When you are waiting for the test to being and talking with classmates, avoid the question. “How much did you study for this test?” This question does not provide any important information. In fact, it may only fuel the anxiety that you did not study enough.

Pay particular attention to verbal directions given as the test is distributed. Then scan the whole test immediately. Evaluate the importance of each section. Notice how many points each part of the test is worth and estimate how much time you will need for each section; Use its point value as your guide. For example don’t budget 20% of your time for a section that is worth only 10% of the points. Jot down a short time plan to keep on track during the test.

Read the direction slowly. Then re-read them. Nothing is more agonizing than to discover that you lost points on a test only because you fail to follow the directions. If the directions call for short answers, given short answers. Sometimes you will be asked to answer two out of three questions. Oh, the frustration of finding that out as you finish your third answer! When the directions are confusing, ask about them.

Jot down memory aids, formulas, equations, facts, or other material you know. You will need and might forget. Do this in the margins. If you use a separate sheet of paper, you may appear to be cheating. Now you are ready to begin.

In general

It’s time to begin. If necessary, allow your self a minute or two of “panic” time.
Answer the easiest, shortest question first. This gives you the experience of success. It also stimulates associations and prepares you for more difficult questions.

Next answer multiple choice, true/false and fill in the blank questions. Then proceed to short answer and essay questions.

Use memory techniques when you are struck. If your recall on a certain point is blocked, remember something else that’s related. Start from the general and go to the specific. Use a small mind map in the test margin to stimulate your memory.

Pace yourself. Watch the time; if you are struck, move on, follow your time plan.

Leave plenty of space between answers. The space makes it easier on the person who grades your test. You can use the extra space, if there’s time, to add information.

Look for answers in other test questions. A term, name, date, or other fact that escapes you might appear in the test itself. You can also use other questions to stimulate your memory.

In quick-answer question (multiple choice, true/false), your first instinct is usually best. Avoid changing your answer unless you are sure your second choice is correct. If you think your first answer is wrong because misread the question, do change your answer.

Multiple choice questions

Check the directions to see if the questions call for more than one answer.

Answer each question in your head before you look at the possible answers. If you can come up with the answer before you look at the choices, you eliminate the possibility of being confused by those choices.

Mark questions you can’t answer immediately and come back to them if you have time.

Be sure to read all answers to multiple choice questions before selecting one. Sometimes two answers will be similar and only one will be correct.

If you have a clue as to what the answer is and if incorrect answers are not deducted from your score, use the following guidelines to guess:

1. If two answers are similar except for one or two words, choose one of these answers.

2. If two answers have similar sounding or looking words (intermediate-intermittent), choose one of these answers.

3. If the answers calls for a sentence completion, eliminate the answers that would not form grammatically correct sentences.

4. If two quantities are almost the same, choose one.

5. If answers cover a wide range (4,5,66,7,88,7,90,1,5000,11), choose one in the middle of the range.

6. If there is no penalty for guessing and none of the above techniques works,close your eyes and go for it.

Note : None of these suggestions for guessing is meant to take the place of studying for the test.

True/ False questions:

Answer true/false questions quickly, often these questions are not worth many points individually. Don’t invest a lot of time to get two points on a 100 point exam.

Read carefully, Sometimes one word can make a statement inaccurate. If any part of the
true/false statement is false, the statement is false.

Look for qualifiers, like all, most, sometimes, never, or rarely. These are the key words upon which the question depends. Absolute qualifiers such as always or never generally indicate a false statement.

Machine - graded tests

To do well on these tests, make sure the answer you mark corresponds to the question you are answering. Check the test booklet against the answer sheet whenever you switch sections and again at the top of each columns. Watch for stray marks. These can look like answers.

Open - book tests -

When studying for the test, write down any formulas you will need on a separate sheet. Place post-it notes onto important pages of the book (tables, for instance) so you don’t have to waste time flipping through the pages. You could also use paper clips.

If you plan to use your notes, number them and write a short table of contents. Prepare thoroughly for open-book exams. They are4 almost always the most difficult tests

Short answer/Fill-in-the-blank tests
These questions often ask for definitions or short descriptions. Concentrate on key words and facts. Be brief.

Here’s where over learning the material really pays off. When you know a subject backward and forward you can answer this type of question almost as fast as you can write.

Essay questions : -

When you set out to answer an essay question, your fist task is to find out what question is asking – precisely. If a question asks that you compare Gestait and Reichian therapies, no matter how eloquently you explain them, you are on a one-way trip to No credit City.

Before you write, make a quick outline. There are three reasons for doing this. First, you might be able to write faster. Second, you’re less likely to leave out important facts. Third, if you don’t have time to finish your answer, your outline could win you some points.

When you start to write, get to the point. Forget introductions. Sentences such as, “ There are many interesting facts to this difficult question” cause acute pain for teachers grading test.

One way to get to this point is to include part of the question in your answer. Suppose the question asks, “Discuss how increasing the city police budget may or may not contribute to a decrease in street crime. “Your first sentence might read, “An increase in police expenditures will not have a significant effect on street crime for the following reasons.” Your position is clear. You are on your way to the answer.

When you expand your answer with supporting ideas and facts, start out with the most solids points. Don’t try for drama by saving the best for last.

Some final points in regard to style:-

1. Write legibly. Grading essay questions is in large part a subjective process. Sloppy, difficult-to-read handwriting might actually lower your grade.

2. Be brief. Avoid filler sentences that say nothing. (“The question certainly bears
to add points you missed. Leave a generous left-hand margin with plenty of space between your answer will show through and obscure the writing on the other side. If necessary, use the blank side.

3. Use a pen. Many instructors will
require this because pencil is difficult to read.

4. Write on one side of the page only. If you write on both sides of the page, writing will show through and obscure the writing on the other side. If necessary, use the blank side to add points you missed. to add points you missed. Leave a generous left-hand margin with plenty of space between your answer hand margin with plenty of space between your answers, in case you need to add to them later.