Five Simple Strategies to Five Simple Strategies to Improve Test PerformanceImprove Test Performance
Dr. David RossDr. David Ross
CLC Counseling CenterCLC Counseling Center
Develop a Plan of ActionDevelop a Plan of Action
Don’t “dive” into a test, make a plan.Don’t “dive” into a test, make a plan.Look through entire test, estimate time Look through entire test, estimate time
needed for each section.needed for each section. Invest adequate time in the sections that Invest adequate time in the sections that
have the most points.have the most points.
Look for Key WordsLook for Key Words
Find words that can change the meaning.Find words that can change the meaning.Words like: Words like: sometimes, always, usually, sometimes, always, usually,
may, discuss, contrast, except, etc.may, discuss, contrast, except, etc.Take your pencil and Take your pencil and underline underline them. Drag them. Drag
along a piece of paper if you cannot along a piece of paper if you cannot underline.underline.
This will slow you down and force you to This will slow you down and force you to read carefully.read carefully.
Develop a Skipping StrategyDevelop a Skipping Strategy
We waste time struggling over one item.We waste time struggling over one item.You want to first answer all the ones you You want to first answer all the ones you
know.know. Immediately skip the ones you don’t know.Immediately skip the ones you don’t know.After going through the entire test, then go After going through the entire test, then go
back to the ones you skipped, you will back to the ones you skipped, you will have time to work on them.have time to work on them.
Change answers only if strong reasons.Change answers only if strong reasons.
Outline Essay QuestionsOutline Essay Questions
Before you start make a brief outline.Before you start make a brief outline. It will focus your thinking and actually save It will focus your thinking and actually save
time because you write efficiently.time because you write efficiently. It leaves a positive impression on the It leaves a positive impression on the
teacher grading the essay.teacher grading the essay.
Prepare Practice TestsPrepare Practice Tests
It gives you a “dress rehearsal”, reducing It gives you a “dress rehearsal”, reducing anxiety.anxiety.
Use Chapter reviews or study guides for Use Chapter reviews or study guides for sample questions.sample questions.
Even better, write your own questions.Even better, write your own questions.Try doing questions fast to simulate actual Try doing questions fast to simulate actual
testing experience.testing experience.