Test Taking Strategies
Understanding the test
O Unit test or comprehensive?
O Multiple choice, short answer, essay?
O Day and time of test?
O Take home test? When, where, how to turn
it in?
Studying
O Look back at previous tests and assignments
O
O
O
O
O
O
- Read the comments
-Look for recurring mistakes
Do not over-study
Read over chapters
Rewrite notes if needed
Do actual problems
Re-do previous essay questions and take a trip to the
writing lab
Focus on main ideas
Studying
continued
O Find a place to study and keep it for study
only.
O Tool-up the environment with all study
needs.
O Control noise level and the visual
environment to acceptable levels.
O Avoid relaxing while working; create a work
atmosphere.
Help
O Talk with professor if still confused
O Form study groups
O Tutorial services
http://www.semo.edu/lap/40950.htm
Online Exams
O Make sure your computer works
O Master the login process
O Carefully read all questions and double check notes
and books
O Copy and Paste from your word processor if there are
any short answers or essays
O Always save, and often
O Any serious technical problems, contact IT Help:
(573) 651-4357
http://www6.semo.edu/helpdesk/
O More Tips:
http://www.studygs.net/online/onlinetest.htm
Multiple Choice Exams
O Read questions carefully
O Look through the test answering what you know.
Clues to difficult questions may be in the easy
questions
O Be careful with “all of the above”
O If two answers seem right, choose the MOST
correct answer.
O Always remember to look back.
O More Tips:
http://www.studygs.net/tsttak3.htm
Short Answers
O Tell the professor what you know, not what they
already told you
O Respond directly to the question
O Ask the professor to be sure you two are on the
same page
O Stick with keywords, events, concepts, etc.
O DO NOT LEAVE IT BLANK
O Remember to edit
O More Tips:
http://www.studygs.net/tsttak5.htm
Essay
O If you have an idea of the questions, prepare a brainstorm or
outline
O Avoid repeating the professor
O Intro, three body paragraphs, conclusion
O In the intro, explain what you are talking about and whether
you agree or disagree
O Three reasons why you agree or disagree for body paragraphs
O Summarize in conclusion
O Use details
O Edit
O More Tips:
http://www.studygs.net/tsttak4.htm
What is Test Anxiety?
O Test Anxiety is defined as being so afraid or
worried about a test that performance
suffers.
What Causes Anxiety?
O Often Test Anxiety is a result of a lack preparation
as indicated by the following:
O Cramming the night before the exam
O Poor time management
O Failure to organize text information
O Poor study habits
O Another reason for Test Anxiety is worrying about
the following:
O Past performance on previous exams
O How friends and other students are doing
O The negative consequences of failure
Physical Symptoms Of Anxiety
Anxiety can affect a person in multiple ways, including
physically, cognitively, and emotionally. Listed below are
some physical symptoms of anxiety.
O Increased Body
O
O
O
O
O
Temperature
Rapid, Pounding
Heartbeat
Tightness of Chest
Butterflies in Stomach
Hyperventilation
Weakness All Over
O Dizziness
O Dry Mouth
O Excessive Sweating
O Confusion
O Muscle Tension / Aches
O Fatigue
Cognitive Responses to Anxiety
Anxiety can affect someone cognitively. Listed below are
some of the cognitive responses someone may have if
suffering from anxiety.
O I Can't Do It
O No One Will Help
O I’m Going to Make a
O I Can't Breathe
Fool of Myself
O People Are Staring at
Me
O I Could Faint
O Get Me out of Here
O I'm Going to Die
O I'm Going Crazy
O I'm Trapped
Emotional Responses to Anxiety
Emotional responses to anxiety vary greatly
depending upon the individual and also the reason
of the anxiety. Listed below are examples of the
emotional responses to anxiety.
O Fear
O Loss of Control
O Panic
O Embarrassment
O Excessive Worrying
O Anger
O Uneasiness
O Depression
O Isolation
O Rejection
Where to Find Help
O Counseling and Disability Services
O Phone: (573) 651-6191 or on-campus x6191
O Location: Dearmont B1 Wing (NE side of building)
O By appointment only
O http://www.semo.edu/ucs/
O Learning Assistance Programs
O Phone: (573)-651-2273 or on-campus x2273
O Location: University Center 302
O http://www.semo.edu/lap/
Helpful Links
O Study Strategies
http://www.studygs.net/index.htm
O Test Taking Tips
http://testtakingtips.com/
O Math Notes
http://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/
http://www.coolmath.com/algebra/
We Value Your Opinion!
O Thank you for viewing Test Taking Strategies
O Please take the time to submit a brief survey about
this presentation:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/onlinecssfall2012
O We appreciate your honest feedback and
suggestions!