How to take tests

Source: About.com

Doing well on English examinations - or any examination for that matter - depends not only on your knowledge, but also on having a good strategy.

Here's How:

1.     Do not insist on completing each question before going to the next. By insisting on completing each question, you loose time and become nervous.

2.     If possible, go through the entire test answering the questions you are sure you know.

3.     Go through the test a second time working out the answers to more difficult questions.

4.     Once you have gone through the test twice, see if any of the questions asked can help you answer any really difficult questions.

5.     If you have a strong feeling about a question when you first answer it, don't go back and change it later.

6.     Play the odds: If you don't know the answer, write something. In a 4 choice multiple choice question you have a 25% chance of being right.

7.     Do not cheat! Taking a test is as much for you as it is for your teacher. If you cheat, you won't help yourself in the long run.

8.     Do not translate from your mother tongue!

9.     Don't block when listening.

10.  Limit yourself to what you know.

11.  Look for time signifiers when having to conjugate.

12.  Throw out the ridiculous answers in a multiple choice question.

13.  Don't try to be too funny or clever.

Tips:

1. If you don't know an answer, don't worry about it. Worrying about what you don't know keeps you from showing what you do know.
2. Remember that tests not only given to test your ability, but also to help you learn what you need to focus on to improve your English.
3. If you don't understand why you have made a mistake, make sure to ask the teacher about that mistake in a latter session. Being embarrassed about mistakes will never help you improve, so ask!