How easy would a test or exam be if you already knew the questions? Yes I know it would be even easier if you knew the answers but if you know the questions you should know the answers shouldn't you?
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
There is no point studying anything that isn't on the test - but how do you know what will be on the test? Well, it's all about common sense. What do you think will definitely be on the test? What do you think might be on the test? What do you think probably won't be on the test? What do you think definitely won't be on the test? This process of questioning will help you identify that which you need not spend any time worrying about and also that which you should focus on.
Next, simply ask yourself where the questions are going to be coming from. The following is a list of obvious sources for any test or exam:
1. Obviously, the textbook you use will be a great source of information. However, take note of those chapters you just quickly go through (or ignore altogether) and those chapters that you seem to be spending a lot of time on. Hint!
2. Any handouts/worksheets/homework assignments that your teacher provides to you that does not form part of the textbook.
3. Any questions that your teacher asks the class to answer or raises in class to be individually answered could be a good indicator of a likely test question. Why would you waste precious class time on subjects the teacher knows aren't important? The answer is that you wouldn't - so pay attention.
Part 2 - Keep Your Friends Close and Your Enemies Closer
Try to develop some sort of working relationship with the teacher if you can - they are here to help you remember?
1. Clearly, one of the easiest ways to find out what may be on your next test or exam is to simply ask your teacher. You can guide the direction of the conversation by telling them which chapters or areas you are going to focus your study on and see what reaction you get. Teachers will often give you little hints and pointers so be very aware of what they say to you.
2. Ask the teacher what format the questions will be in. True/false? Multiple choice? Short answer? Long answer essay style? Combination mix up? Obviously, the way in which a test is structured will impact on the way you study for it and what you need to have down pat. If it's long answer, you need to be ready to write like a maniac. If you know its multiple choice you need to know lots of stacks of facts. Simple really!
3. Ask the teacher for previous test or exam papers or source these for yourselves. If you can get hold of previous tests that your actual teacher has given to previous classes before, it may give you many clues as to the probable structure and difficulty of the upcoming tests you will be receiving.
Part 3 - Learn How To Review Quickly
1. Create a specific area in your workbook or have a set of notes that you use for listing possible test and exam questions. Every time you hear or see something that you believe may be on the next assessment simply jot it down. This means that you will have created a list of thoughts and ideas that you will be able to easily look over at a later time - often this will contain topics you had forgotten about!
2. Highlight or underline (in pencil if needs be) information in your textbooks that you are pretty almost fairly 100% certain will be tested later. That way, when you skim through your textbook at a later time the most important information has already been identified. This should be done in addition to a mind mapping strategy.
3. Grab a group of the brainiest kids you can find and form a study group. Note: I did not say get together with your friends and gossip for half the day! This is serious! Or is it? Yes, it is. By gathering some smart cookies together you will be able to bounce ideas around and share thoughts. Often other people think of things we never even consider. This means that they are opening our minds and hopefully they are making our notes better than ever! Sharing ideas, notes and study techniques with each other is a super way to 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
There is no point studying anything that isn't on the test - but how do you know what will be on the test? Well, it's all about common sense. What do you think will definitely be on the test? What do you think might be on the test? What do you think probably won't be on the test? What do you think definitely won't be on the test? This process of questioning will help you identify that which you need not spend any time worrying about and also that which you should focus on.
Next, simply ask yourself where the questions are going to be coming from. The following is a list of obvious sources for any test or exam:
1. Obviously, the textbook you use will be a great source of information. However, take note of those chapters you just quickly go through (or ignore altogether) and those chapters that you seem to be spending a lot of time on. Hint!
2. Any handouts/worksheets/homework assignments that your teacher provides to you that does not form part of the textbook.
3. Any questions that your teacher asks the class to answer or raises in class to be individually answered could be a good indicator of a likely test question. Why would you waste precious class time on subjects the teacher knows aren't important? The answer is that you wouldn't - so pay attention.
Part 2 - Keep Your Friends Close and Your Enemies Closer
Try to develop some sort of working relationship with the teacher if you can - they are here to help you remember?
1. Clearly, one of the easiest ways to find out what may be on your next test or exam is to simply ask your teacher. You can guide the direction of the conversation by telling them which chapters or areas you are going to focus your study on and see what reaction you get. Teachers will often give you little hints and pointers so be very aware of what they say to you.
2. Ask the teacher what format the questions will be in. True/false? Multiple choice? Short answer? Long answer essay style? Combination mix up? Obviously, the way in which a test is structured will impact on the way you study for it and what you need to have down pat. If it's long answer, you need to be ready to write like a maniac. If you know its multiple choice you need to know lots of stacks of facts. Simple really!
3. Ask the teacher for previous test or exam papers or source these for yourselves. If you can get hold of previous tests that your actual teacher has given to previous classes before, it may give you many clues as to the probable structure and difficulty of the upcoming tests you will be receiving.
Part 3 - Learn How To Review Quickly
1. Create a specific area in your workbook or have a set of notes that you use for listing possible test and exam questions. Every time you hear or see something that you believe may be on the next assessment simply jot it down. This means that you will have created a list of thoughts and ideas that you will be able to easily look over at a later time - often this will contain topics you had forgotten about!
2. Highlight or underline (in pencil if needs be) information in your textbooks that you are pretty almost fairly 100% certain will be tested later. That way, when you skim through your textbook at a later time the most important information has already been identified. This should be done in addition to a mind mapping strategy.
3. Grab a group of the brainiest kids you can find and form a study group. Note: I did not say get together with your friends and gossip for half the day! This is serious! Or is it? Yes, it is. By gathering some smart cookies together you will be able to bounce ideas around and share thoughts. Often other people think of things we never even consider. This means that they are opening our minds and hopefully they are making our notes better than ever! Sharing ideas, notes and study techniques with each other is a super way to 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?
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