Buzz
If you have an upcoming test and haven't studied, you might be stressing over how to get through it. While thorough preparation is the best strategy for success, it's still possible to perform well even without prior review. Combine techniques like carefully reading the questions, tackling easier ones first, and using specific strategies for multiple-choice or true/false sections. Equally important is preparing yourself before the test by resting, eating well, and staying relaxed!
Steps
Read and Understand the Test
Listen carefully to the teacher's instructions. Before diving into the test, pay attention to the front of the room (or where the teacher is standing) and listen to the directions. Note any emphasized details about the test, as teachers often repeat or write down crucial information. Also, jot down any tips the teacher provides that could help during the test.
- For example, if the teacher mentions that wrong answers won't be penalized, you'll know to attempt every question.
- Don't hesitate to ask for clarification if you don't understand something. Teachers usually allow time for questions, but if not, raise your hand!
Read through the test once before answering any questions. Skimming the entire test is essential as it helps you understand the content, start thinking about how to approach certain questions, and identify those you're unsure about. Quickly jot down important notes while reading.
- For example, if a question is worded in a way that seems unclear, make a note and ask the teacher for clarification.
Allocate time for each question. Depending on the test duration and the number of questions, you may need a strict plan. Don’t overthink how much time to spend on each question—make quick estimates.
- For instance, if there are 50 multiple-choice questions and 75 minutes, you’ll have 1.5 minutes per question.
- Remember to allocate more time for essay questions. For example, if you have 60 minutes for 30 multiple-choice questions and 2 essays, spend 1 minute per multiple-choice question and 15 minutes per essay.
Write down anything you’re afraid of forgetting. Before starting, it might help to jot down any information you need for certain questions that you fear you’ll forget later.
- For example, write down math formulas, key facts for essays, or important dates for multiple-choice questions.
Answer the difficult questions in the test
Answer the easy questions first and skip the rest. Start with the questions you know and skip the others. You can return to them later. This builds momentum and confidence while ensuring you secure as many points as possible, increasing your chances of passing.
- For example, if you know the answers to some multiple-choice questions, answer those first and skip the ones you’re unsure about.
- Only return to skipped questions after completing the ones you know.
Guess difficult questions if there’s no penalty for wrong answers. If you’re stuck on a question, you can take a guess. However, ensure there’s no point deduction for incorrect answers; otherwise, it’s better to leave it blank.
- Some tests penalize wrong answers. For example, if incorrect answers result in point deductions but leaving it blank gives zero points, it’s safer to skip.
Circle keywords in challenging questions. If you encounter a question you don’t know, circling keywords can improve your chances of answering correctly. Highlight all terms you deem important to better understand and respond to the question.
- For example, if the question is “What is the difference between mitosis and meiosis?”, the keywords would be “difference,” “mitosis,” and “meiosis.” Focus on these concepts to craft your answer.
Rephrase difficult questions in your own words. If a question seems confusing, try rewriting it in simpler terms. This can clarify what’s being asked and guide your response.
- For instance, if the question is “What is Louis Pasteur’s most notable achievement named after him?”, you could rephrase it as, “What significant contribution by Louis Pasteur was named in his honor?”
Review your answers and add details if time permits. After completing the test, use any remaining time to review your work. Focus on questions you’re unsure about or answered briefly, adding details and clarifying your responses as much as possible.
- Depending on the time left, prioritize your review. For example, with 10 minutes, review the entire test, but with only 2 minutes, focus on uncertain answers.
Handling Multiple-Choice Questions
Choose the most detailed answer. For multiple-choice questions, select the longest and most specific option. These are often the correct answers.
- For example, if a question provides several short, vague options alongside a longer, more detailed one, the latter is likely correct.
- Sometimes, overly detailed answers are intentionally included to mislead. Use your judgment to determine the best fit.
Look for language similarities between questions and answers. Correct answers often match the grammatical structure or wording of the question. Read the question and each option to identify the best fit.
