1. An Academic Resource Center Online
Workshop
Welcome to the Viterbo University Test Taking workshop. If
you have additional questions after viewing the workshop,
please contact the Academic Resource Center, 332 Murphy
Center, mjgrowt@viterbo.edu for more information.

2.  Success on an exam involves two main
steps:
1. Test preparation
2. Test-taking strategies

3.  Test preparation should be frequent and
ongoing
◦ A short review following each class meeting
benefits your memory the most
◦ Your memory will benefit by being able to “digest”
smaller amounts of information
 Determine in advance when exams will be
given and what they will cover
 Review time should involve practicing the
skills you’ll need for the exam

4. Find ways to quiz yourself!
 Two-Column Notes
◦ Create a recall column (1-2” wide) on the left-hand side
of the page
◦ Write key words or questions that you can use to review
your notes in the recall column
 Flashcards
 SQ3R Reading Technique
◦ Survey – skim the material
◦ Question – develop questions about reading
◦ Read actively
◦ Recite the main points
◦ Review

5.  Come to the test well rested
 Look over the entire test
◦ Notice how many points each question is worth;
budget your time accordingly
 Answer the easier questions first
 Mark and skip any questions you’re uncertain
about
 Pay attention to all directions
 “Unload” information on the back of the test
 Be hesitant to change answers

6.  The entire statement must be true to answer
true
 Answers containing the words all, never,
always, and everyone (absolute modifiers) are
usually false
 Qualifiers like frequently, probably, and
generally may indicate a true response

7.  Eliminate “distracters”
◦ Read the question without looking at the choices
◦ Develop your own answer
◦ Look at each choice and determine which most
closely corresponds to your initial answer
 Think of choices as a series of true-false
statements
 Determine which choices you can eliminate

8.  Spend time reviewing returned exams
◦ Consider using the Test Analysis on the
next slide for this process
◦ Pay special attention to answers you got
incorrect; try to identify why
◦ Consider the questions that the professor
chose for the exam
 Talk with your instructor if you have
any questions about the test or your
results

9. The Test Analysis provides a framework to evaluate your exam results.

10.  A few suggestions for coping with test
anxiety:
◦ Adequate preparation can help you to feel more
confident
◦ Positive thinking and visualizing success can assist
with a more successful outcome
◦ Many of the test-taking strategies in the previous
slides can also aid in achieving better exam results