Tests

Tests = Memory

If you have a naturally good memory then tests are your friend. If not they can be a real pain.

Preparing for tests

To help remember how to prepare for tests I have developed an acronym (see section on memory techniques) to list the stages of preparing for a test.

P.E.N.P.A.L.L.S.

-Pester - The teacher will usually tell you everything that will be in the test. If not, pester them day and night until they do.

-Everything - Write everything you need to know (keywords are best) on a piece of paper so you don't forget.

-Nice Teacher - The teacher is likely to: write testable material on the board, mention it twice, ask those particular questions in class or drop other hints. For the week before a test it is a good idea to write down all the questions the teacher asks the class. Very often the teacher will say "this will be on the test".

-Practice Test - Develop a practice test of the 10 or 20 most likely questions to be asked. Each day, for a week before the test, give yourself your own test paper and review your results. Each day you should get a few more answers right or they should become better explained until your answers peak two days before the test.

-Ask Others - If you have older brothers and sisters that did the same questions there is a good chance they did a fairly similar test so practice with them and ask them questions. Talk to other students in your class and ideally get the best student in that class to do a study session with you.

-Listen - Teachers are particularly likely to give you all the hints you need in the week before the test.

-Learn - Use the memory and recall tips in this guide to store the things you need for your test in your long term memory.

-Summarise - Condense all the things you need to know for a test down to key words and then use memory techniques to remember key words.