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Tips for taking objective tests include reducing anxiety, familiarizing oneself with the test environment, getting enough rest and eating a healthy meal, using test-taking strategies like narrowing down multiple-choice options and guessing when unsure, managing time effectively, and utilizing study guides and practice tests.
A constant in life is that sooner or later there will be a test. Many times, the only way to measure understanding or competence is through objective tests, and this can trigger anxiety in even the most prepared student. There are a number of test execution tips that can take up a lot of the testing process, many of which have little to do with the actual material covered by the test itself. An experienced candidate can often score well in a subject she has never studied before taking the exam.
One suggestion for the test involves reducing anxiety and physically relaxing. Whenever possible, visit the area where the test will take place. Familiarize yourself with the room’s ambient sounds, seating arrangements, lighting levels, and so on. Some people don’t do well on tests if they’re overwhelmed by an unfamiliar test environment, so it’s worth familiarizing yourself with your surroundings so your mind isn’t distracted during the actual test.
Other testing tips include avoiding complete sleep deprivation before taking the exam. Some people benefit from heavy sessions the night before the test, but the mind needs time to process the flood of information it receives from intensive study. Consuming energy drinks or other high-caffeine beverages will not necessarily help a person retain information. A crash usually occurs several hours after consumption, and this crash can occur during the trial period if the examiner does not take time to sleep. Get enough rest and eat a healthy meal before taking a physical test.
There are a few test-taking strategies that have become very familiar to students over the years. One such strategy is to narrow down the choices on a multiple-choice test. Test creators strive to make their tests random, which means that the likelihood of the same letter being answered more than three times in a row is very low. Answers like “all of the above” or “none of the above” are generally used sparingly, and logic dictates that if even two answers are clearly wrong or right, the rest should match.
Some experts on test-taking tips also suggest, when in doubt, dating Charlie. This means that whenever a candidate guesses the answer to an unknown question, the most likely answer is “C”, or in some cases the longest answer. Statistically speaking, it is often better to guess an answer than leave it blank, as there is a 25% chance of making it guess, but a 100% chance of losing credit for not answering it at all.
Time management is also key when doing objective tests. If a proctor or test instructor places a strict time limit on a section of the test, you may want to skim through the questions quickly and complete the easier ones first. By eliminating these questions, you can spend more time on difficult or unfamiliar questions. It may also be easier to forget the timer while you’re working on the test. Some people do better on a test with no time limit than a similar test with strict time limits or a penalty for unanswered questions.
If there is an official study guide or test prep book, it would be beneficial to get one. The guide may contain any number of test-taking tips specific to your actual testing needs. Sample questions can prove very useful when taking standardized tests such as college entrance exams. Comprehensive practice tests or pre-tests may also be available for a nominal fee. Going through the motions of a test can make it a lot less traumatic whenever it’s time to take in the real thing.
