Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Government Test Friday 10-22-10

Ten Tips for Tackling Tests:

1. Make flash cards
Make flash cards- put a vocabulary word on one side and the definition on the other
Hold them in your hands, look at the word, and try to say the definition. Then check to see if you are correct.
Go to parents, siblings, or friends and get them to give a pop test. Have them read the definition and see if the student is able to say the correct vocabulary word or answer to the question.
Write key questions on the cards and put the answers on the back. This will enable the study partner to really test to see that the information has been learned even if the study partner has no prior knowledge of the topic.

2. Read the summaries of each chapter
Don’t read the entire unit again
Just review the summaries and really pay attention to what is being said

3. Pay close attention to photographs, diagrams, and captions
Sometimes key questions on your tests come from information you were supposed to learn from looking at diagrams, graphs, charts, and pictures located within your books. If the picture was important enough to be placed in the book, then it usually has an important purpose and there is something the author wants you to learn or realize by looking at the photograph.

4. Take note of anything written in bold letters
These are usually key vocabulary words, and you should read the sentence before and after the word to make sure you have a good understanding of the meaning.

5. Read over the notes from class
Always write down information even if you “know” you will “remember” it. We want students to remember the information not only for the test, but for as long as possible and writing it down and reviewing it will greatly help.
You do not need to write down everything that the teacher says - look for the “three s’s.”
Take note of something if the teacher slows down when she says it. This is a big clue that she is giving time to write it down.
Stress it over and over. If she tends to repeat something, it is probably important. If you have already written it, the second and third time she says it just underline it. That way when you are reviewing your notes, you will remember it was important.
Stop to write it on the board, especially if it is a diagram or chart.

6. Review all quizzes and chapter tests
Use the section & chapter assessments in the book. Can you answer the questions? For the ones you missed try to look up the answer.
Copy down or scan your quiz questions on another sheet of paper and attempt to answer them. When you are finished, check the original quiz to see how you did.

7. Study with a friend.
It is always a good idea to study with a partner because many times classmates may have copied down important notes that you might have missed. It’s always good to see another student’s perspective when it comes to copying down lecture comments.

8. Make sure you have a morning review.
Sometimes students can study two or three hours at night, but then when they wake up, some of the information has slipped away. It is always a good idea to have note cards at the breakfast table, on the bus, in the carpool, and while waiting for the school bell to ring.
Students shouldn’t assume because they studied the night before that they are prepared. It is best to make sure to refresh the mind with all that has been learned as close to the actual test time as possible

9. Get a good night’s rest.
When you take a test, you need to be physically as well as mentally prepared
Doing commonsense things like getting a good night’s sleep and eating a balanced breakfast are essential to performing well
Parents, please be mindful of test dates and to make sure that your kids arrive on time and prepared with all the necessary materials

10. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
It never hurts to ask the teacher for extra help.
Do you need to double check your notes?
Do you want advice on what to concentrate on for the test?
Do you know what the essay question might be?
Teachers are more than willing to help you but only if the students ask during
tutorials, lunch, or after class. When trying to get individual help, this is the best time to do it.

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