Test Your Best: Quiz & Exam Tips
Presentation By: Jennifer J. Hemker, Academic Coach
Bellevue College
Be Prepared…
Physically
Emotionally
Intellectually
The Basics Get a good night sleep (Don’t stay up too late the night
prior)
Eat a healthy breakfast (1 bowl of Cheerios is not good
enough)
Limit caffeine prior to taking a quiz or exam
Limit stress
Be Prepared Physically
Be Prepared Physically
Limiting Stress
Relax
Meditate, pray, take deep breaths
Listen to music right before the test (something you like)
Exercise (go for a run or do yoga) before a test if possible
Avoid situations or people that can trigger unnecessary anxiety
Think positive thoughts (I am going to ace this quiz!), write them down
Think of a happy place or calming picture in your head
Clear all negative thoughts from your head (at least temporarily)
Do the easy questions 1st (it will bulk up your confidence)
Stay in a good place, do not be discouraged
You will be the most pleased with your performance if you do your best!
Be Prepared Mentally
Achieving a Positive State of Mind
Grit
What to Study
Be Prepared Intellectually
Focus on major concepts, themes, ideas of the chapter (if taking a
quiz) and do the same for the entire course (if taking an exam)
Read all required material
Review notes
Do NOT study what you already know
Review previous quizzes and exams
Be Prepared Intellectually
The Basics
AWARENESS
How many questions are on the quiz/exam?How much time will there be to complete the quiz/exam?
Will the quiz/exam be timed?
What type of questions will be on the quiz/exam? Multiple choice, True/False, Essay?
How many points is the quiz/exam worth total? Each question?
If the quiz/exam is on computer canyou skip answers or go back?
Quiz/Exam Prep
Arrive to class early or block off a significant amount of
uninterrupted time if taking a quiz/exam online
Clear a space
Put your cell phone away (make sure it is on vibrate or silent)
Try to limit distractions
Have notes, textbook, and/or course materials easily accessible if
instructor allows for such resources to be used
Be Prepared Intellectually
Taking a Quiz/Exam
Keep calm (take deep breaths)
Keep an eye on time
Complete the easiest questions first
Complete the questions that have the highest point
value first
Do not stress if you come across an unfamiliar question – apply your knowledge
Answering Multiple Choice Questions
Answer the easy questions first
Skip difficult questions (if possible) and revisit them
Use the “Cover-Up” method
Eliminate options that are obvious wrong answers
Pay special attention to words such as: always, never, only,
not, except, and but.
Try making the options into True/False statements
Go with your first choice
Answering True/False Questions
Less definite terms such as: often, frequently, sometimes, should tend to be TRUE
When in doubt, majority of statements are TRUE
FALSE Verify that every part of the statement is true, especially if it is a long statement. If any part seems false than most likely it is FALSE Look for qualifiers and
absolute terms: never, always, only = FALSE
TRUE ~ or ~
Remember that instructors can and do make mistakes
Answering Essay Questions
Identify key words in the question
Take a few minutes to outline
Follow the outline
Support your opinion or statements
Summarize
Make sure paragraphs are cohesive and concise