Exam Day: Survival Tips

Test-Taking

Part 3

Identify key words.

This helps you focus on the main idea of challenging questions.

Rephrase difficult questions.

To understand questions better, rewrite them in your own words. Be careful not to change the meaning.

Organize your thoughts before you write.

Take your time to organize your responses to short-answer and essay questions. You’ll reduce the time you need to revise.

Write neatly.

Be sure you don’t lose points on answers the teacher can’t read.

Use all the time you’re given.

If you finish early, don’t leave. Use the extra time to proofread and review your answers.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT!!!

Exam Day: Survival Tips

Test-Taking

Part 2

During the Test

Read the Directions.

It’s important that you follow the instructions exactly. For example, some questions may have more than one correct answer.

Answer easy questions first.

Doing this you can jog your memory about useful facts. You may also come across information that can help you with other questions.

Answer every question.

Unless there is a penalty for wrong answers, try to answer every question, you may be able to get partial credit for those you begin but don’t complete correctly.

Ask questions.

If a question isn’t clear, talk to your teacher. If that’s not possible, explain your answer in the margin.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT!!!

Exam Day: Survival Tips

Test-Taking

Part 1

Essential Test-Taking Advice

Try out these strategies while you’re still in high school, and but the time you get to college, you’ll be a test-taking expert.

Before the Test

Eat well.

Studies show that you need good nutrition to concentrate and preform your best.

Bring the right supplies.

Bring your pencils, erasers, pens, rulers, compasses and calculators or whatever else you need on test day.

Review the whole test before you start.

See how many sections and what types of questions are on the test. Determine how much time to allow for completing each section.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT!!!

Note-Taking Strategies

Part 4

For Review

Once you’ve done all of the above, you’ll find you’ve created your own personalized study guide. Cover the main section of the page and use the key words and questions in the left margin as a quiz.

Stick to It

Review your notes the day you take them and all your notes once a week. That way, you won’t need to study as much when it’s test time. You’ve been doing all the work all along. Try out the Cornell system, but if it doesn’t work for you, experiment with your other methods. Ask your classmates how they take notes or ask a teacher for advice. Taking good notes requires practice, like any other skill. And the more you work at it now, the more prepared you’ll be to take notes in college.

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Note-Taking Strategies

Part 3

After Class

As soon as a class ends, review your notes and fill in any blanks. Underline, highlight and use symbols to sort through the information. If you don’t understand something, get help from your teacher or classmates.

After you’ve received all your notes from class, in the left-hand area of the page write down key words and questions your teacher might ask on a test.

At the bottom of each page, write a summary of the notes. This helps you digest what you’ve learned. It also improves your memory for the long term and for tests down the road.

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Note-Taking Strategies

Part 2

During Class

One approach that has been proven effective is called the Cornell Note-Taking System. Here are some of its methods.

Start by using the main section of your page to take down your notes during class. Be sure to leave space on the left side of the page and the bottom. Things to keep in mind:

1.    Get the speaker’s main points. Don’t write down every word you hear.

2.    Leave blanks in your notes to add explanations later.

3.    Organize as you write. Pay attention to cues such as repetition and emphasis.

4.    Indicate main and supporting points as you go.

5.    Jot down key vocabulary, important facts and formulas.

6.    Ask questions. If you’re confused, it’s better to ask while the material is still fresh in your mind.

 

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Note-Taking Strategies

Part 1

How to Get Your Class Notes into Shape

Getting the most out of high school and college means studying hard and using your time in class wisely. An effective note-taking strategy can help you do both. Here are the basics.

Stay Organized

It may seem obvious, but your class notes can only help you if you can find them. When you’re taking notes be sure to:

·       Keep all your notes in one place.

·       Date and number pages; keeping them in order makes it easier to understand them later.

 

Before Class

Review the materials assigned for that class period thoroughly. Bring a list of any questions you may have.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT!!!