Top 10 Test Taking Tips for Students

Another day. Another year. Another test. Will it ever end? There are classroom tests and standardized tests. Tests for different grade levels and tests for different subject areas, but the anxiety level remains the same. It is always sky high for students who care.

Many factors combine to ensure passing test scores. Attendance, behavior, adequate preparation and participation, study skills and habits, and successful completion of assignments definitely top the list. In today's world of high stakes testing, students and parents are increasingly becoming aware of the importance of test scores and the role they play in grade point averages, passing subjects and, grade levels and in some cases, high school graduation. The following tips may help when taking classroom and standardized tests:

1. Listen carefully to all oral directions, then read and reread all written directions carefully.

2. Preview the passage. Read the title, subheadings, graphics, (charts, maps, graphs, tables, illustrations), and bold-faced terms. Notice the text structure. Is it written in a time order, cause and effect or a descriptive sequence? Notice the length of the passage. How long will it take you to read it? This will guide you as you pace yourself.

3. Read the test questions so that you have a focus. When reading, underline information that you think may help you answer the questions.

4. Turn the title into a question and then brainstorm. Think about what you already know about the topic. Try to answer the question as you read.

5. Use context clues to help you figure out the meaning of unfamiliar words.

6. If you cannot pronounce a word, do the best you can and continue reading.

7. Stop after reading short pieces of the passage and summarize what you've read. If you get confused, go back and reread.

8. Visualize, create a movie in your mind, when you read. As you visualize an important idea, quickly sketch it in the margin.

9. When answering test questions, go back to the passage for information that will help answer the question. When answering multiple choice questions, eliminate wrong answers by drawing a line through them.