essay testaking tips

IN(PHOTO ADAPTED FROM A PICTURE FOUND IN

SANDGRAINS.COM)

TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL STUDYING

• READ

• REVIEW

• RETAIN

SKIMMING

• READ FIRST AND LAST PARAGRAPHS OF ASSIGNED READING

• READ FIRST AND LAST SENTENCES OF EACH PARAGRAPH

• READ CHARTS, BOLDFACE MATERIAL, PICTURES

• READ QUESTIONS AT END OF CHAPTERS

READING FOR UNDERSTANDING

• AFTER SKIMMING, ASK QUESTIONS

• READ MORE CAREFULLY, USING CONTEXTUAL CLUES

• USE DICTIONARIES, THESAURI, TO FIND WORD MEANINGS

• TRY TO USE SKIMMING AND READING STRATEGIES FOR FOUR TO FIVE PAGES AT A TIME

STUDYING TO RETAIN INFORMATION

• REVIEW YOUR READING AND PAY SPECIAL ATTENTION TO IDEAS, KEY DETAILS YOU MISSED OR MISUNDERSTOOD

• REVIEW TEACHER STUDY GUIDES, NOTES, PAST QUIZZES, TESTS, HANDOUTS TO ASSIST YOU IN UNDERSTANDING AND PREPARING FOR TESTS

MORE TIPS FOR RETENTION!

• ACRONYMNS: CHUNK PIECES OF INFORMATION INTO ONE WITH REAL WORDS OR IMAGINARY ONES TO RETAIN INFORMATION

• ACTOR’S TRICK: REVIEW FORMULAS, VOCABULARY, AND/OR OTHER MATERIAL BRIEFLY BEFORE YOU FALL ASLEEP

• TAPE HARD-TO-LEARN CONCEPTS, DEFINITIONS, FORMULAS, ETC. ON A PLACE SUCH AS A MIRROR WHICH YOU SEE EACH DAY

• CREATE A RHYME TO REMEMBER A RULE OR IDEA:

I BEFORE E EXCEPT AFTER C, OR WHEN SOUNDED LIKE A, AS IN NEIGHBOR AND WEIGH

SUCCESSFUL STUDYING (ADAPTED FROM TESTTAKINGTIPS.COM)

• Everyone is different. The following are only suggestions on improving upon your current studying techniques.

• It is best to review material as soon as possible following a class, using the study materials you have such as notes, handouts from the teacher, books, etc.

• Find a comfortable and quiet place to study, if

possible, with good lighting and few distractions. ( Many students find it helpful to study in a school library and/or in a Writing Center.)

TIPS ADAPTED FROM TESTTAKINGTIPS.COM

• Space out your studying; you'll learn more by studying a little every day instead of waiting to cram at the last minute.

• Make sure that you understand the material well; don't just read through the material and try to memorize everything.

• If you choose to study in a group or with a peer, study with others who are serious about the test.

• Test yourself or have someone test you on the material to find out what your weak and strong areas are.

MORE STUDY TIPS FROM TESTTAKINGTIPS.COM

• Start out by studying the most important information.

• Learn the general concepts first, don't worry about learning the details until you have learned the main ideas.

• Take notes and write down a summary of the important ideas as you read through your study material.

• Take short breaks frequently. Your memory retains the information that you study at the beginning and the end better than what you study in the middle.

TIPS TO PREPARE FOR TESTS AND QUIZZES

• Research shows if we use a multi-sensory approach, we learn best.

• Try to write or type some key points you have learned. Use/develop your own abbreviations such as “w/”for with.

• Try “teaching” what you have learned to yourself in the privacy of your home.

• These strategies employ a range of senses ( touch, sight, and speech, etc.)

TEST PREP TIPS ADAPTED FROM TESTTAKINGTIPS.COM

• Go over any material from practice tests, HW's, sample problems, review material, the textbook, class notes...

• Eat before a test. Having food in your stomach will give you energy and help you focus but avoid heavy foods which can make you groggy.

• Don't try to pull an all nighter. Get at least 7 hours of sleep before the test (normally 8 hours of sleep a night is recommended but if you are short on time, get at least 7 hours so that you'll be well rested enough to focus during the test).

REMINDERS ADAPTED FROM TESTTAKINGTIPS.COM

• Ask the instructor to specify the areas that will be emphasized on the test.

• Make sure you go to the class before the test if you have remaining questions. You still have time for the instructor to give out helpful responses to you and tips to assist you in meeting with success as you undertake quizzes and exams.

YOUR TEACHERS AND TUTORS ARE HERE TO HELP!

• THEY WILL GLADLY HELP YOU PREPARE FOR EXAMS AND QUIZZES

• THEY WILL APPRECIATE YOUR INTEREST AND MOTIVATION.

• YOU MAY ALSO BE ABLE TO SCHEDULE APPOINTMENTS WITH THEM for STUDY STRATEGIES and ASSISTANCE IN SUBJECT AREAS

DREAMS

Hold fast to dreamsFor if dreams dieLife is a broken-winged birdThat cannot fly.Hold fast to dreamsFor when dreams goLife is a barren fieldFrozen with snow.

Langston Hughes