1 I didn't understand the question.
3 I studied this but I forgot.
2 I thought I had this right.
4 I made a careless mistake.
This is what I missed
Why
Test Wise
Taking Action
Look at the questions you missed and the reasons you identified.
Read these ideas and check the ones that might help you learn what
you missed on this test and do even better on the next one.
Strategies for greater success:
1 I didn't understand the question.
❑ Mark the words you don't know and ask what they mean.
❑ Read the question again and try to get a picture in your mind.
❑ Ask your teacher to explain the question in different words.
2
I thought I had this right.
❑ Find out why your answer was wrong or incomplete.
❑ Say the question in your own words and ask the teacher if your idea is right.
❑ Talk about why these possible choices were given on multiple choice items.
3
I studied this but forgot.
❑ Write notes to yourself about important ideas as you study.
❑ Review over several days. Study with a friend.
❑ Practice finding several ways to figure out problems.
❑ Don't wait until test time to find out things you don't understand.
4
I made a careless mistake.
❑ Don't waste time and have to rush at the end.
❑ Check to see if your careless mistakes are similar (ex. number facts). If your
mistakes are the same ones over and over, learn that information.
❑ If you finish before the time is up, go back and check yourself.
Two best strategies:
• Do your best.
• Don't give up.