14-Study+Guides

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**  Study Skills & Test Taking ** = = = =

Don't Just "Look At" Study Guides
Do you know how to get ready for a test? Begin studying even before you find out you're going to have a test! Really? Really! Preparing for a test means studying for the test every day. //Every day?// Yes! But, it's easy. Just remember that studying is learning information you have already written down. So, every day:
 * Re-read all class notes and reading notes. Repetition is the best way to learn.
 * Skim textbook material and other assigned reading covered during the unit. Highlight or underline while you skim.
 * Rewrite, combine, and reorganize notes. Although many of your notes will be on your laptop, adding the movement of writing also helps the information stick.
 * Review your notes. Add underlining, colors, and/or highlighting to the final copy of your notes.

Re-reading your notes, re-writing your notes, skimming the textbooks and other reading assignments will take 5 to 10 minutes for each subject each night. This review is in addition to your regular homework, but don't worry. With good planning, you can still have time to talk on the phone, chat on the computer, watch TV, spend time with friends and family, and READ FOR PLEASURE!

Of course, if your teacher gives you a study guide, then make sure you complete it thoroughly. Also, always ask what types of questions will be on the test so you can study the right way.

Make Flash Cards
Flash cards are an excellent device to help prepare for tests that require a lot of memory, If you have to remember definitions for a vocabulary quiz, dates and events for a History exam, or the names of bones for Science class, flash cards are a kid tested and teacher approved approach. The process of creating your flash cards, writing the word on one side of a card and the definition on the other, helps solidify information in your mind. The ability to test oneself continues that process. In other words, FLASH CARDS WORK!

Other Test Prep Idea
What else can you do to get ready for a test? You've studied every day. Now what? How about testing yourself? Self-testing is a good way to get ready for a test. Test yourself about a week before the test. Then, continue studying. Test yourself once more the day before the test. Here are some ways to test yourself:
 * Write down questions you think your teacher might ask. You can think of the questions by reviewing your notes or textbook.
 * Now that you have written your questions, answer them! Try to answer them without looking at your book or notes. Answer your own questions out loud, with a voice recorder (that you probably have on you laptop or cell phone), or in writing. Make sure you check your answers by listening to your recording or comparing your written answers to your notes or textbook.
 * Try having someone else ask you questions about the material. They can ask questions from your notes or textbook.
 * A study group is another way to self-test. Get together with two or three other students to talk about the material. You can ask each other questions or discuss what you have learned. If you can talk it, then you own it.
 * Spend most of your self-testing time on the hardest material. Be sure to plan this time on your calendar.

Study in the manner in which you will be tested. If you have to answer short answer questions, practice writing thorough responses to short answer questions. If you have to answer an essay question, practice creating outlines and then turn the outlines into an essay response. You will learn more about different strategies for different test formats on Task 18.

Discovery Tasks

 * 1) Do you have an upcoming test? Start getting ready!
 * 2) If you do not know about any upcoming tests, find a study buddy and start reviewing what you have learned sooner than later!

**List of Sources** __Content__ //6 Ways to Get Ready for a Test// by LinguiSystems 