HOW TO TAKE A TEST

WHY DO TESTS EXIST

Assess Student LearningEasiest Way to Assess a Group

Determine Knowledge of Material

Encourage Studying & HomeworkCredentialing

Barriers/Minimal Skills

To Be Mean

HOW WE TEST

Objective Tests

Comprehensive Tests

Essay Tests

TEST PREPARATION SKILLSStudy in advance: Cramming is BADStudy over several daysOrganize your study materialsDon’t simply re-read: add different skills (writing, listening, drawing) to re-enforce learning

Use past tests and quizzes for sample questions

Sleep and eat before the testArrive early enough to get settled

OBJECTIVE TESTING SKILLSWWWWHW

Qualifying Words

All of the Above

Play Percentages

PLAY PERCENTAGES

Play Percentages

What is the capital of Oman?A.Prague

B.TokyoC.MuscatD.IstanbulE.Toronto

OBJECTIVE TESTING SKILLSWWWWHW

Qualifying Words

All of the Above

Play Percentages

Start Easy

ESSAY TESTING SKILLS

Read the Directions and Follow Them

Read the Question

DO YOU KNOW WHAT TIME IT IS?

The answer is YES.

ESSAY TESTING SKILLS

Read the Directions and Follow Them

Read the Question

Answer the Question That Is Asked

Avoid Broad Generalizations

Avoid Fluffy and Flowery Language

Get to the Point

WHAT WORDS MEAN

ASSESS

DEFI

NE

EX

PLA

IN

CO

MPA

RE/C

ON

TR

AST

DESC

RIB

E

SU

MM

AR

IZE

AN

ALY

ZE

DIS

CU

SS

EVA

LUATE

WHAT WORDS MEAN

ASSESS

DEFI

NE

EX

PLA

IN

CO

MPA

RE/C

ON

TR

AST

DESC

RIB

E

SU

MM

AR

IZE

AN

ALY

ZE

DIS

CU

SS

EVA

LUATE

DEFINEBriefly give the meaning of something. Include multiple meanings, if appropriate. Be

prepared to include limitations (i.e., not included).

WHAT WORDS MEAN

ASSESS

DEFI

NE

EX

PLA

IN

CO

MPA

RE/C

ON

TR

AST

DESC

RIB

E

SU

MM

AR

IZE

AN

ALY

ZE

DIS

CU

SS

EVA

LUATE

DESCRIBETalk about an event, person, or process in detail, creating a

clear and vivid image. 

WHAT WORDS MEAN

ASSESS

DEFI

NE

EX

PLA

IN

CO

MPA

RE/C

ON

TR

AST

DESC

RIB

E

SU

MM

AR

IZE

AN

ALY

ZE

DIS

CU

SS

EVA

LUATE

SUMMARIZEState the major points fully but

concisely. Omit details and examples (usually).

WHAT WORDS MEAN

ASSESS

DEFI

NE

EX

PLA

IN

CO

MPA

RE/C

ON

TR

AST

DESC

RIB

E

SU

MM

AR

IZE

AN

ALY

ZE

DIS

CU

SS

EVA

LUATE

DISCUSSThe broadest and most common term, often a combination of definition, summary, and

evaluation. Fully cover main points, including examples,

differing points of view, and own interpretation. All comments must be supported by discussion or

data.

WHAT WORDS MEAN

ASSESS

DEFI

NE

EX

PLA

IN

CO

MPA

RE/C

ON

TR

AST

DESC

RIB

E

SU

MM

AR

IZE

AN

ALY

ZE

DIS

CU

SS

EVA

LUATE

COMPARE/CONTRASTShow similarities (compare) and differences (contrast) between two or more items. Be sure to compare/contrast the same items

(i.e., apples to apples).

WHAT WORDS MEAN

ASSESS

DEFI

NE

EX

PLA

IN

CO

MPA

RE/C

ON

TR

AST

DESC

RIB

E

SU

MM

AR

IZE

AN

ALY

ZE

DIS

CU

SS

EVA

LUATE

EXPLAINMake the topic as clear and understandable as possible by offering reasons, examples,

causes, etc. Focus on the “how” and “why” of the topic.

WHAT WORDS MEAN

ASSESS

DEFI

NE

EX

PLA

IN

CO

MPA

RE/C

ON

TR

AST

DESC

RIB

E

SU

MM

AR

IZE

AN

ALY

ZE

DIS

CU

SS

EVA

LUATE

ASSESSConsider the importance of

something. Include points that are positive, negative, or in

dispute. Support statements with evidence, statements from authorities, and your own

judgment.

WHAT WORDS MEAN

ASSESS

DEFI

NE

EX

PLA

IN

CO

MPA

RE/C

ON

TR

AST

DESC

RIB

E

SU

MM

AR

IZE

AN

ALY

ZE

DIS

CU

SS

EVA

LUATE

ANALYZEDivide an issue into its

component/major parts and examine each one in turn. May need to include other skills, including definition, compare/contrast, and

evaluation.

WHAT WORDS MEAN

ASSESS

DEFI

NE

EX

PLA

IN

CO

MPA

RE/C

ON

TR

AST

DESC

RIB

E

SU

MM

AR

IZE

AN

ALY

ZE

DIS

CU

SS

EVA

LUATE

EVALUATESimilar to “assess” in that it expects a discussion on the

important/value of an issue. The key issue to remember is that this type of essay requires opinion, disagreement, and

meaningful thought, not simply a description.

Performance Anxiety

Adrenaline Rush

Fight or Flight

TEST ANXIETY: WHAT IS IT?

APPEARANCE & FEELING

Headache

Blanking Out

PanicButterflies

Negative Re-enforcement

Other Physical Symptoms

Study in advanceSleep and eat before the test

Arrive early Read the directions Read the question

FREEZE-FRAME

1.RECOGNIZE the feeling2.SHIFT the focus off the feeling and to your body

3.ACTIVATE a positive thought or feeling

4.ASK yourself to look at your problem differently

5.NOTICE any changes and re-focus

MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES

MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES

ATTITUDE BREATHING

1.RECOGNIZE the feeling2.SHIFT the focus off the feeling and to your body

3.ASK yourself to look at your problem differently and choose a path

4.BREATHE the new choice

Dismiss the Need for Perfection

Practice &

Visualize

Take a Break

Positive Reinforcement

Pace & Timing

Skip Questions

Rewards

Realistic Goals

MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES

BE PREPAREDOthers