MID-TERM PREPARATION:EFFECTIVE STUDY AND EXAM-TAKING TECHNIQUES

Presented byDr. Cari KennerAnna Urbanski, GAAcademic Learning CenterSt. Cloud State University

• Tips on What to do Before Studying

• Tips on What to do Before the Exam

• Tips to Use While Taking Midterms

• Tips for Objective Exam Questions

• Tips for Essay Tests

SESSION OVERVIEW

TIPS ON WHAT TO DO BEFORE STUDYING

• Make a master list of exams.• Know what to expect.• Attend class.• Complete all assignments on time.• Take notes and review them regularly.• Plan regular study time.• Be aware of your environment.• Study when you’ll be most attentive.

TIPS ON WHAT TO DO BEFORE THE EXAM

• Use the 5-Day study plan.

• Use class and text study guides.

• Check the textbook website.

• Reduce distractions.– StayFocusd for

Chrome• Attend or make study sessions.• Sleep and eat!

TIPS ON WHAT TO DO BEFORE THE EXAM

DAY OF THE TEST

• Get to the classroom early.• Allow time for brief

review.• Sit in front of lecture

halls.• Keep an eye on the

time.

• Read/Skim entire test first.• Know the amount of time, and

plan sections. • Try a “Mind Dump.”• Read all directions.• Answer questions you know

first.• If you get anxious, take a short

break.• Do not rush. • Review entire exam before

turning it in.

TIPS TO USE WHILE TAKING MIDTERMS

• Read entire question, underline key terms.

• After reading question, think of correct answer before looking at choices.

• Cross out answers you know are wrong.

TIPS FOR OBJECTIVE EXAM QUESTIONS

TIPS FOR TRUE/FALSE QUESTIONS

• Watch for words like “always” and “never.” They tend to be “false.”

• Pay attention to every word in the statement.

• Don’t personalize questions.

• Mark true only if statement is completely true.

• Do not add your own reasoning or argument.

• ___ Do not pay attention to every word in a true/false statement.

• ___ Add your own reasoning argument.

• __ Mark true only if the statement is completely true.

TRUE/FALSE PRACTICE

F

F

T

• If an answer looks unfamiliar, it is probably wrong.

• If two answers are opposites, one of them is probably right.

• If two answers are similar, read them to see which has the correct info.

• If two answers mean the same thing but have different wording, neither are correct.

• If the options are numbers, choose in the middle.

• Longest answers tend to be correct.

• Often, “all of the above” is correct. • “None of the above” is more likely

wrong.

TIPS FOR MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

• When answering multiple choice questions,

a) Shortest answers tend to be correct.

b) Shortest answers could be correct.c) “None of the above” is more likely

wrong.d) None of the above.

MULTIPLE CHOICE PRACTICE

• Read question carefully. • Underline key words, so you know what question is

asking.– List

Name items.– Describe/Explain

Use much detail.– Compare/Contrast

Describe similarities and differences.– Define

List a term and its definition.– Give an Example

Do not define; list applications.• Make an outline before you begin.• Use an intro and a conclusion.• Use questions in your answer.• Break into paragraphs, even if small paragraphs.• Write neatly, and use a pencil to erase mistakes.

TIPS FOR ESSAY TESTS

• Before the Exam• During the Exam

– Essay Questions– Objective Questions

CONCLUSIONS

Academic Learning Center2nd Floor Centennial Hall, Rm 236

Coll 110: Reading and Study StrategiesColl 120: Power Reading

Tutoring CenterOne-on-One Study Strategies Help

www.stcloudstate.edu/alcFacebook Page

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Upcoming Workshop:Get Motivated: How to Avoid ProcrastinationWednesday March 27, 1:00-1:50PM Atwood Cascade Room