Mathematics for Business and Personal Finance

Test-Taking Tips

Categories:
  1. Reading
  2. Time Management
  3. Test Day
  4. Taking the Test

I. Reading

New Vocabulary
When you study for a test, spend the time needed to memorize the meanings of new vocabulary words and special terms.

Key Terms
Identify key terms to find the main idea of the question.

Reading the Entire Question
Read the entire question carefully to make sure you understand the steps involved in solving the problem.

Reading Comprehension
Do not read the passage first when completing reading comprehension questions; start by reading the questions first.

Read the Directions
Never assume you know what the directions say. For example, some questions might have more than one correct answer.

Understand the Question
Read word problems to understand the question. Note whether it asks you to find a percent or an amount.

Using Textbook Resources
When studying from a textbook, you can find important points emphasized by headings and other style treatments. For example, this textbook uses a consistent design that makes formulas easy to locate.

Prepare
Analyze your past test results. Each test can prepare you for the next test.

Check Your Work
Pay special attention to the problems you get wrong. Take notes and review them later so you better understand the material.

Multiple Choice
When taking multiple-choice tests, be sure to read the entire question before you look at the answer choices.

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II. Time Management

Continual Review
Prepare for tests over a few days or weeks. When reviewing for a test, do not wait until the night before to learn everything at once.

Test Timing
Take one or more times practice tests so that you become comfortable with timed tests.

Monitoring Your Time
Evaluate how much time you have to answer questions when you sit down to take a test. Look the test over and note how many questions it has. Make a mental note of how much time you should spend on each question and still have enough time to check your work.

Pace Yourself
Know how much time is allotted for the test and the number of questions it contains. Pace yourself accordingly.

Keep Family Informed
Keep your parents and guardians informed about test schedules. Adults can help you with your study schedule and a study pace. They can also provide encouragement.

Review Your Work
Review your calculations for accuracy if they have time at the end of the test.

Practice Solving Problems
When practicing for a test, you should try to solve the problems on your own before looking up the answers. Seek help if you are having trouble.

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III. Test Day

Arrive Having Eaten
Eat breakfast or a light snack before a test. Food will give you energy and help you focus.

Eat Well
Studies show that good nutrition boosts your ability to concentrate and your overall performance when taking a test.

Supplies
Prepare for tests by having several sharpened pencils, an eraser, and a calculator if it is permissible.
 
Test Day
Bring approved pens, pencils, erasers, and calculators with you to the test.

Seating
When choosing your seat for a test, be sure to find one where you will be comfortable.

Confidence
On the day of a test, stay relaxed and confident. Remind yourself that you are well-prepared.

Relaxation Techniques
To reduce test anxiety, exercise regularly, especially in the days just before taking an important test. Relax during the test. If you find yourself getting anxious, take a few deep breaths and then get back to work.

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IV. Taking the Test

Multiple Steps
Multistep problems require you to do several different tasks. First write down all information given and determine what steps to take to solve the problem.
 
Cover the Answers
Cover the answer choices on multiple-choice questions. Read the question and think of the answer on your own before looking at the answer choices.

Answer All Questions
Respond in writing to all short-answer questions. Even if you are unsure of the answer, you should write down your thoughts. Partial credit is often awarded.

Essay Questions
Pay close attention to the way the essay or extended response question is phrased. Know what you are being asked before you begin to write.

Writing
When completing extended response or essay questions, use legible, clear handwriting.

Extended Response Questions
Keep good paragraph form in mind when writing an extended response answer. Include a topic sentence stating the main idea and two or more sentences supporting your main idea.

Extended Response Questions
Before answering a question that asks you to write a paragraph, consider how you will organize your paragraph. For example, you might present a statement and then follow it with supporting details.

Try Easy Questions First
Answering easy questions first may jog your memory about useful facts needed for the more difficult questions on the test.

Easy Questions First
Try the test questions you find to be the easiest first. This may help you remember important tools to tackle the more difficult problems of your test.

Check Your Work
Check your work when solving math word problems. In multiple-choice questions, the answer choices include incorrect answers that result from simple math errors.

Check Math
Remember that the wrong answer choices in a multiple-choice question reflect common math errors. Perform each calculation more than once to avoid choosing the wrong answer.

Review
Be sure to carefully review all your answers, double-checking your figures for accuracy.

Review
When you complete a test, make sure you have answered all questions and marked your answer sheet correctly.

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