This document provides tips and strategies for improving exam performance. It recommends getting sufficient sleep, exercise, and nutrition to be physically prepared. Emotionally prepare by learning the material, practicing relaxation techniques, and using positive self-talk. Know the exam format and content and make a study plan. The document then gives specific strategies for multiple choice, true-false, essay, and other exam question types. It also addresses dealing with anxiety and the aftermath of taking exams.

1. IMPROVING YOUR
PERFORMANCE ON EXAMS

2. College Test Taking
 From time to time, you will be called upon to
“show what you know.”
 Knowing your learning style can help you decide the
best way to study for your test.

3. Be Prepared
 Physically
 Get some sleep
 Exercise
 Eat right
 Emotionally
 Know the material
 Practice relaxing
 Use positive self-talk
 Generally
 Find out about the test
 Design a plan
 Join a study group

4. First & Foremost
 Put the test in perspective.
 Of course, you want to do your
best, but remember:
 This test is not the end of the
world, all you are doing is putting
marks on a piece of paper or on a
computer screen.
 Be prepared. Relax.
 Know that you will pass the test
with flying colors.

5. Tips for Taking Tests
 Analyze, ask and stay  Don’t linger on hard
calm. questions – move on.
 Make the best use of your  If you feel yourself
time. starting to panic, stop
 Jot down idea-starters what you’re doing and
before the test. take a deep breath.
 Begin by previewing the
 Ask for clarification when
entire test. necessary.
 Ask any questions
 Use clues in the test to jog
regarding the instructions. your memory.
 Don’t get distracted by
 Re-check your work before
others finishing before you. handing it in.

6. Essay Question Strategies
 Budget your exam time.  Don’t get distracted by
others finishing before
 Read the question you.
carefully.  Conclude by
 Outline the key ideas. summarizing how your
thesis is supported.
 Refer specifically to the  Watch grammar, spelling
question in your opening and punctuation.
sentence.  Be sure you have
 Make a clear, coherent completely answered the
question.
thesis statement.  Write legibly.
 Develop the main body of  Proofread your work.
the essay to support your
thesis statement.

7. The Million Dollar Question

8. Multiple Choice Strategies
 Read the question carefully and try to
answer it before you read the choices.
 Strike out wrong answers.
 Beware of questions that use absolute
words, like “always” or “never.”
 Change answers cautiously. Beware of
second-guessing yourself.
 Read all the options before making a
choice.
 If you don’t know an answer, move on.
 If there is no penalty for guessing,
make an educated guess.

9. True-False Strategies
 Read the question carefully.
 Go with your hunch.
 Watch for key words:
 Absolutes (never, etc.) are probably
false
 Relatives (some, etc.) are probably true
 Double negatives – not untruthful, etc.
 If a part of it is false, all of it is false.
 Answer all questions unless there is
a penalty for guessing.

10. Fill-in-the-Blank Strategies
 Read thoroughly to be sure what
is being asked.
 Be brief and specific.
 Give an answer for every blank.
 Short blanks may have long
answers and vice versa. Don’t
assume anything.
 Remember an “a” before a blank
wants a consonant word and
“an” a vowel word.
 Watch for key “trigger” words.

11. Matching Questions
 Before answering, review all terms and
descriptions.
 Match the terms you are sure of, crossing
them out as you go.
 Try using flash cards to help you prepare for
these types of questions.

12. Types of Tests
 Problem-Solving Tests
 Math, sciences – will be asked to show steps to solve a problem
 Machine-Scored Tests
 Be careful to include all information
 Computerized Tests
 Your comfort depends on how computer literate you are
 Laboratory Tests
 Completing tasks similar to those you have been performing in lab
 Open-Book and Open-Note Tests
 Usually harder than other exams, not easier – look out!
 Take-Home Tests
 Usually essay, and tend to be more difficult than other tests

13. Test Anxiety
 Test anxiety has many sources:
 Setting unrealistic goals
 Expectations of those close to you
 Lack of preparation
 Negative prior experiences
 Types of test anxiety:
 Standardized tests
 Types of classroom tests
 Computerized tests
 Subject-specific

14. Symptoms of Test Anxiety
 Butterflies in the stomach
 Queasiness or nausea
 Headaches
 Faster heartbeat
 Hyperventilating
 Shaking
 Sweating
 Muscle cramps
 “Going blank”

15. Combating Test Anxiety
 Control your breathing
 Stretch your muscles
 Sit relaxed, no tense muscles
 Visit your campus counseling center
for other tips, including visualization
 Focus on the positive
 Do not allow anyone to undermine
your confidence

16. Getting Your Test Back
 Begin by reviewing your test results.
 Don’t let yourself become undone by one
failure.
 Use the disappointment to critically
think about
 the causes of the poor performance
 crafting new strategies to improve your
situation.
 Talk to your instructor if you find an
error.

17. Tempted to Cheat?
Cheating and plagiarism can have
ugly consequences:
 Cheaters struggle with a nagging conscience, self-doubt,
dissatisfaction and guilt.
 Humiliation results if you get caught.
 You may, at least, receive a “0” on your exam, or possibly
be expelled from the college or university.
 Professors who catch you cheating may spread the word and
refuse to write letters of recommendation, ruining chances
for graduate study or participation in special programs.
 And remember the person you cheat the most is yourself.

18. The Big Three
 Be prepared!
 Relax!
 Know you can do it!

19. GSP Exam
 Grammar, Spelling,  GSP Resources
Punctuation  www.unt.edu/writinglab
 Multiple choice  GSP workshops –
 70% or higher AUDB 103
 October 18 @ 11:00
 May take the test up
to 3 times a.m.
 Individual tutoring