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Study Helps > Test-Taking Strategies
Test taking is a part of every college student's life.
These times strike fear in the heart of every student. With tests come
anxiety and stress. The LAC at FSU tries to make these times
less strenuous and easier to handle. The LAC offers information
on how to take some of the most common exam types, such as essays, objective,
and multiple choice. This information can significantly improve
the way you, as a student, take college exams. You may be suprised
by the results!
General Rules For Tests
1. Be On Time
Arrive early, instead of barely on time, so as to be organized and ready
instead of in a panic. Try to go into the test alert, but calm.
As you work, try to do your best without becoming tense and anxious.
Concentrate on what you are required to do on the test istead of worrying
about the unpleasant consequences of possible failure.
2. Don't Panic
Regard lapses of memory as perfectly normal, and do not let them throw
you into a panic. If you block on answering one question, leave
it for a while and come back to it later.
3. Read The Directions
Make certain that you fully understand the directions for a test before
attempting to solve any problems or answer any questions. Don't
goof up and lower your grade because you did not listen or read carefully.
4. Plan Your Time
Plan how you will use your time during the exam. Look quickly over
the entire test and then divide your time accordingly. Pace
yourself carefully; otherwise you will find yourself with insufficient
time to try to answer all the questions.
5. Read Thoroughly
Read each test question carefully and completely before marking or writing
your answer. Reread again if you are at all confused. If
you still have no idea how to answer a given question, go on to the next
one, returning later after you have finished the others.
6. Clarify Questions
Ask your instructor for help in interpreting a test question that is unclear
or ambiguous to you. The instructor will probably want to clear
up any misunderstanding for everybody if the question really is misleading
or confusing.
7. Do Your Own Work
Be careful not to give any impression of cheating. Do your
own work and do not give any help to others. Avoid all temptation. Not
only should your work be your own, but you simply cannont afford the risk
of being caught.
8. Don't Rush
Do not be disturbed about other students finishing before you do. Take
your time, don't panic, and you will do much better on the test.
9. Recheck
Don't try to be the first one to leave. You don't win a prize for
being the first one done. If you have any time left over, edit,
check, and proofread your answers. Use all the time available to
eliminate careless errors and to make such improvements as you can.
Common Exam Types
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