Top 10 test-taking tips for students

n With end-of-the-year exams and state testing on the minds of students, here's a list of the top 10 tips to success from Teacher Vision.

1. Have a Positive Attitude - Approach the big test as you'd approach a giant jigsaw puzzle. It might be tough, but you can do it.

2. Make a Plan - The week before the test, ask your teacher what the test is going to cover. Is it from the textbook only? Class notes? Can you use your calculator? Make a list of the most important topics to be covered and use that as a guide when you study. Circle items that you know will require extra time.

3. The Night Before - Cramming doesn't work. If you've followed a study plan, the night before the test you should do a quick review and get to bed early. Remember, your brain and body need sleep to function well, so don't stay up late!

4. The Morning of the Test - Did you know you think better when you have a full stomach? So don't skip breakfast the morning of the test.

5. Test Time - Before the test begins, make sure you have everything you'll need - scratch paper, extra pencils, your calculator (if you're allowed to use it). Read the instructions. You want to make sure you are marking answers correctly.

6. Manage Your Time - Scan through the test quickly before starting. Answering the easy questions first can be a time-saver and a confidence-builder. Plus, it saves more time in the end for you to focus on the hard stuff.

7. I'm Stuck! - Reread the question to make sure you understand it, and then try to solve it the best way you know how. If you're still stuck, circle it and move on. You can come back to it later.

8. Multiple-Choice Questions - The process of elimination can help you choose the correct answer in a multiple-choice question. Start by crossing off the answers that couldn't be right. Then spend your time focusing on the possible correct choices before selecting your answer.

9. Neatness Counts - If your 4s look like 9s, it could be a problem. Be sure that your writing is legible and that you erase your mistakes. For machine-scored tests, fill in the spaces carefully.

10. I'm Done! - Not so fast. When you complete the last item on the test, remember that you're not done yet. First, check the clock and go back to review your answers, making sure that you didn't make any careless mistakes (such as putting the right answer in the wrong place or skipping a question). Spend the last remaining minutes going over the hardest problems before you turn in your test.

SOURCE: teachervision.fen.com