Test Taking Strategies

Study Plan Strategies

The following suggestions may be helpful when you are studying for tests in content areas such as history or science.

• Assemble all relevant materials before you begin, namely, textbooks, class notes, homework, and old quizzes.
• Make strategy cards for important concepts or terms by listing the term on the front of the card. On the back of the card, you can list the key information and a memory strategy.
• Review class notes, homework, and quizzes, highlighting important information.
• Make a chart of the important events and note their causes and consequences.
• Predict possible essay questions and jot down notes for answering each question.
• Explain the main ideas of the chapter to an adult or friend.
• Have a friend or adult quiz you.
• Make a timeline of important events in the chapter. 
• Answer questions at the ends of the chapters.

What can you do about text anxiety?

Here are some things you can do before, during, and after a test to reduce your test anxiety.

• Use good study techniques to gain mastery of the material that will be covered on the test. This mastery will help you to approach the test with confidence rather than have excessive anxiety.
• Maintain a positive attitude as you study. Think about doing well, not failing. Think of the test as an opportunity to show how much you have learned.
• Go into the test well rested and well fed. Get enough sleep the night before the test. Eat a light and nutritious meal before the test. Stay away from junk foods.
• Stay relaxed during the test. Taking slow, deep breaths can help. Focus on positive self-statements such as “I can do this.”
• Create a study plan for taking the test. Don’t panic even if you find the test difficult.  Stay with your plan!
• Don’t worry about other students finishing the test before you do. Take the time that you need to do your best.
• Once you finish the test and hand it in, forget about it temporarily. There is nothing more you can do until the graded test is returned to you. Turn your attention and effort to new assignments and tests.
• When the graded test is returned to you, analyze it to see how you could have done better. Learn from your mistakes and from what you did well. Apply this knowledge when you take the next test.