Study Skills & Test
Preparation
Debbie Rowland
Academic & Career Counselor
• Helps you use your time wisely
• Helps you understand the subject matter
• Helps you get better grades
• Helps you in college, on the job, in life
Why Are Study Skills
Important?
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Listen carefully (evaluate key words)
Take good notes (outline with main points, high-light)
Participate in class discussions (ask questions)
Time management (calendar, time wisely, notebooks,
quiet place)
• Develop a reading technique (headings, summary,
boldfaced words)
• Review (summarize major ideas)
• Memorization skills (flashcards, study habits)
How To Develop Good
Study Skills?
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Learn general information first
Link ideas and facts to general info
Relax
Recite, several times
Write it down
Review
Flash Cards
Memory Techniques
• S=Survey –title, intro, headings, visuals, summary
• Q= Question-who, what, where, why, when, how?
• R=Read- answers to questions, write it down
• R=Recite-read/answer ? say aloud, repeat 3 times
• R=Review –notes, recite steps, 3+ days before test
Study Skills Technique
(SQ3R)
Useful Questions for Test
Preparation
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Name of course
What info do you know about this test?
How many questions will it contain?
What info will be covered based on lectures or
quizzes?
• How can you prepare for the test?
• Do you need to modify your study habits for this
test?
• What will you do if you get stuck on a question
during the test?
• Create a study checklist-notes, text, syllabus, outline
• Create a detailed summary sheet for each major topicsubtopics, write, summary
• Use your summary sheets-read aloud
• Create practice tests- review old test
• Read the directions carefully-key words
• Test Anxiety-positive attitude, focused, be prepared,
support group, do not panic
How To Study For Tests!
• Review daily-not cram
• Review important subject matter, headings-listen to hints,
repetition
• Review by asking questions-predict
• Review by reorganizing the subject matter
• Review the questions words-key words
• Study with someone in class-study buddy
• Read questions/instructions carefully-reread
How To Review For Tests!
• Objective tests
• Multiple Choice
• True/False
• Short Answer
What Are Objective
Tests?
Multiple Choice Questions
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Choose the best answer available
Eliminate incorrect answers
Generally go with your first answer or all of the above
Minimize the risk of guessing
• Clues to CORRECT answers: longest answer is often
correct, most complete, answer in middle, generally, probably,
most, often, some, sometimes, usually
• Clues to INCORRECT answers: all, always, everyone,
everybody, never, no one, nobody, none, only
• Matching Questions- start with easiest
• Open Book Exams- write formulas, definitions on
separate paper, make table of contents, number pages, tab
pages
• Math/Science- compile formulas, show all steps, check
steps
• Essay Exams- answer easiest first, make mini-outline,
proof-read work, check spelling, use examples,
diagrams, etc.
Objective Test (cont.)
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Compare-similarities between things
Contrast-differences between things
Criticize-positive/negative points
Define-formal meaning of a term
Describe-detail about something
Diagram-drawing-label it
Discuss-details, positive/negative points, evidence
Enumerate-list points, 1,2,3
The Meaning Of
Directional Words
• Evaluate-positive/negative points, why
• Illustrate-explain-give examples
• Interpret-explain-meaning of something
• Justify-reasons for something
• List-series of points-1,2,3
• Outline-main points, secondary points,
relationships
Directional Words (cont.)
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Prove-give facts or reason
Relate-show connections among things
State-main points
Summarize-condensed account of main pts.
Trace-describe development or history of a subject
Directional Words (cont.)
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Study skills take time to develop
Study skills are the key to success in college
Study skills are an investment in your future
Study skills teach you to budget your time wisely-use a
calendar
Study skills teach you to become a better reader and note
taker
Study skills help you do better on tests
Study skills help you learn memorization skills
Study skills help you reduce test anxiety stress!
Summary
• Becoming a Master Student, Dave Ellis
• Study is Hard Work, William Armstrong
• Content Area Reading, R.T. & J.L.Vacca
• Good Luck!
Resources/Questions