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When you take a test,you are demonstrating your ability to understand course material or performcertain tasks. Successful test taking avoids carelessness.Examples of objective tests are true-false, multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank.Examples of subjective texts are short answer, essay, or oral examsNB: If you have any doubts about the fairness of tests,or of the ability of tests to measure your performance,please see your academic counseling service.These suggestions may help you avoid careless errors!Prepare:* Analyze how you did on a similar test in the pastReview your previous tests, and sample tests, especially when studying forthe final exam.Each test prepares you for the next: the more tests you take, the betteryou will develop your test taking strategies.* Arrive early for testsBefore a test, list everything you will need for it that is allowed.(pencils/pens, calculator, dictionary, watch, etc.)Good preparation helps you focus on the task at hand* Be comfortable but alertChoose a good spot in the room and make sure you have enough space to work,maintain comfortable posture in your seat, but don't "slouch"* Stay relaxed and confidentKeep a good attitude.Remind yourself that you are well-prepared and are going to do well.If you find yourself anxious, take several slow, deep breaths to relaxDon't talk about the test to other students just before entering the room:their anxiety can be contagiousTest Taking:* Read the directions carefullyThis may be obvious, but it will help you avoid careless errors* If there is time, quickly look through the test for an overviewNote key terms, jot down brief notesIf you can, mark the test or answer sheet with comments that come to mind.Ask if that is permitted!* Answer questions in a strategic order:1. Answer easy questions firstto build confidence, score points, and mentally orient yourself tovocabulary, concepts, and your studies. It may also help you make associationswith more difficult questions.2. Then difficult questions or those with the most point valueWith objective tests, first eliminate those answers you know to bewrong, or are likely to be wrong, don't seem to fit, or where two options are sosimilar as to be both incorrect.With essay questions, broadly outline your answer and sequence theorder of your points.* Review:Resist the urge to leave as soon as you have completed all the itemsReview your test to make sure that youo have answered all questions

o did not mis-mark answerso did not make simple mistakesProofread spelling, grammar, punctuation, decimal points, etc.Change answers to questions if you made a mistake, or misread the questionor if you find information elsewhere in the test that indicates that your firstchoice is incorrectDecide on and adopt study strategies that work best for youReview your test preparation and identify those habits that worked well andreplace those that don't!To do well on tests you must first learn the material,and then review it before the test.These are techniques to better understand your material:Learning*Take good notes in your class lectures and textbooksSee the Guides on Taking notes in Lectures(and Taking notes from a textbook!)*Review your notes soon after class/lecture*Review notes briefly before the next class*Schedule some time at the end of the week for a longer reviewReviewing*Take good notesabout as your teacher tells you what will be on the test*Organize your notes, texts, and assignmentsaccording to what will be on the test*Estimate the hours you'll need to review materials*Draw up a schedulethat blocks units of time and material*Test yourself on the material*

Finish your studying the day before the examMultiple choice questions usually include a phrase or stemfollowed by three to five options:Test strategies:* Read the directions carefullyKnow if each question has one or more correct optionKnow if you are penalized for guessingKnow how much time is allowed (this governs your strategy)* Preview the testRead through the test quickly and answer the easiest questions firstMark those you think you know in some way that is appropriate* Read through the test a second time and answer more difficult questionsYou may pick up cues for answers from the first reading, or become morecomfortable in the testing situation* If time allows, review both questions and answersIt is possible you mis-read questions the first timeAnswering optionsImprove your odds, think critically:Cover the options, read the stem, and try to answerSelect the option that most closely matches your answerRead the stem with each optionTreat each option as a true-false question, and choose the "most true"Strategies to answer difficult questions:* Eliminate options you know to be incorrectIf allowed, mark words or alternatives in questions that eliminate theoption* Give each option of a question the "true-false test:"This may reduce your selection to the best answer* Question options that grammatically don't fit with the stem* Question options that are totally unfamiliar to you* Question options that contain negative or absolute words.Try substituting a qualified term for the absolute one, like frequently foralways; or typical for every to see if you can eliminate it* "All of the above:"If you know two of three options seem correct, "all of the above" is astrong possibility* Number answers:toss out the high and low and consider the middle range numbers* "Look alike options"probably one is correct; choose the best but eliminate choices that meanbasically the same thing, and thus cancel each other out* Double negatives:Create the equivalent positive statement and consider* Echo options:If two options are opposite each other, chances are one of them is correct* Favor options that contain qualifiersThe result is longer, more inclusive items that better fill the role of the