- For instance, if the question uses past tense and only one option does the same, that’s likely the correct answer.
- Similarly, if the question mentions a specific term and one option includes it, that option is probably correct.
Choose the middle option for number-based questions. If the question involves numbers, pick the option in the middle range.
- For example, if the options are 1, 3, 12, and 26, 12 is a reasonable guess as it falls between 1 and 26.
Choose C or B if you have no basis for guessing. If you’re unsure, opt for C or B in multiple-choice questions. C is the most common correct answer, followed by B. Choose C if you’re completely unsure, and B if C seems incorrect.
- For example, if you have no clue about a question, pick C. However, if C seems wrong but you’re unsure of the correct answer, choose B.
Select “All of the above” if available, but avoid “None of the above.” “None of the above” is rarely correct, while “All of the above” often is. This rule can help narrow down choices when you’re uncertain.
- For instance, if you’re torn between “All of the above” and another option, choose “All of the above.” If “None of the above” is an option, eliminate it and focus on the others.
Select the Best Answer in True/False Questions
Choose false for absolute statements in true/false questions. Absolute statements are rarely true, so you should select false when encountering them. Absolute statements often include words like:
- No
- Never
- None
- Every/All
- Always
- Entire
- Only
Choose true for less extreme statements. If a statement is less absolute and seems reasonable, it’s likely true. Words indicating less extreme meanings include:
- Rarely
- Sometimes
- Often
- Most
- Many
- Usually
- Some
- Few
- Generally
- Typically
Choose false if any part of the statement is incorrect. Whether the entire statement is wrong or just a single word or phrase, select false if any part is inaccurate.
- For example, if a statement is mostly correct except for one wrong word, it should be marked as “false.”
Be cautious with words that can alter the meaning of the statement. Some words can change the meaning of a sentence, so pay close attention to their impact. A single word can make a statement true or false. Words to watch out for include:
- Thus
- Therefore
- Because
- Consequently
- As a result
- In this way
- Not/cannot
- Will not
- Does not
Boost Your Preparedness for the Test
Get a good night’s sleep. Being well-rested increases your chances of performing well, even if you haven’t studied! You’ll think more clearly and avoid silly mistakes caused by fatigue. Aim to go to bed on time the night before the test.
- For example, if you usually sleep at 10 PM, stick to that schedule the night before the test.
Eat breakfast on test day. Taking a test on an empty stomach isn’t ideal, as hunger can distract you. Have a nutritious breakfast to fuel your brain and maintain focus. Here are some breakfast ideas:
- A bowl of oatmeal with fresh berries, walnuts, and brown sugar
- A boiled egg, two slices of whole-grain toast with butter, and a banana
- Cottage cheese, fruit salad, and a muffin
Use a relaxation technique to stay calm. Stress can make you freeze or panic during the test, affecting your performance. Try a relaxation method to calm your nerves before the test; it can help you perform better. Techniques include:
- Meditation
- Practicing a few yoga poses
- Deep breathing
- Progressive muscle relaxation
Visualize yourself passing the test. Positive visualization can boost your chances of success and ease test anxiety. Before entering the exam room, close your eyes and imagine receiving your test with a passing grade. Spend a few minutes focusing on this image.
- The more detailed your visualization, the better! Picture the score on your paper, your teacher’s reaction, and how you’ll feel after passing.
Avoid cramming. Ideally, you should study weeks or even months in advance, but things don’t always go as planned. If you haven’t studied and are now facing an important test with no confidence, cramming won’t help. It’s better to rely on what you already know.
- If you don’t perform well, focus on preparing for the next test!
Tips
- Create a study plan for your next test. This will help you break down the material over time and retain as much knowledge as possible.
- Cover the provided answers and try to answer the question yourself. This helps narrow down choices and ensures you’re not misled by the options.
- Refer to previous tests in the class to understand their format and the types of questions your teacher typically asks. If you haven’t taken a test with this teacher before, look for sample tests from previous years.
