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The process of how you take a test can have a significant impact on your results. Although the recommendations for taking a test will vary depending on the specific test in question, there are some aspects to consider when taking any written exam. This page offers some tips on how to take a test.
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Introduction
- Unfortunately, good studying habits are only part of the equation for good test results. While you should start studying early and use appropriate studying techniques, there are several other things to take into consideration when taking a test.
Step 1: Preparing
- The first part of taking a test is to prepare for it.
- Start studying early and avoid cramming.
- Combine passive active techniques, such as reading and reviewing notes, with active studying techniques. Active studying techniques help you retain the information better and can include talking about the material, teaching it to others and drawing diagrams or images related to it.
- For more information on studying techniques, visit Mahalo's guide on How to Study for a Test.
- Get a good night's sleep the night before the test.
- What you eat will affect your brain's ability to focus and remember. Eating a stable breakfast is especially important, but eat other several meals as well if the test is later in the day.
- The University of Kansas recommends eating food containing glucose before the exam, as it helps the brain to retain and remember information.University of Kansas: Ask the Experts FAQ Keep in mind that too much sweets, however, causes your blood sugar to crash a few hours after the intake.
- Try to relax before the test. A little nervousness is normal, but if you suffer from test anxiety that impacts your results, learn about relaxation techniques, such as visualization or meditation.
Step 2: During the Test
- Keep the follow things in mind during the actual test.
- Make a general time outline. If it's a multiple choice test, make sure you have answered about 50% of the questions when half of the time is left. If the test have several aspects to it, make a plan for approximate how much time you need for each component.
- Finish the easy questions first and then focus on the difficult ones. Make sure to allow enough time, however, for the questions that give high points, if they are assigned different values.
- Ask for clarifications on questions you do not understand, if this is allowed. Depending on the test, this might not be allowed. Often, however, you will get help if you explain that it is the question itself that is unclear to you.
- Do not stress! Although it it easier said than done, you should focus on relaxing during a test. While proper time management is needed, as you do need to make sure you have enough time to finish the test, you should not worry or stress. Take a few deep breaths if you get anxious.
- If the test is in essay form use scrap paper to write down notes and organize an outline before you start writing.
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