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Test Taking Tips
Prepared by DSHS/Language Testing and Certification
I. General Test Taking Strategies
Before the test
- Be rested and comfortable;
- Know what to expect in the test (content, format, timing, etc.);
- Be concerned (helps you do your best);
- Avoid test anxiety;
- Arrive early on test day.
During the test
- Keep a positive attitude;
- Relax;
- Budget your time to allow room for review;
- For a written test, make sure to identify yourself on the answer sheet;
- For a written test, quickly read through entire test (for information and
timing);
- For a written test, read test instructions carefully for each section;
- For an oral test, listen carefully to instructions for each part;
- For a written test and an oral test, concentrate -- one question/segment
at a time.
- For a written test and an oral test, don’t be distracted by the questions/words
you don’t know.
Before you turn in your test
- Fight the urge to turn in early;
- Make sure you don’t miss any items;
- Review questions and answers;
- Review your performance for future benefits (timing, difficult questions,
strategies, etc.).
II. Steps in Answering Multiple Choice Questions
1. Start with the first question;
2. Anticipate the answer as you read the question, but be flexible;
3. Read the question and all possible answers. If you know the answer, mark
the answer sheet and go on to the next question;
4. If you are unsure of the answer, use process of elimination:
- Pick out the options you are sure are incorrect (whole options);
- Rule out all answers which contain wrong options (key words
in options);
- Rule out all answers which omit options you are sure of (key
words in options);
- Select the best remaining answer, or
- Go for your first impression if you have to guess.
5. If you are still unsure of the answer:
- Cover the answers and read the question extra carefully. Now read the
answers one at a time immediately after reading the question;
- Use rules of grammar;
- Eliminate exaggerated or complex answers;
- Look for the answer in subsequent questions, if applicable.
III. Steps in Answering True-False Questions
1. Look for words that indicate absolutes (always, never, all, none, etc.).
Absolutes mean no exception, therefore they are often false;
2. Look for words that limit meaning (some, few, often, many, frequently, etc.).
Limited meaning choices are more sensible, thus they are often true;
3. Look for double negatives (not be without, not insignificant, not unimportant,
etc.). Double negatives cancel themselves out, so they are often true.
IV. Steps in Taking the Oral Test
Sight translation test
1. Silently go over the entire passage before translating;
2. Silently read each complete sentence before translating, one sentence at
a time;
3. Avoid word for word translation. Instead, organize best possible target
language sentence that conveys the complete meaning of the original sentence;
4. Mind your enunciation;
5. Budget your time for each sentence, but be relaxed.
Consecutive interpretation
1. Listen carefully to the whole sentence/segment;
2. Pay special attention to key words and details (names, numbers, dates, etc.);
3. Memorize key words and details (or take notes if it works better for you);
4. Interpret into best possible target language sentences;
5. Mind your enunciation;
6. Save your repeats (two allowed) for long sentences/segments.
V. Memory Retention Skills
• Understand thoroughly;
• Learn complete units at one time;
• Spot what is to be memorized verbatim (mark it);
• Fix concrete imagery (see the key words).
VI. The Helpful “P’s” in Test Taking
• Positive attitude: Be self confident;
• Persistence: It takes work to succeed;
• Preparation: The most vital “P”;
• Poise: Be cool;
• Perspective: The test is not the “be all” or “end all”.
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