INEW Test-Taking Tips

We have to take various tests starting from Kindergarten, elementary, junior-high, high school, college entrance exams, and applying for jobs. Since test-taking is part of our life, it is important to learn as early as possible how to take a test efficiently in order to get the optimal results.

The following test-taking tips will improve both your speed and accuracy.

During the test ...

Read the question and pay attention to keywords.
Do the problems starting from the easiest ones first, then move on to more difficult ones.
Do not spend too much time on problems that you are stuck on.
Do not get bogged down on any one question.
Skip the problems that you do not know how to solve on your first try. Come back to them later.
Do not hesitate to ask for clarification if you do not understand the instructions.
Keep careful track of your time. Do not rush but pace yourself. Do not watch the clock too often.
Write clearly so the instructor/grader can understand your answers.
Erase cleanly if you change your answers.
For multiple-choice questions, mark your answer clearly, otherwise the computer or grader will most likely mark your answer wrong.
For multiple-choice questions, examine the answer choices. They usually provide useful clues.
For multiple-choice questions, watch out for a tricky answer among the choices given.
For multiple-choice questions, do not do more work than necessary.
For multiple-choice questions, if you are unsure of an answer, see if you can eliminate one or more of the choices.
Do not try to solve the problem mentally. Write the solution down on scratch paper unless you can solve it very easily.
Writing the problem and solution down can help you to avoid careless mistakes.
Use your calculator wisely. Do not overuse it. Many problems can be solved without using a calculator at all.
Double check your answers when you have extra time especially the ones with large values.

Equipments, tools and other resources ...

Bring at least 2 pencils. Sharpen your pencils.
Bring a good eraser.
Bring a calculator with new batteries (if allowed).
Familiarize yourself with the calculator keys, functions, etc.
Bring a quiet watch to pace yourself during the test.
Bring other required resources (pens, ruler, scratch papers, ID, etc.) as instructed.

Miscellaneous ...

Practice, practice, practice! Nothing substitutes practice, especially in mathematics.
Watch your body language. Keep your eyes on your paper and table only. Avoid behaviors that could be mistaken for cheating.
Be prepared a few weeks before by studying incrementally.
Relax.
Have a good sleep prior to the test.
Have a good breakfast.
Bring drinking water and juice. Drink them during the break only.

INEW web site