Study+Skills

To be an effective test taker, you should have a complete understanding of the format and content of the exam. You should know how and on what you will be tested. Ask your teacher the following questions if they haven’t been answered already, and these questions should guide you in your test preparation.

· What is the format of the exam? · How much is each item worth? · How do you define short answer and/or essay? · What material will be covered? · How do you recommend preparing for the exam?


 * __Self Testing __**

Self testing is necessary to check understanding, combine knowledge, synthesize information, and identify whether additional studying is needed. As you are reading your textbook and/or notes, imagine that you are teaching the course. What questions or terms would you ask on the exam? Write each of these questions or terms on the front of an index card. On the back of the index card, answer the question asked or define the term in your own words. Use a separate index card for each question or term. Shuffle the index cards and go through them one at a time attempting to answer the questions. If you can answer the question, put the card to the side. If you cannot answer the question, put the card back in the deck to review again. Continue this process until you know all of the cards.

Take your cards with you wherever you go, and take advantage of small amounts of time. Review them while you are waiting in line, riding the bus, etc. If you think you know an answer but cannot put it into your own words, you probably do not know it well enough. Recite your answers out loud. That is the best way to be sure you know the material and will be able to recall it at test time. Study index cards with a friend. You can share ideas and help each other understand concepts.