Question

As our module reading highlights, applying test-taking skills involves what students do before, during and after the test. It includes managing test anxiety, becoming familiar with types of test questions, and using tests as a learning tool.

Think about these components as you review your process in applying test-taking skills.

Share responses to the following questions or statements:

• Explain how one or two of these suggestions for managing test anxiety can help you manage stress in test-taking and in a situation you face outside school.
• In addition to better grades, describe at least one benefit you could experience by taking tests more effectively.
• Of the techniques that you gained from this chapter, choose one that you will use on your next test. Cite it and outline exactly how you intend to apply the technique.

Answer 1

Test taking skills: As we all know that to write a test, as students we are very well prepared about the particular subject, being prepared with all relevant materials needed for taking up the test, good sleep, and good food before the test, with a fresh mind, arrive early to the exam hall, final revisions if any, etc. We will plan how to approach the test before starting the test, how many minutes we have to spend for different types of questions we attend, and try to answer all the questions. Listen to the instructors last minute instructions. This is how we usually take up the test.

While reviewing the test papers, examiner has to understand the anxiety, stress related issues of the student and correct it accordingly by ignoring any allowable minor mistakes like comma, capitalization of letter, any allowable mistakes, etc.

When I was in school, I would not get tensed for the test or exam at any point. You know why, I had a strong belief that the marks were not going to change my character or my life entirely rather, I used to attend the exams very casually. I would not aim for the first mark; I wanted to take a good mark and nothing else. I used to understand logically while reading the subjects and never dumped up anything in to my mind. I took time to read out all the questions before attending the test; firstly, easiest one, then easier, finally the unknown or tough question. So that I could spend less time for the easiest one and can take more time to concentrate on the toughest one at the end. If I was not able to write any good answer, I tried to give an answer from the question asked if possible and was able to write at least 5 points for that question.

I used to avoid unwanted discussions about the test or exam before or after the exam with my friends. I used to listen some good music either a religious or movie song before the test to calm down myself. Sometimes play badminton too. That helped me a lot while preparing the test. Sit for meditation for about 30 minutes before sleep. That helped me for a peaceful and good sleep before the exam date.

In addition to better grades in academics, I earned a lot of benefits by taking up the test effectively. Some of them are my soft skills.

My mother used to say that my studies would not only help me but also for my family, kids, and grandchildren in the long run when I was in the school. By that time, I did not understand that. But, now, with my learning I can stand on my own earning, help others with my income, and lead a peaceful life. Apart from studies, I tried to learn so many other things like different languages, music, musical instruments, with all those I am helping others by either teaching or guiding with all smile and cheer in me.

Benefits of being a non anxiety person, you can be sportive always, will have a take it easy attitude, control anger, you can observe a lot and talk very less but more meaningfully. You will know how to handle any hard situations in life very lightly. Being anxious, may not either give you any good things or to anyone around you.

Of the techniques I gained from the chapter, I take the one to use it for my next test is that listen attentively to the instructions by the instructor at the last minute. Because, in rare cases, there might be a change in test details, so, it is very much needed to listen to the last minute instructions by the instructor to take the test effectively.