Getting Ready in Taking a Test

This week we will be having our National Career Assessment Examination. We conducted review for our preparation. I have tips here that might help you out.

Keep up with your school work.
One way you can succeed in school and on tests is by studying and doing your homework regularly. Studies show that you remember only about one-fifth of what you memorize the night before a test. That's one good reason not to try to learn it all at once! Keeping up with your homework throughout the year will help you remember the material better. You also won't be as tired or nervous as if you try to learn everything at once.

Feel your best.
One of the ways you can do your best on tests and in school is to make sure your body is ready. To do this, get a good night's sleep each night and eat a healthy breakfast. Also, wear comfortable clothes.

Be prepared.
Do practice questions and lean about how standardized tests are organized. 

When you are taking the test, follow the directions.
It is important to listen carefully to the directions your teacher gives and to read the written instructions carefully.

Look at each page carefully before you start answering.
You usually read a passage and then answer questions about it. But when you take a test, it's helpful to follow a different order.
First, read the directions. Then read the questions before you read the passage. This way you will know exactly exactly what kind of information to look for as you read. Next, read the passage carefully. Finally, answer the questions.
On Math and Science tests, look at the labels and charts. Think about what each graph or chart shows. Questions often will ask you to draw conclusions about the information.

Manage your time.
Time management means using your time wisely on a test so that you can finish as much of it is possible and do your best. Sometimes you may want to do the easier parts first. This way, if you run out of time before you finish, you will have completed a good chunk of the work.

You don't have to keep up with everyone else.
You may notice other students in the class finishing before you do. Don't worry about this. Just keep going, trying not to spend too long on any one question.

Fill in answer circles properly.
Fill the entire circle, but don't spend too much time making it perfect. Make your mark dark, but not so dark, but not so dark that it goes through the paper. And be sure to choose only one answer.

It's usually not a good idea to change your answers. 
Usually your first choice is the right one. Unless you realize the you misread the question, the directions, or some facts in the passage, it's usually safer to stay with your first answer. If you are pretty sure your answer is wrong, o course, go ahead and change it. Make sure you completely erase the first one.

Use context clues to figure out tough questions.
If you come across a word or idea you don't understand, use context clues - the words in the sentences nearby- to help you figure out its meaning.

Sometimes it's good to guess.
For each question, most of these tests let you choose from four or five answer choices. If you decide that a couple of answers are clearly wrong but you're still not sure about the answer, go ahead and make your best guess.

Sometimes you should skip a question and come back to it.
On many tests, you will score better if you answer more questions. This means that you should not spend too much time on any single question. 

Check your work.
Scan your answer sheet. Make sure that you answered every question you could. 

Say a little prayer
Ask guidance from God to enlighten your mind. 

Finally-- avoid test anxiety.
If you get nervous about tests, don't worry. Being a little nervous actually sharpens your mind. But if you get very nervous about tests, take a few minutes to relax the night before or the day of the test. 


source: Total Reading Grade 6, American Education Publishing