Test With Success

The anticipation of an upcoming test can be overwhelming for anyone...from kindergarten to college. The purpose of this page is to hopefully ease the pressures put on students and help them learn how to...Test with Success!

Eating a good meal and getting plenty of rest are key points in performing well on a test and in school. A well balanced diet must consist of 2-3 servings of dairy, 2-3 servings of protein and meat, 2-3 servings of fruits, 3-5 servings of vegetables, and 5-11 servings of grains. Fats, oils and sweets should be eaten sparingly. Getting plenty of rest is also an important factor to performing well in school. Children ages 6-12 should get at least 10 hours of sleep, 12-16 need 8.5 hours and 16-22 need 7-8 hours.

Besides eating right and getting enough sleep, people need to get plenty of exercise, never do drugs, learn how to schedule time wisely, and develop a pattern by realizing when you are full of energy and scheduling your study time during this period.

Pay attention in class! Your teacher will share important information with you, but it is your job to listen closely and understand what is being taught. It is also a good idea to find a study buddy. Having someone who can deliver homework when your are absent, share information learned in class and help you study for upcoming tests can lead you to a spectacular report card. Make a practice of writing down any questions you may have about the information you are learning. Ask your teacher for answers to these questions so that you are understanding the information you are learning. Listen for clues from your teacher about important facts to study. Phrases like, "You will need to know this for the exam" or "This is a major point in this chapter."

Create a weekly/monthly planner (see sample). Write down the dates of all quizzes, exams and any other projects or activities. When a test is announced, find out what kind of test it will be - true or false, essay, multiple choice, fill-in, or short answer. Start on them early if possible to avoid any last minute catastrophes. Keep a checklist of items and materials needed so that you are prepared for any and all exams!

Don't PROCRASTINATE! Read over textbook chapters and notes you've taken every night. You'll be amazed at how little you will need to study when it comes time for the test. Also, be sure not to put off studying until the last minute. You will remember more if you study a few days before a test than if you cram in all the information the night before.

Create a study place for yourself. Make this place the one spot where you will do your homework, make up a weekly schedule for yourself, study for tests and keep all your important papers. Keep your study place stocked with the items you will need to perform these duties. And, always keep your study place neat and organized. You can even create a "Studying - Please Do Not Disturb!" sign for your desk or a door. This way, others in the house will know to respect your privacy.

Make a goal chart (see sample) for yourself. Write down all your subjects and set reasonable goals for yourself. After the first report card has come out, write down your grades and set goals for the next marking period/semester. Review your goal chart with your parents and ask for their advice or any concerns they might have on helping you achieve those goals.

Schedule study and review sessions on a regular basis. Doing a good job on your homework is the best way to review the work you have done in class. It will also help you find out where you may need help. Do your homework on time and completely. If you have difficulty on a particular assignment, tell the teacher privately before class and then make up the assignment as soon as possible. Review your notes every day.

When dealing with reading assignments, read through the assignment once. Then, go back and pick out only the most important information and take notes. Make sure that your notes are clearly written and that you understand the concepts/ideas being discussed. Afterwards, outline what you've read and use this to help you study.

Most textbooks offer reviews at the end of each section. These reviews contain questions that deal with important facts and information from the chapters. Even if your teacher has not assigned the questions, try to answer them on your own. This will give you a good indication of how well you understood the information you've read.

Continue to review your information and review your weekly planners and assignment books. If you are playing a sport and notice you have a lot of practices / games scheduled during a week when you have two tests, start preparing way in advance for these exams.

Use mnemonic devices to help you remember your notes. Mnemonic devices are tricks for recalling information. Learn how to scan material. You can get more out of reading your textbook if you scan each chapter first. Read the chapter questions first to help you focus on the key ideas. Then, read the headings and all subheadings. Read the first paragraph of each chapter and the first paragraph under each subheading. Read the first sentences of the other paragraphs. Read the chapter summary. Look at all the illustrations, graphs and charts. Finally, read the chapter(s).

After reading each page, jot down the most important facts - dates, names, locations, new vocabulary, and events. In your study place, keep a chart graphing your test grades. It will help you see how well you are doing and what areas you may need more time and attention. Use past tests as a way to prepare for the future. Teachers usually develop a style to their testing practices. If you can identify the style, you will be able to better prepare for the test.

Always be prepared. Make sure that you have gathered you materials and packed your school bags the night BEFORE the test, so you are not scrambling around that morning. Get a good night's rest the night before a test. The day of the test, get up a little earlier and eat a nutritious breakfast. Give yourself plenty of time for your morning routine...stay calm and relaxed! Dress comfortably! You don't want to worry about how tight your jeans are or how much your new shoes are pinching your feet. All your energy should be focused on the test.

Studying for Spelling Tests:	Studying for Vocabulary Tests:	Studying for Math Tests:
Say each word aloud as you write it down three times. Close your eyes and try to spell the word. Think of two sentences using the word. Have a spelling bee with a study buddy. Ask a family member or friend to test you. If you repeatedly misspell a word while studying, try to think up a rhyme or trick to help you spell the word correctly.	Make a flash card for each vocabulary word. Write the word on one side and its definition on the other. Write five sentences using each word. Try to use each vocabulary word in conversation once a day. If some words are not likely to arise in everyday conversation, think of sentences while you travel to and from school. Use your vocabulary words to play a game of "Memory" with a study buddy.	Write out as many problems as you can using the skills that will be tested. The next day, answer the problems and check your work. If any answers are wrong, figure out where you made mistakes. Study those concepts again. Make sure you understand WHY a formula works, or the logic of a particular math process. Exercise your math skills and improve your speed by trying to add, subtract, multiply and divide things in your head. You can do this while you're in the supermarket or even playing a video game.

Everyone gets a little nervous when they're about to take a test. Try to calm yourself down by using this relaxation technique: close your eyes and breathe deeply... hold your breath for a few seconds and then exhale... repeat several times.

When you get your test, place it on your desk in a spot that does not force you to mover your arm every time you read a question or write an answer. Listen to the oral directions very carefully. If something doesn't make sense, be sure to ask the teacher to explain it again. Be sure to read the written directions CAREFULLY! Don't skim directions on a test. Before you begin answering the questions, take a few minutes to write down information you think you might not remember later on. If there are specific math formulas for example, jot them down to refer to later.

Budget your testing time. Scan the test from beginning to end quickly. Estimate how much time you will need to complete each section. Leave yourself plenty of time to answer essay questions.

Mark a check next to questions you cannot answer immediately. When you complete the test, go back to those questions. If a question seems particularly difficult to answer, try underlining key words in the question, or think of the question in your own words. Always CHECK YOUR ANSWERS!!!

Don't panic if everyone else in the class has finished and you still have a lot of answers to complete. People who complete tests quickly do not always get the best grades.

DO NOT EVER, EVER CHEAT! You will lose respect for yourself, and your teacher and classmates will lose respect for you as well.