Exam and Test Preparation• Exam preparation happens all term, starting with

the skills we have been discussing:– Paying special attention to the syllabus– Note-taking– Pre-reading & skimming– Active reading– Regularly reviewing the notes from your ‘lectures’ and

readings– Learning to look for connections between ideas & class

readings, lectures & discussions– Forging ahead despite our fears– Assessing all the resources at our disposal

Learn About the Exam• When, Where, How Long?• What format?

• multiple choice, short answer, essay questions, true/false questions, matching questions, etc.

• What will it cover?• lecture material, readings, sections of the text, all

learned so far from all sources

• What resources for help are available?• teaching assistants, copies of old exams, other

students, etc.

• What is it worth?

How should I study?

• Make a list of what to study.• vocabulary; lists; key ideas stressed; possible test items; previous

tests/assignments; handouts; class/

lecture notes; textbook reading assignments

• Go through the list systematically.• Make up questions as you go.• Summarise difficult points.• Go to other sources.• Study alone / with others.• Remember the basics.

What should I study?Review everything, but focus on what counts the

most.

1) definitions of specialized terms

2) lists

3) ideas stressed in books and class

4) possible exam material (questions)

5) previous exams / tests / assignments

6) study guides, handouts, reviews

7) lecture / class notes

8) textbook assignments

Tips for Improving Concentration

General Tips:• establish a positive

attitude• establish a purpose for

reading/study• preread / skim the

material• look for relationships

between what you’re studying and the rest of the material

Specific Tips:• set realistic goals for each

task• take a short break after

completing each goal• break down large tasks into

smaller ones• combine different types of

study activities• remember to maintain a

positive attitude

More Tips for Improving Concentration

1) reduce / eliminate outside distractions

2) reduce / eliminate inside distractions

3) overcome a lack of interest

4) study alone

5) position your body for alertness

6) choose a good study area

7) check your physical condition

8) keep needed study materials handy

The Study CycleReview

15 minutes

Review15 minutes

Study60 minutes

Break15 - 20 minutes

Study60 minutes

Break15 - 20 minutes

Preparing to Write the Exam

1. Read the whole exam• Begin by reading all instructions carefully• Read all questions and jot down notes to yourself

2. Prepare a strategy• Decide which questions you will answer• Determine time allotments for each question.• Double-check your strategy

3. Answer the questions• Always answer the easiest questions first.

Interpreting Short Answer and Essay Questions

1) Read every word of a question carefully.

2) Analyse each question before you answer it.– 1. Mark words that identify the subject area to be covered.– 2. Mark words that suggest a particular approach to material.– 3. Circle the words (usually verbs) that tell you what to do.– 4. Number the parts of the question.

3) Sketch the Answer.– 1. Jot down ideas that come to you when analyzing the question.– 2. Brainstorm– 3. Quickly organize your ideas into an outline.

Ten Steps to Writing Essay Exams

1. Plan– set up a manageable study schedule that covers the

whole course2. Anticipate

– what is likely to be asked? what connections can you make? **re-examine the course syllabus**

3. Rehearse– practise writing sample questions; pretend you’re in the

exam situation

4. Schedule– divide your time among questions; decide what to answer /

what order

5. Read– read the whole exam carefully; read each question carefully

6. Analyze– mark key words to help you answer; identify question words

7. Think– what are you expected to write? What do you know about the issue?

8. Sketch– sketch a helpful guide based on your brainstorming and thinking

9. Write– enough to answer the question fully; don’t include unnecessary information;

no flowery writing or long introductions or conclusions

10. Check– check that you’ve answered correctly; add extra points that you forgot

Exam Post-Mortem

• http://www.ucc.vt.edu/stdysk/stdyhlp.html

Additional resources:

• Try to learn from the results of your exam; what content areas were weak? What style of questions were hardest for you? What can you do to improve next time?