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Testing Taking TIPS

Test-Taking Tips for Students

1. Have a Positive Attitude
Approach the big test with a positive attitude.  The test might be tough, but you can do it!   
A positive attitude goes a long way toward success.


2. The Night Before
The night before the test you should do a quick review and get to bed early. Remember, your brain and body need sleep to function well, so don't stay up late!

3. The Morning of the Test
Did you know that you think better when you have a full stomach? So don't skip breakfast the morning of the test. Get to school early and so your brain is turned on and tuned up.

4. Test Time
Before the test begins, make sure you have everything you'll need - scratch paper, extra pencils, your calculator (if you're allowed to use it). Read the instructions! You want to make sure you are marking answers correctly.

5. Manage Your Time
Scan through the test quickly before starting. Answering the easy questions first can be a time saver and a confidence builder. Plus, it saves more time in the end for you to focus on the hard stuff.

6. I'm Stuck!
Those tricky problems can knock you off balance. Don't get worried or frustrated. Reread the question to make sure you understand it, and then try to solve it the best way you know how. If you're still stuck, circle it and move on. You can come back to it later. What if you have no idea about the answer? Review your options and make the best educated guess you can!

7.  Multiple-Choice Questions
The process of elimination can help you choose the correct answer in a multiple-choice question. Start by crossing off the answers that couldn't be right. Then spend your time focusing on the possible correct choices before selecting your answer.

8. Neatness Counts
Be sure that your writing is legible and that you erase your mistakes. For machine-scored tests, fill in the spaces carefully.

9. I'm Done!
Not so fast - when you complete the last item on the test, remember that you're not done yet. First, check the clock and go back to review your answers, making sure that you didn't make any careless mistakes (such as putting the right answer in the wrong place or skipping a question). Spend the last remaining minutes going over the hardest problems before you turn in your test.


Follow these test tips, and you'll know you did your best - congratulations!