Learning Tips: Test-taking Tips

Lesson 7: Test-taking Tips

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Test-taking Tips

Now that the big day is here, we have compiled a list of some tips and strategies for ensuring that you are able to successfully complete the test. This tutorial will provide you with advice on how to achieve success on test day.

Test-day has arrived! It is likely that you will be experiencing a mixture of excitement and anxiety. Don’t worry, though. We have tips to help you calm your nerves and feel more confident about successfully completing your exam

Understanding the Test

Whether your test is online or regular old paper-based, it’s good to understand why tests are important and what types of questions to prepare for.

Tests can be used for different purposes:

To see what you already know (we call these diagnostic tests)
To check your progress while you're learning (these are formative tests)
To evaluate what you've learned at the end of a course (we call these summative tests)

Depending on why you’re taking a test and what you’re being tested on, you will likely see different types of questions. It’s helpful to anticipate what types of questions you might see so you can best prepare. Some of the types of questions are:

Multiple choice: You'll see a question and several possible answers. You need to select the correct one.
True/False: You'll see a statement and need to decide if it's true or false.
Fill-in-the-blank: You'll enter a word or short phrase to complete a sentence.
Matching: You'll need to pair items from two different lists.
Short answer: You'll enter a brief response, usually a sentence or two.
Essay: You'll enter a longer response, explaining your thoughts in detail.

Some tests show you one question at a time, while others might show all questions on one page. Don't worry - we'll talk about how to handle both types.

Tips for each question type:

For multiple choice: Be sure to read all options before selecting an answer.
For true/false: Look for absolute words like "always" or "never" - these are often false.
For fill-in-the-blank: Pay attention to grammar and spelling.
For matching: Start with the ones you're sure about.
For short answer and essay: Take a moment to organize your thoughts before responding.

Before the Test

Get a good night's sleep and eat a healthy meal before the test. Did you know that memories are formed while we sleep? Sleeping well is important - don’t short-change this step!

Make sure you organize everything you'll need: make sure your computer is charged, you have a quiet space, etc. Check your webcam and internet connection if you’re completing an online test.

If you have time for one last review session, remember to focus on active review. Don’t just read your notes - quiz yourself, summarize, or explain what you know to someone else.

During the Test

Once you are off and running and the test has begun, here are some tips and ideas to help you work through it efficiently and effectively.

The "Brain Dump": As soon as the test starts, quickly write down any important information you're worried about forgetting.
Read instructions carefully: Make sure you understand what each question is asking.
Managing anxiety: Take deep breaths if you feel nervous. Remember, you've prepared for this!
Prioritizing questions: If you can move freely between questions, answer the easy ones first to build confidence.
Familiarize yourself with the test interface: Take a moment to understand how to navigate the test.
Use digital tools: Learn how to use any built-in calculators, highlighters, or note-taking tools.
Manage time: Keep an eye on the clock - If you’re taking an online test, there may be a timer on the screen.

Final Steps

Last but not least, be sure to check your work if you have time at the end. Making sure that you’ve answered all the questions before you submit is an important step!