A test is a snapshot of what you “show that you know” on an assigned task and at a given time. A test may be used for a variety of reasons such as to determine understanding of course content, identify a specific skill cluster, or serve as a measure of prerequisites to enter a professional school or field of study. Test formats vary but most common in the college setting are multiple choice, true-false, and essay tests.

Lowering Test Anxiety

Many students experience some level of anxiety as they anticipate a test or exam, and in most cases, the following will lower anxiety:

1. Preparedness in content area-reviewing daily so that information is accessible.

2. Knowing and understanding the language of the test.

3. Awareness of test surroundings.

4. All materials available-pencils, calculator, glasses, etc.

5. Buddying up to study with a positive classmate.

Having more knowledge of the structure of the test itself may also decrease anxiety. Every test-taker should be able to respond to the following:

1. What percentage of the semester grade is based on the exam?

2. Which parts of the test are more important than others?

3. What kinds of questions will be included: multiple-choice, essay, true-false?

4. Where will the exam take place: in class, take-home?

5. Are notes allowed? How about a calculator or snack?

6. Is there a penalty for incorrect answers?

7. Are there time limits?

8. Is there an extra-credit option?

Tips for Multiple-Choice Tests

1. Read questions carefully.

2. Underline key words.

3. Analyze with extra attention:

-two choices that are very similar

-two choices that are opposites

-negatives and double negatives

designed to “throw you off.”

-statements with “all,” “always,” “never,” or “none.”

-statements with “sometimes,” “probably,” or “some.”

4. Don’t go against your first choice unless you are sure you are wrong.

5. When you don’t know the right answer, eliminate the wrong answer(s).

6. If the task is to read a passage, then answer questions about it, read the questions first. It will help you locate the information.

7. Longest and most complicated answer to a question is often the correct answer.

8. Visualizing an answer by sketching a picture may be helpful.

Tips for True-False Tests

1. Often, these questions may be worth fewer points.

2. If one part of the statement is false, then the entire statement is false.

3. Pay attention to qualifiers such as “all,” “always,” “never,” “none” AND “sometimes,” “probably,” or “some.”

4. Pay attention to negatives and double negatives.

5. Because there is a 50/50 chance of responding correctly, do not skip items.

Tips for Essay Tests

1. Read the entire question, noting directives such as “compare,” “contrast,” “analyze,” “evaluate.”

2. Provide a thesis statement.

3. Think through or outline your answer with key words.

4. Be concise. More is not better.

5. Focus on the answer using information you know.

6. Include specific details and examples from in-class discussions and assigned reading.

7. Proofread, edit, write legibly.

Approaches to Test-Taking: Three options to consider

Think about your own individual learning and test-taking style when reviewing the following:

1. Start at the first question and proceed until you reach the end.

2. Answer every easy question, then go back to the hard questions.

3. Answer the hardest questions, then go back to the easy questions.

Testing Accommodations

Barnard students with diagnosed disabilities (permanent or temporary) who need nonstandard administration of quizzes/tests/finals for Barnard or Columbia coursework may receive disability-related test accommodations including extended time, assistive technology, use of aides and environmental adjustments. Students are required to register with the Office of Disability Services (ODS) and provide appropriate disability-related documentation. For further information, please contact ODS or visit our website at www.barnard.edu/ods/manual.

Screening for learning disabilities and/or attention deficit disorders is available at ODS. Call or email our office.

Resources:

http://www.apa.org

http://www.ldonline.org

Fry, Ron. How to Study. Career Press. 2000.