Test+Tactics+-+The+Time+Wise+Approach

TEST-TACTICS: THE TIME-WISE APPROACH
All High School Placement Exams impose time limits. You are given a general time-limit for the entire exam and a specific time-limit for every section of the exam. The key to acing lengthy exams is to always optimize the time you are given before the exam for studying and after the exam for answering.

To help you with your exam, here are time-wise test-tactics that will help you ace your placement test.


 * Never Cram.** High School Placement Exams measure how much you have learned during your last four or five years in school. That said, preparation for exams cannot be done in one day, one week or one month. Always keep in mind that the best way to prepare for an exam is to make a habit out of studying.


 * Get a Head Start.** Most High School Placement Exams are similar in form and therefore each section most likely has the same directions. Familiarize yourself with the different kinds of questions that may come up in the exam you are about to take.


 * Be aware of the time frame.** It would be useless to know the answers to all the questions if you run out of time in the middle of the exam. If you spend too much time on one question so that you have to leave ten other questions blank, then you have wasted your time. Always remember to pace yourself.  Bring a watch so you can keeping track of the remaining time you have for each section.  Take your watch off and place it at the top right hand corner or your desk.


 * Budget your time.** For reading comprehension tests, it is always better to take your time to carefully read the essay given before answering any questions. That way, you don’t have to spend time going back to the essay and looking for the answer. Studies have shown this saves time in the long run. However, the same cannot be said for math, vocabulary, history and general knowledge questions. For these kinds of questions, remember to always answer the easy questions first and then go back for the harder questions later. You can put a mark on the test booklet to indicate that you have not answered the question. Don’t get bogged down by one question.  If you find yourself spending too long on one question, place a mark in the margin by the question for later reference and move on to the next question.


 * Use your scratch paper.** If you are given a blank piece of paper for the exam, you may use it to note or to write down formulas or patterns that may help you when taking the exam.

In order for you to ace your exam, time has to be your ally and the tips mentioned above will give you an edge in managing the time-limits imposed in entrance exams.
 * Review your answers.** If you have any time left, it is always best to review your answers for easy questions.

Info taken from the following website: http://www.test-preparation.ca/high-school/high-school.html