4 Unusual Test-Taking Tips
Taking tests can be really stressful, especially when it comes to studying and preparing. Everyone knows the basics: study, ask questions, do the reading and assignments, but on top of taking tests for classes, you have the SAT, ACT and AP tests to think about as well. Balancing study time for everything can be difficult, so keep these tips in mind when trying to plan for any upcoming tests.
Prepare Mentally and Physically
Some aspects of test taking have nothing to do with studying at all. For any test you take, be sure to stay calm and try to avoid any anxious thoughts. Do a bit of exercise and have a healthy snack to keep your body comfortable. Drink plenty of fluids, and maybe even do some breathing exercises or power poses to keep a positive mindset. Making sure you feel good on the inside and the outside are just as important as studying when it comes to sitting down for a test!
Look Over Everything Before Starting
Knowing what lies ahead of you is important even before answering that first question. Some questions may even help you answer others. Read the directions carefully, and make sure you’re not rushing or taking too long on any one question. When you check out every question before starting, you get a pretty good idea of the level of difficulty you’re facing. This will tell you approximately how long you need to take on each question, depending on the overall length and the amount of time you have to take the test. When you start immediately at question one, you risk not finishing or missing some important details. Once you look over the entire test, you can begin answering all the questions you know, saving the harder ones for last. If you’re taking a standardized test, you can look over every section in its entirety as you get to it, since you can't flip through the entire test when you start.
Be a Critical Thinker
Critical thinking is a crucial trait of a good test-taker. It’s more than just taking notes, paying close attention in class and making sure you study regularly. You need to read carefully, look for context clues and have the ability to identify details and know certain concepts. Test questions can sometimes be tricky, so you’ll need to be prepared to answer questions that may not have an obvious answer at first glance. There can be more than just one way to think or do something, so learning how to recognize and utilize other thought processes that don’t come naturally to you is a huge benefit when it comes to critical analysis. To work on your critical thinking skills, read more about topics you aren’t familiar with and really think in-depth about why things are the way they are, how things operate, etc. Practicing this strategy often will be a great help when you sit down to take a test where critical thinking is required.
Review Graded Tests
When you receive tests back in the classroom, it’s a good idea to check over what you did right and what you did wrong. By going over what you missed, you can see the areas that need more focus when studying next time. This will also keep those missed questions in your head, so there’s less of a chance you’ll forget the answer if it ever comes up again—and oftentimes, it does. Whatever it is, you’ll always be glad to learn from your mistakes.
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