Page 230 - Keys To Community College Success

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How Prepared Are You for Taking Tests?

For each statement, fill in the number that best describes how often it applies to you.
1 = never 2 = seldom 3 = sometimes 4 = often 5 = always

1. I use strategies to help me predict what will be on tests. 1 2 3 4 5
2. I actively prepare and review before taking exams. 1 2 3 4 5

3. I do anything to avoid cramming. 1 2 3 4 5
4. When I recognize signs of test anxiety, I use relaxation methods to calm down. 1 2 3 4 5

5. I read test directions before beginning. 1 2 3 4 5
6. I use certain strategies to answer questions for which I’m unsure of the answers. 1 2 3 4 5

7. I don’t think cheating is worth the price. 1 2 3 4 5
8. I know the difference between objective and subjective questions and how to answer each. 1 2 3 4 5

9. I look for action verbs when answering essay questions. 1 2 3 4 5
10. I learn from my testing mistakes and actively grow from them. 1 2 3 4 5

Each of the topics in these statements is covered in this chapter. Note those statements for which you filled in a 3 or lower. Skim
the chapter to see where those topics appear, and pay special attention to them as you read, learn, and apply new strategies.
REMEMBER: NO MATTER HOW PREPARED YOU ARE FOR TAKING TESTS, YOU CAN IMPROVE WITH EFFORT AND PRACTICE.

HOW CAN PREPARATION IMPROVE
test performance?

Many students approach tests and exams with dread, seeing them as roadblocks,
contests, or insurmountable obstacles. If you are one of these students, shift your mind-
set by considering this idea: The goal of a test is to see what you have learned—and
learning prepares you for tests. As you attend class, stay on top of assignments, com-
plete readings and projects, participate in class discussions, and generally do the day-
to-day work of learning, you become ever more ready to succeed in testing situations.
Re-envision the risk you are taking and the reward you seek. If learning is your reward
and you are willing to risk time and energy to earn it, effective test performance is
likely to come along with the package.
What makes a testing situation more challenging than demonstrating knowledge
on your own terms is being required to show what you know during a preset period of
time, in a certain setting, and with—or without—particular tools. You are generally not
in charge of the circumstances. Coping with that is a crucial life skill, as it will be true
of most of the tests that come over the course of your life, and you often won’t even
know a test is coming, as was the case with Jay’s life-threatening injury. The following

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