How to Study Successfully for Tests
Getting Ready
1)Make a list of what will be on the test, or review the test outline if one is provided.
2)Be sure to ask your teacher if you have any questions about the content or the type of questions that will be on the test (do not wait until the night before).
3)Go through your binder and pull any notes or handouts that you will need to prepare for the exam. Compare the material you have with that of a classmate. If you are missing something ask your teacher for another copy or photocopy your classmates.
4)Make sure you can read your handouts. If something is not legible, or you do not understand it, clarify it with a classmate or teacher.
5)If you have a textbook go through and write down which pages correspond with the test.
6)Be sure to write in your agenda when your test will occur. If you have final exams copy down your entire schedule. Plan when you will prepare for the exam and if you work make sure you book off time so you can study. Let your parents know about exams as well so that nothing is planned for times you should be studying.
Time to Study
Find a quiet place to study and turn off the cell phone and television so you can focus.
1)Read over your notes and highlight any key words or phrases.
2)As you are reading over your notes put a question mark beside anything you do not understand. When you get to school the next day discuss with your teacher the questions you have.
3)When you are going through assignments or past tests look for areas that you struggled with and work through those areas by doing the corrections and making yourself similar questions to answer. Some students have been known to make themselves practice tests.
4) You may find it easier to divide what you have to study into chunks. If you study a little bit each time it will not be so overwhelming.
5) Use index cards and write questions on them or put down definitions and then have someone quiz you. You could also do it like the game Jeopardy…give the answer and then make up the question to match it. Example – Shakespeare - Who wrote “Romeo and Juliet”?
6) Create a web for individual topics.
7) Read your notes to yourself and out loud (variety is good).
8) Put ideas in your own words. You will remember things and understand them better.
9) Make up fill in the blank questions and then answer them. Example - Canada has a ______government.
10) Teach someone else. If you can explain something to someone else that will mean you understand it.
11) Do not make studying a one time shot. If you study and prepare for tests you will find your confidence goes up and your stress level goes down.
12) If you need help check with your teacher to see if they can work with you outside of class time. Often, before final exams, teachers setup review times after school or at lunch.
Just Before the Test
1) The night before the test make sure you have everything ready for the next day. This could be: clothes, lunch, pencil, pen, eraser, calculator and the things you have studied with.
2)Get a good night’s sleep the night before the exam.
3) Eat breakfast! A growling stomach can be distracting.
4) Think positively! Do not let pre-test talk by fellow classmates get you worried.
5) Arrive at class on time so you are not rushed and flustered. Bring any items you might need and if you want water check with your teacher to see if it is alright to bring it to class.
Taking the Test
1) Listen carefully to any instructions your teacher has.
2)When you first receive the test read it over carefully and ask your teacher to explain anything that you do not understand. This is also a good time to budget your time for each part.
3)Make sure you put your name on the test and write your answers legibly. It is hard to mark something that can not be read.
4)Read each question the entire way through. Do not read the first two words and assume you know the question.
5) Look for key words in the question that may help you.
6)If you do not know an answer, skip it and come back to it later. Sometimes there maybe something further on that will be a clue to the question you skipped.
7)Look at the point value of a question. When a question is worth more you need to write more.
8)When asked to answer in complete, well written sentences remember capitalization and punctuation.
9) Do not worry if others finish before you. Take your time and focus on your test.
10)When you are done read it over carefully. Check for careless errors and make sure you did not miss any questions.