How to Take Tests

Taking tests is a skill. Here are some thoughts on how to take tests:

Hard Start - Jump Easy
- Glance through the test
Start working on the hardest
- Load focused mode
  - If you can't solve this one for the first 1-2 min
  - Move on and then come back
"This test has got me excited to do my best"
- Change interpretation
Deep Breathing
- Weeks before, practice
Try relaxing your tongue
Face your fears
- Not getting the grades you need for your chosen career
- How can you handle this?
  - Have a "Plan B"
  - Once you have a plan, the fears and anxiety will dissuade
Study hard until the day of the test
- Then just relax and see how many questions you can get right
You can always pursue your other career choice
5% rule
Outline how long each question will take

Final Thoughts

The day before a test:

Have a quick final look over the materials to brush up on them
You'll need both your focused and diffused mode the next day
So don't over push yourself
Don't feel guilty if you don't work too hard the day before
Just do your best
In science classes
- Having your units of measurement match on each side of the equation can provide an important clue about whether what you've done is correct
The order in which you work tests is also important
- Students generally work tests from front to back
When you're checking your work
- If you start from the back to the front, it may give your brain a fresher perspective to catch the error
Test-taking is a game

Inspired by Learning How To Learn, Coursera Course.