Ms. Ribarich's Guidance Website
TEST TAKING TIPS:
1. Be prepared. Learn the material. Study and review a little each day. If you keep up with your assignments, you will feel much more confident at test time. Above all, avoid last minute cramming.
2. Get plenty of rest. The night before the test, get at least eight hours of sleep. Your brain does a lot of important work while you sleep. Give it time.
3. Eat healthful foods. Fix yourself a nutritious breakfast on the day of the test. If the test is in the afternoon, eat a light lunch. Skip the sugary and salty snacks. Good food aids performance.
4. Watch your self-talk. While preparing for the test, tell yourself that you are ready, relaxed, and confident. Think about how much you have prepared for the test and that you know the material.
5. Do the best you can. Don’t expect perfection. Remember, you are human.
6. Be on time. Get up early on the day of the test. Give yourself plenty of time to get ready so you don’t have to rush. The key is to stay calm and relaxed, which is almost impossible when you are running late.
7. Visualize success. Frequently picture yourself calmly and confidently taking tests, easily remembering what you know and answering questions correctly. Be sure to do this just before any test.
8. Review the direction carefully.
9. If time permits, review your test for any careless mistakes before turning it in.
10. Unless you are penalized for wrong answers, make an educated guess. Don’t leave any questions blank.
Information obtained from:
Davis, L., Sirotowitz, S., & Parker, H. (1997). Study strategies made easy: A practical plan for school success. Plantation, FL: Specialty Press, Inc.
O’Brien, L. (1999). How to get good grades in ten easy steps. Dayton, OH: Woodburn Press
Palomares, S., & Schilling, D. (2010). Less student stress: More school success. Austin, TX: Pro-ed, Inc.
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