Apr 2, 2013

Study Skills - How To Ace Your Test or Exam First Time Every Time

By Lachlan Haynes


How easy would a test or exam be if you already knew the questions? Yes I know it would be even easier if you knew the answers but if you know the questions you should know the answers shouldn't you?

Well perhaps becoming a test psychic is the answer you have been looking for! By using this method you will be able to predict what questions are going to be on your next test or exam which will give you a much greater chance of doing well. Does this sound like a good solution to you?

Part 1 - Identify The Sources

There is no point studying anything that isn't on the test - but how do you know what will be on the test? Well, it's all about common sense. What do you think will definitely be on the test? What do you think might be on the test? What do you think probably won't be on the test? What do you think definitely won't be on the test? This process of questioning will help you identify that which you need not spend any time worrying about and also that which you should focus on.

Your mission is to identify which sources will be more likely than others to be on the test. Here are some very likely sources:

1. Sections and chapters from your textbook that your teacher has covered in detail in class - we'd suggest ignoring anything you really just skimmed over in class.

2. If you are given worksheets or homework tasks that are not covered in your text this may be a clue about the importance the teacher places on the topic.

3. Any questions that your teacher asks the class to answer or raises in class to be individually answered could be a good indicator of a likely test question. Why would you waste precious class time on subjects the teacher knows aren't important? The answer is that you wouldn't - so pay attention.

Part 2 - Keep Your Friends Close and Your Enemies Closer

Making friends with the teacher is one your biggest weapons - if executed correctly. Teachers will always reward those who try hard and give their best effort - and also those who are respectful towards them. It is human nature - and teachers are humans remember! (We think)

1. Clearly, one of the easiest ways to find out what may be on your next test or exam is to simply ask your teacher. You can guide the direction of the conversation by telling them which chapters or areas you are going to focus your study on and see what reaction you get. Teachers will often give you little hints and pointers so be very aware of what they say to you.

2. Find out which style the questions will be in. Is it going to be long answer, short answer, multiple choice or true/false? Will it be a combination of all of these styles? If so, which questions will make up the most marks? Clearly, the type of questions will impact on how you prepare. For example, if the questions are going to be long answer you will need to be ready to write half essays using several bits of information. If they are going to multiple choice you will need to know lots of details and facts.

3. Get hold of past tests or exams. These are usually invaluable resources - not simply because they show you how hard or easy past tests may have been - but also because they show you the format and structure that have been used in the past and what areas the teachers have focused on. Bonus tip: you don't always need to fall into the trap of going through each question on past test papers, just use them as a guide because it's extremely unlikely the questions on your test will be the same as past tests.

Part 3 - Learn How To Review Quickly

1. Create a workbook (or staple a few blank sheets together) that is used solely for noting likely test and exam questions. You will often come across topics and questions in class that will make you think to yourself, "that is definitely going to be on the test" and you need somewhere specific to write it down so you can find it easily later. This way, when you look at the workbook later it will help jog your memory.

2. Skim through your texts and underline or highlight the information you believe is the most important to the subject. Ignore anything you do not believe to be important. By doing this, you will have already chosen and highlighted the most important bits to re-read or re-examine later.

3. Grab a group of the brainiest kids you can find and form a study group. Note: I did not say get together with your friends and gossip for half the day! This is serious! Or is it? Yes, it is. By gathering some smart cookies together you will be able to bounce ideas around and share thoughts. Often other people think of things we never even consider. This means that they are opening our minds and hopefully they are making our notes better than ever! Sharing ideas, notes and study techniques with each other is a super way to become a test psychic.

By putting these simple yet very effective strategies into place you will be surprised at your ability to very quickly and easily become a test psychic - and predict what is going to be on your tests and exams. So, what are you waiting for?




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