Test and Exam Skills

Stage 1: Learning Before, During and After Class

If you study effectively all the time, especially by previewing and reviewing your work, it will be easier for you to revise for your tests and exams.

Stage 2: Find out what to revise:

• ask your tutor.
• check past exam papers (ask your tutor where they are kept).
• check learning outcomes for the course.
• check class handouts, readings and references you were given.
• check your class note.
• check your previous assignments.

Stage 3: Find out about the tests or exams:

• what content knowledge do you need to know for the test or exam? (See Stage 2 above).
• how long is the test or exam?
• how many questions will you have to answer?
• do you have to answer all the questions, or do you have a choice?
• what kinds of questions might be used? Essay, short answer, multiple choice, and so on?
• what instructional words might be used in the questions? Do you know what they mean?
• what proportion of the total course marks is represented by this test or exam?
• what is the pass mark?

Stage 4: Plan the revision process:

• use a diary or timetable to plan what you have to do.
• break the subject into parts and give time to each, but think about which of these you will need to spend more time on.
• plan to revise at the times of day that suit you best.

Stage 5: Revising (reviewing your work):

Review actively and often:

• sort your notes and photocopies into topics.
• read your notes and underline and highlight the key points.
• put the main points, key words/concepts onto cue cards. 
• test yourself in a way that suits your learning style:
  • make up your own questions.
  • answer questions from your text book.
  • answer questions from past tests and exams.
  • do a timed mock exam ( partial or full paper).
• form a study group so you can discuss the information you need to learn or ask someone to test you.
• find ways to remember key terms and concepts using:
  • visuals and diagrams and so on.
  • mnemonic.

Stage 6: the day before the test/exam:

• check the time and place.
• make sure you have all the equipment you need: pens, pencils, watch, water.
• do not learn any new information.
• eat and sleep well.

Stage 7: On the test/exam day and in the exam room:

• get to the exam room early.
• wait in a quiet area and try not to get distracted by noisy students.
• find a seat that suits you best – at the back or in the front?
• read the instructions carefully. You may have 10 minutes of reading time before you start answering the questions
• read the questions carefully.
• check how many marks there are for each question and then work out how much time you need for each.
• decide what order you will answer the questions in. Easy ones first?
• attempt ALL the questions you have to answer. The first few marks of every question are usually quite easy to get.
• plan your short answer questions and keep to the point.
• if short of time write down your main points as these may earn marks.
• if you have spare time in the end check your work.