Use Test Taking Strategy to Gain highest Scores in Final

I have read an article named "Test Taking Strategy" which I have found very useful for our Final exam coming in near future. It focuses on the three types of idol behaviors those are Before Test, During Test and After Test strategies.

So, I want to share this useful instructions with my all class fellows.

Test Taking Strategies

Before:

• Take a practice test the day before with conditions as much like the test as possible.
• Review your summary sheets for an overall view of the material. Recite in your own words
• Get enough sleep. Avoid caffeine which increases anxiety.
• Remember to encourage yourself and STOP critical statements.
• Give yourself time to feel composed and to be on time for the exam. Avoid anxious classmates who are talking about the exam.

During:

• Look over the entire test, READ THE DIRECTIONS, plan your approach, and schedule your time.
• Start with the easiest question first.
• Focus your attention on the test. Don't waste time and energy worrying, thinking about the consequences of not doing well, or wondering what others are doing.
• If you don't know an answer, mark the question.
• Suggest to yourself that you probably studied it and the answer will come to you when you get back to it.
• If you start to feel anxious, practice your relaxation techniques. Use anxiety as a cue to relax. Close your eyes, take three deep breaths and then back to the task.

Essay Exams. Organize your thoughts in a brief outline. Look for key words such as compare, contrast, describe, identify. Start with a short summary or topical sentence and then make your points. Don't ramble. Remember what the professor emphasized.

Objective Exams. Think of your own answer before looking at the choices provided. Eliminate clearly wrong answers and make an educated guess (unless there is a severe penalty for wrong answers). After you have answered those you know, return to those you checked. Think about only one question at a time. After you have answered those you know, return to those you checked.

• If your time is running out, concentrate on those questions you know well and/or have the most weight.
• Use all the time allowed for reviewing your answers, completing ideas. Only change answers if you are sure of yourself.

After:

• Reward yourself for having tried. Don't go over the test questions with others. No matter how the test went, you can learn from the returned exam.

Final Thoughts

• List the resources which are available: free tutors, Reading and Writing Center, etc.
• List at least three specific steps which you can take now to meet your goals. (Check those suggestions you plan to follow).