Authored by:
TeacherVision Staff
Last edited: November 15, 2019
Helpful suggestions for studying for tests.
Studying for Tests
Tests are a way for you and your teacher to measure how well you have learned the material covered by the class. Think of them as a challenge! Here are some tips for studying for tests.
Before the test
- Be sure to find out the following details ahead of time.
- what material the test will cover
- what type of test it will be (multiple choice, true false, short answer, essay)
- how the test will be graded
- how much the test will count toward the final grade
- Study in a place that is free of distractions. Have ready all the things you will need, such as paper, pens, or a calculator.
- Study at a time when you are alert and not hungry or sleepy.
- Don't wait until the last minute to study! Short daily study sessions are better than one long session the night before the test.
- Set a goal for each study period. If you are being tested on three chapters, set up four study sessions, one for each chapter and one for a review of the main ideas in all three chapters.
- Repetition is key! Read and reread your class notes and the relevant chapters in the textbook.
- While you are reviewing your notes, cover them up periodically and summarize them out loud. Pretend that you are explaining the material to someone else.
- Create your own study aids.
- Make an outline from your notes of just the main ideas.
- Make a timeline of important dates or the order of events.
- Make flashcards for studying vocabulary or events and important dates.
- Make up your own quiz or test based on your notes and have a friend, parent or sibling test you.
- Do any practice exams or study sheets provided by the teacher. These will help you focus your study session and give you confidence.
- Get help from the teacher if you do not understand something.
During the test
- Read the instructions carefully. Ask the teacher if you are unsure about anything.
- Read the entire test through before starting. This will help you pace yourself.
- Answer the easiest questions first.
- Leave the most time for questions that have the highest point value or require a lot of writing.
- Do only what you are required to do. Don't waste time doing things that you will not receive credit for, such as copying test questions onto your paper.
- Write clearly.
- Leave time to check over your answers.
After the test
- When the test is returned, read the teacher's comments carefully and try to learn from your mistakes.
- Save tests for later review for end-of-term tests.
