Tips for Successful Test taking and Assignment Completion

Believe you can, and youre halfway there- Theodore Roosevelt

Fortune favors the prepared mind-Louis Pasteur
Test Taking
a. Before the test
1. Preparation is the key to success. Use notes, past assignments, old
quizzes, labs, study guides, etc. to practice answering questions
2. Consistent, effective effort leads to success! According to UCLA research,
sacrificing sleep for extra study time (including studying for quizzes and
completing homework) is counterproductive and less effective than
studying consistently each day. Therefore, review material a little each
day.
3. Study the material more than once.
4. Use a partner (siblings, friends, family members) to quiz each other, and
try teaching the subject matter to them.
b. On the day of the test
1. Listen closely to directions, and read the test instructions with care
2. Ask the teacher any questions you have about instructions
3. Write down any formulas, facts, memory-aids or mnemonic devices on
scratch paper or in the margins
4. Answer the questions you know first, mark the ones you are unsure of and
return to these after answering the questions you are sure of. This will
help you manage time and finish the test in a timely manner.
5. For true and false questions:
Circle key words
If any part of the question is false, the entire question is false
Watch for words like never, always, every, all, none, and
only
6. For multiple choice questions:
Read the entire question with care, and try to answer the question
without reading the choices
Make sure to read all of the choices, and select which one closely
matches your answer, or appears to be the most correct

Use the process of elimination to eliminate choices that are clearly

incorrect
7. Matching questions:
Read the entire column of possible matches before selecting the
first answer that appears to be correct
Cross out the choices after you use them
Write what you know next to the term or phrase, then scan the
column of possible matches to see if your answer matches what is
in that column
8. Essay questions:
Make an outline before writing your answer to organize your main
ideas. If time is running out, make an outline at the very least.
Focus on one idea per paragraph
Include only relevant examples and details
c. After the test:
If time allows, check the entire test to make sure no answers were
left blank
If time allows, reread the instructions and determine if any errors
were made
If any mistakes were made because you were unsure of the subject matter, make
more time for studying and/or try new studying strategies. When you have more
confidence in test-taking, you will have less test anxiety and will be able to focus
better on what you have learned, and thats what tests are made for!

Assignment Completion
a. Work on homework in a quiet, well-lit area. This prevents you from
getting distracted. This will allow you to work on the assignment
effectively and for you to absorb the information (which will help
you down the road)
b. Make sure you have the appropriate materials. Check before
leaving class that you bring materials you need for the assignment
home with you
c. Try and have a specific time each day designated for completing
your assignments. Dont wait last minute! This will increase your
chances of developing anxiety, not absorbing/practicing the
assignment properly, and getting wrong answers.
d. Work on more challenging assignments first. This will help you
work in a more time-efficient manner when your mind starts to get
tired.
e. Double check your work
f. Utilize your resources for help. I am available after school and will
be happy to answer any questions, and offer additional help. Utilize
the library and after school programs/tutoring. Use your notes, past
assignments, quizzes, and labs, friends/partners, parents, the
internet

(Links for homework help are available on our Biology class

website. Listed below are a few examples):
http://www.hippocampus.org/
http://www.factmonster.com/
http://www.interactive-biology.com/
http://www.biology.arizona.edu/default.html
Homework is extremely important for the learning process and will help you be
successful, both academically and personally. Put the time and effort into your
assignments, it will be worth it.