Study Methods for a Test
To pass the citizenship test, you must study 100 important facts about American history
and government. That is a lot of information to remember. How will you remember it all?
How do you study for a test?
There are many different ways to study for a test. How do you study for a test? In a small
group, share the different ways you study for a test. Write down at least 3 examples from
your group.
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
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Reading the information is one way to study for a test. However, reading is very passive.
That means that you do not do anything to actively study. Your brain will remember
information much better when you use other parts of your body and not just your eyes to
remember information. What are some ways you can study that require you to use other
parts of your body?
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_______________________________________________________
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What way do you think you would like to actively study? __________________________
How much will you study for the test?
Another important question is how much time you will spend studying for the test. The
more time you spend, the better you will remember the information. However, you need
to plan your time carefully. You need to choose a quiet place and make sure that you can
study without interruptions. What do you think is a good study plan for preparing for the
citizenship test?
Where?
Which days?
How long each time?
_____________
______________ ________________
How many weeks?
_______________
Study Methods Activity
Directions:
1. Your teacher will have your group read one of these study methods.
2. Read the steps carefully with your group.
3. Then use the questions on the next page to practice these steps with your group.
Flashcards:
1. Cut 8 ½ x 11 paper into 8 equal pieces.
2. Write a question on one side of each
piece of paper and the answer on the
other side.
3. Create a flashcard for each question you
need to study.
4. To practice with the flashcards, read the
question out loud. See if you can
remember the answer.
5. Check your answer by turning the card
over.
6. If your answer is right, place the card in
one pile and if your answer is wrong,
place it in another pile.
7. Continue until you are done practicing
all the cards.
Matching:
1. Cut an 8 ½ x 11 piece of paper in half
length-wise to make two long, thin
pieces.
2. Cut the thin pieces into eight equal
strips.
3. Copy a question on one of the strips.
4. Copy the answer on another strip.
5. Continue this until all questions and
answers are written on separate strips.
6. Put the question strips in one pile and the
answer strips in another.
7. Mix up the answer strips.
8. Now match each question strip to the
correct answer strip.
9. Check your answers when finished.
10.Read each question and answer aloud.
11.Repeat this practice until you match all
questions and answers correctly.
Practice Test:
1. Copy each question on the paper.
2. After you write all the questions, ask
yourself the questions.
3. Write your answers on a separate sheet
of paper.
4. Go back and find the answers you don’t
remember and write them on your paper.
5. Read aloud all questions and answers.
6. Repeat the practice test until you get all
answers correct.
If you use this method to study the 100
questions, you should also do them in
smaller groups of categories (for example:
periods of time – 1700’s, 1800’s history,
principles of gov., rights/responsibilities, etc
Copy & Repeat:
1. Copy each question and its answer one at
a time on a piece of paper.
2. As you copy the question, say it out
loud.
3. As you copy the answer say it out loud
as well.
4. After you copy the question and answer,
repeat the question and answer three
times before you write the next question
and answer.
Questions to Study
1. What do we call the first ten amendments to the constitution?
 the Bill of Rights
2. Who is in charge of the executive branch?
 the president
3. If the president and the vice president can no longer serve, who becomes
president?
 the Speaker of the House
4. The idea of self-government is in the first three words of the constitution.
What are these words?
 We the people
5. What is an amendment?
 A change or addition to the constitution
Study Methods Demonstration (S2)
Directions:
1. Now your teacher will move you to a new group.
2. Read your study method to your new group.
3. Demonstrate the method to your group and have them follow your directions.
4. Listen to your group members demonstrate their study methods.
5. Then together evaluate each method in the chart below.
Pros: What I like about it.
Cons: What I don’t like about it.
Flash Cards
Matching
Practice Test
Copy & Repeat
Which study method do you like the best? ______________________________________
Your teacher will give you 10 citizenship questions to study for a test. Use your favorite
method to study for the test. Come prepared to answer the questions correctly
tomorrow!
10 Questions & Answers for Practice Test (FP)
1. What do we call the first ten amendments to the Constitution?
 the Bill of Rights
2. Who is in charge of the executive branch?
 the President
3. If both the President and the Vice President can no longer serve, who becomes
President?
 the Speaker of the House
4. The idea of self-government is in the first three words of the Constitution.
What are these words?
 We the people
5. What is an amendment?
 a change or addition to the Constitution
6. Who lived in America before the Europeans arrived?
 Native Americas (American Indians)
7. When was the Declaration of Independence adopted?
 July 4th, 1776
8. How many amendments have been made to the Constitution?
 27
9. Who was President during the Great Depression and World War II?
 (Franklin) Roosevelt
10.What movement tried to end racial discrimination?
 civil rights (movement)
Citizenship Practice Test (FP)
1. What do we call the first ten amendments to the Constitution?
 the Bill of Rights
 the Constitution
 the freedom papers
 the Declaration of Independence
2. Who is in charge of the executive branch?
 executives
 the President
 supreme court judges
 Congress
3. If both the President and the Vice President can no longer serve, who becomes
President?
 the Speaker of the House
 the leader of the Democrats or Republicans
 the Governor of your state
 the people vote for a new President
4. The idea of self-government is in the first three words of the Constitution.
What are these words?
 I want freedom
 Land of liberty
 We the people
 United States of America
5. What is an amendment?
 a person who runs a state
 Congress and Senate
 what the President does when he doesn’t want a new law
 a change or addition to the Constitution
6. Who lived in America before the Europeans arrived?
 Canadians
 Native Americas (American Indians)
 settlers
 Westerners
7. When was the Declaration of Independence adopted?
 July 4th, 1778
 September 17th, 1787
 September 11th, 2001
 July 4th, 1776
8. How many amendments have been made to the Constitution?
 20
 50
 27
 17
9. Who was President during the Great Depression and World War II?
 (Franklin) Roosevelt
 (John F.) Kennedy
 William Clinton
 Ronald Reagan
10.What movement tried to end racial discrimination?
 segregation
 civil rights (movement)
 Democratic Party
 Republican Party