How much easier would life be if we already knew what was going to be on the next test or exam? No more time spent stressing and worrying, no more cramming a year's worth of work into one day of super study and no more sleepless nights.
A really effective way to prepare for your tests and exams is to become a test psychic and start predicting (with great accuracy) what the questions will be! A simple enough idea - but you're probably thinking it would be pretty hard to execute right? Well, the answer is actually yes and no. Let's take a look at the strategy of test question prediction.
Part 1 - Focus On What Is Important
What do you believe is going to be on the test? There's no point focusing on "everything" because it will take too long to review it all. Try the process of elimination (and inclusion). Are there things that you have learnt that clearly would not be on the test or exam? Are there things you have learnt that obviously would be on the exam?
We won't make you figure this out alone. Take a look at this list of likely sources:
1. Sections and chapters from your textbook that your teacher has covered in detail in class - we'd suggest ignoring anything you really just skimmed over in class.
2. If the teacher is providing you with worksheets and homework tasks there is a reason for this. Often these will be used to create questions that aren't covered in the text book.
3. If you spend a lot of time in class going over particular areas you can rest assured they will be on the next test or exam. Teachers never waste class time with topics that aren't going to be covered in an assignment, test or exam in some way.
Part 2 - Keep Your Friends Close and Your Enemies Closer
Your great relationship with the teacher should be your biggest weapon. You can learn a lot from speaking to the teacher and gathering as much information as you can from them. Keep in mind that being in conflict with your teacher certainly won't assist you.
1. If you've made friends with the teacher then all you have to do is start asking leading questions. "I am really going to focus on this area or that area - what do you think about that?" If the teacher likes you they will help you rather than ignore you.
2. Find out which style the questions will be in. Is it going to be long answer, short answer, multiple choice or true/false? Will it be a combination of all of these styles? If so, which questions will make up the most marks? Clearly, the type of questions will impact on how you prepare. For example, if the questions are going to be long answer you will need to be ready to write half essays using several bits of information. If they are going to multiple choice you will need to know lots of details and facts.
3. If there is any way to get hold of past test or exam papers then do it. This will give you many hints on what has been tested in the past and how this may impact your upcoming test or exam. The style and structure of questioning may become clear and you may also notice themes or topics that often present themselves on every paper.
Part 3 - Plan Ahead
1. Create a workbook (or staple a few blank sheets together) that is used solely for noting likely test and exam questions. You will often come across topics and questions in class that will make you think to yourself, "that is definitely going to be on the test" and you need somewhere specific to write it down so you can find it easily later. This way, when you look at the workbook later it will help jog your memory.
2. Skim through your texts and underline or highlight the information you believe is the most important to the subject. Ignore anything you do not believe to be important. By doing this, you will have already chosen and highlighted the most important bits to re-read or re-examine later.
3. Create a study group. This means getting together with a group of buddies (or even people who you think will be able to help you with your study i.e. possibly not your friends!) and brainstorm together possible questions and answers to future tests and exams. Two heads are always better than one. Three are better than two, four are better than three - and so on. The point is, as a study group you will be able to study for more information that one person can alone. So, you may like to all create your own mind maps, notes and questions and answers and then share them with each other (possibly by photocopying the work). This will put you well ahead of those people who do not create study groups and is a very powerful way to quickly become a test psychic.
By putting these simple yet very effective strategies into place you will be surprised at your ability to very quickly and easily become a test psychic - and predict what is going to be on your tests and exams. So, what are you waiting for?
A really effective way to prepare for your tests and exams is to become a test psychic and start predicting (with great accuracy) what the questions will be! A simple enough idea - but you're probably thinking it would be pretty hard to execute right? Well, the answer is actually yes and no. Let's take a look at the strategy of test question prediction.
Part 1 - Focus On What Is Important
What do you believe is going to be on the test? There's no point focusing on "everything" because it will take too long to review it all. Try the process of elimination (and inclusion). Are there things that you have learnt that clearly would not be on the test or exam? Are there things you have learnt that obviously would be on the exam?
We won't make you figure this out alone. Take a look at this list of likely sources:
1. Sections and chapters from your textbook that your teacher has covered in detail in class - we'd suggest ignoring anything you really just skimmed over in class.
2. If the teacher is providing you with worksheets and homework tasks there is a reason for this. Often these will be used to create questions that aren't covered in the text book.
3. If you spend a lot of time in class going over particular areas you can rest assured they will be on the next test or exam. Teachers never waste class time with topics that aren't going to be covered in an assignment, test or exam in some way.
Part 2 - Keep Your Friends Close and Your Enemies Closer
Your great relationship with the teacher should be your biggest weapon. You can learn a lot from speaking to the teacher and gathering as much information as you can from them. Keep in mind that being in conflict with your teacher certainly won't assist you.
1. If you've made friends with the teacher then all you have to do is start asking leading questions. "I am really going to focus on this area or that area - what do you think about that?" If the teacher likes you they will help you rather than ignore you.
2. Find out which style the questions will be in. Is it going to be long answer, short answer, multiple choice or true/false? Will it be a combination of all of these styles? If so, which questions will make up the most marks? Clearly, the type of questions will impact on how you prepare. For example, if the questions are going to be long answer you will need to be ready to write half essays using several bits of information. If they are going to multiple choice you will need to know lots of details and facts.
3. If there is any way to get hold of past test or exam papers then do it. This will give you many hints on what has been tested in the past and how this may impact your upcoming test or exam. The style and structure of questioning may become clear and you may also notice themes or topics that often present themselves on every paper.
Part 3 - Plan Ahead
1. Create a workbook (or staple a few blank sheets together) that is used solely for noting likely test and exam questions. You will often come across topics and questions in class that will make you think to yourself, "that is definitely going to be on the test" and you need somewhere specific to write it down so you can find it easily later. This way, when you look at the workbook later it will help jog your memory.
2. Skim through your texts and underline or highlight the information you believe is the most important to the subject. Ignore anything you do not believe to be important. By doing this, you will have already chosen and highlighted the most important bits to re-read or re-examine later.
3. Create a study group. This means getting together with a group of buddies (or even people who you think will be able to help you with your study i.e. possibly not your friends!) and brainstorm together possible questions and answers to future tests and exams. Two heads are always better than one. Three are better than two, four are better than three - and so on. The point is, as a study group you will be able to study for more information that one person can alone. So, you may like to all create your own mind maps, notes and questions and answers and then share them with each other (possibly by photocopying the work). This will put you well ahead of those people who do not create study groups and is a very powerful way to quickly become a test psychic.
By putting these simple yet very effective strategies into place you will be surprised at your ability to very quickly and easily become a test psychic - and predict what is going to be on your tests and exams. So, what are you waiting for?
About the Author:
HelpMeToStudy.org is the best online resource for learning new study skills, transforming your study habits and finding the best studying tips available. We will help you change the way you think about study - and even better - we will show you how to study effectively: How To Study Effectively | Studying Tips
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