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TEST-TAKING TECHNIQUES

  1. Give yourself the advantage of a good start; be certain of the time, place, and materials required for the exam; arrive with enough time to arrange your working conditions and build a calm, alert attitude. (This is especially true for Final Exams)

  2. Avoid getting involved in a last-minute cram session with panicky classmates.

  3. Regulate your speed to the time available, the point value of the question, and your own habits; allow time to look over your paper at the end.

  4. Don’t let lapses of memory produce anxiety or fear; such lapses are normal.

  5. Don’t waste time with emotional reactions to the quiz questions.

  6. Read directions carefully; listen for oral directions or corrections.

  7. Do what you know first; there may be clues within the test to the difficult questions.

  8. Give full attention to each question in turn; don’t worry about one question while trying to answer another.

  9. If an essay question seems ambiguous, vague, or too broad, make your interpretation of the question a part of your answer.

  10. If time remains, proofread.

    a. Look for incorrect responses and reread directions.

    b. See if you answered the question the instructor asked, rather than your own question.

    c. Change answers only if you are sure the first response is wrong.

  

This Page Last Updated: Friday October 17, 2008 | Maintained By: ccraig@ncstatecollege.edu
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