I get nervous taking tests. Do you have any test-taking suggestions so that I can do my best?
You are not alone! Many people get nervous taking tests. The following tips should be helpful.
- Be positive and do your best.
- Be sure you can read the instructions and understand them.
- Listen to and read the directions for each test section carefully. Ask for an explanation of the directions if you do not understand them.
- Plan your time well. Each test section is timed. Do not spend too much time on any one test question. If it takes too long to answer a question, skip it and return to it later, if time permits. First repond to all questions of which you are certain of the answer.
- Before answering a question, be sure you know what is being asked. For example, a test question might say, "Which of these is not an even number?" If you read the question too quickly, you may miss the word not and answer incorrectly.
- Do not read into the question something that is not there. There are no trick questions.
- When marking your answers on a separate answer sheet, make sure you mark the circle that goes with the answer you choose. Be sure to fill in the answer circles neatly and completely; carelessness can cause you to get a low score. If you realize you have been marking your answers in the wrong place, let the test examiner know immediately.
- Trust your insticts. If you know a lot about a subject, the first answer you select probably will be the best. When rechecking, change an answer only when you are sure that your first answer choice was wrong.
- If you are not sure how to answer a question, rule out answer choices that you know are incorrect. Then mark your best guess.