Home Page > Testing Center
TEST TAKING STRATEGIES
- Use the allotted time wisely. Make every effort to pace
yourself so you can have a chance to answer every question
within the time limit.
- Be familiar with the mechanics of the test and the kinds
of questions you can expect. Know the rules for scoring and
what the penalties are for wrong answers. Whenever possible,
take a practice test before the test date under the time limit
and other conditions you can expect on the actual test.
- Be thoroughly familiar with all the directions. Look over
the entire test before you begin to answer the question. If
you are familiar with the whole test concept, you will know
what to expect in advance, thus avoiding confusion.
- Take the questions in order but do not spend a lot of time
pondering over those you are unfamiliar with. A good practice
is to first answer the questions you are sure of. Then, if you
complete the test before time is called, reconsider those
about which you were uncertain. If you skip a question, make a
mark on the test or answer sheet. Be sure to skip the
corresponding number on the answer sheet.
- Read each question carefully and thoroughly. Before
answering the question, determine exactly what is being asked.
Do not select the first answer you come to that seems to make
sense. It may seem to fit, but you are looking for the best
answer. Never skim a question for possible answers as you may
miss important information.
- Generally, on a standardized test, a person can do very
well without answering every question. No one is expected to
get a perfect score. Relatively few people are able to finish
every question.
- If there is no penalty for guessing, eliminate answer
options which do not seem to fit and guess among the remaining
options. If you make a straight guess at a multiple choice
answer, you have a one-in-four chance of getting it right; if
you eliminate one option, you have a one-in three chance of
getting it right; and if you can eliminate two options, you
have a one-in-two chance of getting it right.
- Mark your answer sheet carefully. Make sure your marks
completely fill the spaces. Keep your place, especially if you
skip items. Putting the right answer in the wrong place can be
extremely frustrating.
- Do not mark more than one answer for each question on a
multiple choice test unless the directions specify to do so.
Questions with more than one answer marked are usually scored
as incorrect.
- A timed writing test makes it's own particular demands on
you as a writer. In practicing for a writing test, try to
simulate test conditions as much as possible. Practice writing
responses to sample topics within the given time limit. It is
important to be realistic about what you can do within the
time frame.
