Test-taking Strategies
Dealing with Test Anxiety
TRENHOLM STATE TECHNICAL COLLEGE
Dr. Rebecca Ball-Coats
rcoats@trenholmstate.edu
(334) 420-4464
Mr. Damon K. Blythe
dkblythe@trenholmstate.edu
(334) 420-4463
STUDENT SUCCESS CENTER
Test-taking
Strategies
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SURVEY AND PREPARE
•
READ DIRECTIONS
•
TYPES OF QUESTIONS
•
REVIEW
Survey and Prepare

Read over entire test

Read instructions CAREFULLY

Figure out how much time you need to spend on each section

Do a “mind dump” on scratch paper

Take a deep breath and keep a positive outlook
Read Directions

Be sure to read ALL the directions!

Make sure you know what you’re being asked.

Matching

Write the Response

Draw a Line

True/False

Multiple Choice

One Answer

Mark All that Apply

Fill in the Blank

Short Answer

Essay

Math
Types of Questions

Matching: This is often the easiest and best place to start.

True/False


Watch out for absolutes: all, none, etc.

The more detail, the more likely to be true
Multiple Choice: Read the ENTIRE question, paying attention to details.

Try to answer BEFORE looking at your answer options

Answer what you know

Process of Elimination

Qualifiers: always, never, none, all, except, etc.
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Grammar clues: a/an, plural, etc.

Context clues
http://www.lethbridgecollege.net/elearningcafe/index.php/studyskills/vocabularydevelopment/context-clues-exercises
Types of Questions


Fill in the Blank: again, context clues and read carefully

If you’re not sure, but you remember something, write it down. You may get partial credit.

Consider the number of lines to be filled in, if more than one.

Be general, if you’re not sure: 2000s instead of 2005

Grammar clues, as with multiple choice (a/an, plurals)
Short Answer: restate the question and look back at your “mind dump” notes


Use the same strategies here as with Fill in the Blank questions
Essay Questions

Read carefully and look for key words: discuss, define, compare, etc.

Outline first and Proofread last

Restate the question and look back to your notes again

Remember, essays are not only about what you know but how well you can
explain/describe it to your reader
Types of Questions

Math Questions

The same strategies apply!

Do a “mind dump” of formulas and rules

Pay attention to + and – signs

Show all of your work

Put a box around your answer so your instructor can find it easily

Don’t get bogged down—do the easy questions first, then budget your time

Review to make sure you have answered what the question is asking—
especially with word problems
Review

Leave time to review your test before you turn it in/submit it

Did you answer EVERY question?

Don’t change any answers unless you are 150% sure you made a mistake,
usually this only happens when:


You realize you read the question incorrectly and gave an answer that wasn’t
what was asked for

You found the correct answer somewhere later on the test
Take another deep breath and SMILE—you’re done!! 
Dealing with Test
Anxiety
•
PREPARE FOR YOUR TEST EARLY
•
RELAXATION TECHNIQUES
Preparing For Your Test Early

Check your syllabi—know when tests are coming

Make study notes

Study with classmates and find a tutor if needed

Predict possible test questions from your notes

Ask questions about items you’re unsure of during an in class test / quiz
review

Review material periodically—don’t cram, it doesn’t work

Study in a test environment—if you usually listen to music but won’t be
able to during the test, study without it
Relaxation Techniques

Take deep breaths

Focus on relaxing muscle groups, clench then release from head to toe

Talk yourself through the test and visualize finishing successfully

Know that you are prepared

You have studied

You have pen/pencil/any materials needed
Have confidence in yourself! You’ve got this!!!
Questions?
Trenholm State Technical College
Dr. Rebecca Ball-Coats
rcoats@trenholmstate.edu
(334) 420-4464
Mr. Damon K. Blythe
dkblythe@trenholmstate.edu
(334) 420-4463
Student Success Center