SURVEY OF TEST TAKING STRATEGIES

PRINT OUT A COPY OF THIS SURVEY.  YOU MAY ALSO VISIT THE LEARNING CENTER AND OBTAIN A HARD COPY OF IT.   CONSIDER TWO COURSES IN WHICH YOU HAVE RECENTLY TAKEN TESTS.  RESPOND TO EACH STATEMENT ABOUT YOUR TEST TAKING WITH A YES OR NO.

 

STATEMENT COURSE: COURSE:
1. I surveyed the entire test before answering the questions.      YES        NO      YES        NO
2. I read and followed the test directions.      YES        NO      YES        NO
3. I marked the wrong choice.      YES        NO      YES        NO
4. I changed a correct answer to a wrong answer.      YES        NO      YES        NO
5. I noticed absolute words such as always and never in responding to questions.      YES        NO      YES        NO
6. I planned how to use my time for the test(if a time limit was given).      YES        NO      YES        NO
7. I answered the easiest questions first.      YES        NO      YES        NO
8. I used some parts of the test to help myself answer other sections of the test.      YES        NO      YES        NO
9. The information was not in my notes.      YES        NO      YES        NO
10. I recognized the information but couldn't answer.      YES        NO      YES        NO
11. I had trouble concentrating.      YES        NO      YES        NO
12. I think I studied the wrong information.      YES        NO      YES        NO
13. I couldn't apply the information.      YES        NO      YES        NO
14. My mind went blank.      YES        NO      YES        NO
15. I understood the major concepts but not the details.      YES        NO      YES        NO
16. I misunderstood the question.      YES        NO      YES        NO
17. I had problems with the vocabulary.      YES        NO      YES        NO
18. I didn't use my common sense in responding to questions.      YES        NO      YES        NO

ANALYSIS:

The first eight statements are specifically about your test wiseness.  If you responded YES to statements 1,2,5,6,7,8 and responded NO to statements 3 and 4, you probably have good test taking skills.  In fact, you may actually enjoy taking tests.

The last ten statements refer to your knowledge preparation and anxiety levels about the test.  If you answered YES to statements 11 and 14, you may want to consider how anxious you are about testing situations.  If you answered YES to statements 9,10,12,13,15,16,17,18, your test preparation needs improvement.  You're in luck;  we have some suggestions!!!!

Return to Test Taking Strategies

Return to Study Tips