Page 233 - Keys to College Success

statusCHECK

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 fill 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.

WHAT WILL GET YOU READY TO
perform well on tests?

Testing is one of the unavoidable realities of education, and even seasoned test-
takers like Suzanne can feel nervous or unprepared when faced with a new test.
Many students dread tests, seeing them as roadblocks, contests, or insurmountable
obstacles.
If you are one of these students, or even if you are just occasionally thrown off by
a challenging test, shift your mindset by considering this idea: The best test preparation
is learning, because the goal of a test is to see what you have learned. As you do the
day-to-day work of learning (attending class, working on assignments and projects,
participating in discussions), you become ever more ready to succeed in testing situa-
tions. 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. The strategies in this
chapter will help you handle that challenge.

196