Passing tests takes skills, counselor says
by Tami Abernathy, reporter

    Test taking can be stressful, especially when ill-prepared, but it does not have to be, a South Campus counselor told students recently.

   Annie Dobbins instructed students in the essentials for testing well when she presented How to Take a Test and Pass.

   Dobbins broke testing into three components—before, during and after—and outlined what a student should do during each part of an exam.

   Dobbins suggested students do four things before a test: have a positive attitude, practice good study skills, be well rested and eat right.

   “Don’t eat junk food,” she said. “It does not supply the body with long-term fuel, only quick fixes; instead, eat foods that are high in protein, and avoid lots of sugar.”

   Dobbins pointed out that the time before a test is important.

   “Preparation is the key,” she said.

   “Depriving yourself of sleep and proper brain food will increase distractions during a test,” she said.

   During a test it is important to break down each section, approaching them logically while ignoring other test takers, Dobbins said.

   Dobbins suggested that students first look over the entire test.

   Students should read all instructions, answer the questions they know and put off harder ones.

   A test can consist of up to five components: true/false, multiple choice, matching, fill-in-the-blanks and essay.

   With true/false questions, Dobbins said it is best to assume that all statements are true, unless it can be established that they are false.

   Usually false statements include extreme modifiers such as always, all, only, every, none or never, and they tend to be absolutes.

   Dobbins recommends looking for key words that true statements frequently use such as seldom, many, most, some, few, generally, often and usually.

   “The basic strategy for answering multiple choice questions is to eliminate the distractions,” she said.

   Dobbins, said students should watch for extreme modifiers and ridiculous or foolish words.

   “When a word is unfamiliar, do not assume it is a correct answer; try looking for its Latin or Greek root,” she said.

   Dobbins also said students should search for answers that are similar to each other, normally one of them will be the correct answer.

   “When dealing with high and low numbers, the mid-range figure tends to be correct,” she said.

   “With multiple choice questions, responses B and C tend to be correct, unless All of the Above is present. Then it is normally the right answer,” she said.

   Matching questions can be approached logically, especially when the student is ill-prepared, Dobbins explained.

   Students should try examining the list for logical connections, or relationships, like occupations to people or words that mean the same thing but are written differently.

   Dobbins also reminded students that with fill-in-the-blank questions, the statements must always be grammatically correct.

   “When a blank is preceded by the word an, the answer will begin with a vowel, and when preceded by a, the answer should be a consonant sound,” she said.

   Students should prepare in a different way for essay questions, Dobbins said.

   “Essay questions tend to make students nervous,” she said. “Remember to include more than you think you need to and write to an uninformed reader.”

   Dobbins suggested including the question as part of the opening paragraph, along with two or three major points.

   Dobbins added that the main points of the opening paragraph should become the body of the essay. The student should develop each point with supporting facts and/or examples.

   “Make sure all the questions have been answered and you’ve proofread your essay,” she said.

   “A strong essay will include a solid closing paragraph that simply sums up the answers, along with the major points,” she said.

   After a test, Dobbins suggested students review any questions that they missed in order to learn from them and, if need be, talk to the instructor to ensure complete understanding.

   “If a student should have to cram for an exam, these techniques can be used, but nothing beats being prepared,” she said.

   “And remember; failure is something I do, not who I am,” she said.