Test Taking Tips for Students

There are a number of test taking tips for parents, providing information about how to make the experience easier for your child, but there are also some test taking tips specifically for students. If you've done all you can do to prepare your child for a big test, share these tips with him to make the actual taking of the test less stressful.

10 Test Taking Tips

Tip #1: Read the directions as carefully as the question. Sometimes you will be asked for the statement that doesn't fit or the answer that is least likely. If you are looking for the right answer because you missed the directions, then you aren't showing that you actually do know the material.

Tip #2: Use complete sentences during writing tests and essay questions. It helps to begin by re-stating the question. For example, "Why do you like armadillos?" could be started by saying "I like armadillos because..."

Tip #3: Read all of the answers before choosing one. That way you can eliminate all the answers you know aren't correct and have a smaller number of possible right answers.

Tip #4: Keep your eye out for key words like always, never, every, no, not and all. If these words show up in the answer, they are often a signal that this is not the correct answer. Those types of key words tend to rule out any flexibility and, for the most part, answers tend not to be absolute.

Tip #5: Skip a question if you're completely stuck on it. Wrestling to come up with an answer can not only cause you anxiety that may affect your performance on the rest of the test, but can also use up a lot of your testing time. You might be surprised how easy it is to answer the question when you come back to it.

Tip #6: Look for the best answer, not the absolutely right answer. Some achievement tests are testing your reasoning skills as well as your knowledge. That means that in some situations there are some answers that are better than others, but not one that is "the" answer.

Tip #7: Read the questions before the paragraph on a reading test. If you know what is being asked ahead of time it will help to focus your reading so that you can get the most important information the first time around.

Tip #8: Guess if you have to. Just make sure you've eliminated other possibilities first. This is particularly important on a standardized test (one with a bubble sheet). Many students who try to leave an answer blank end up misaligning their other answers, that is, filling in the bubbles on the wrong line, which can mess up the entire test.

Tip #9: Check over your answers if you have time at the end of the test. it gives you a chance to fill in ones you skipped and make sure you didn't miss any questions by mistake. Don't change an answer unless you're completely certain it's wrong. Usually, your first instinct is correct.

Tip #10: Don't stress out over the test, especially once it's done. If you've given it your best effort, that's all you can do. Worrying won't change the outcome and this one test isn't the most important thing in the world.

Exam fear!

Everyday is a test. Life is a continuous examination of your competence to live in this very challenging world. It is a series of struggles that makes you a better person. Either you pass or fail, you still gain something - the chance to become a better person.

Exams are one of the biggest fears of every person, be it a school exam, laboratory exam, or a medical exam. Whenever one hears the word "exam", he might experience a little anxiety, or even tremble with such a thought.


Being a person in this test-filled world, I have encountered a lot of examinations. Being a student has subjected me to a lot of tests which challenged my knowledge about certain things. Being a human has subjected me to a lot of medical examinations to test my state of well-being. And being God's child, I have been subjected to a lot of life's examinations, to ensure my proper functioning as God's creation.

My life has been a lot of tests.

One of the examinations that made me tremble that much is the Nursing Licensure Examinations. As soon as I entered the degree (BSN), and became a Nursing Student, I have already feared and have prepared for it. Four years in the making. Years have passed, and one major examination I need to take is fast approaching. A lot of stress, a lot of worries, and a lot of fear combined is equals to a very overwhelming feeling - a feeling of giving up. Those things gave me some sleepless nights.

The exams came up. I took it. As it ends, I released a very long sigh of relief. And to know that I passed, it's priceless.

And now, one of you, may take one of these exams in a few months. Some, still years in waiting, especially the licensure examinations. My question is... Are you ready?

There are several tips in taking these examinations. Those giving you things like "Study very hard.", or "Keep your notes, and read them regularly." These tips usually give you an idea that "oh, I need to sleep late and review.", but hey, that's not good. The brain also becomes tired after working so hard.

My dear readers, I have things to tell you if you're taking major examinations.

1. Start from the start. Taking a major examination three months from now, or even four years from now doesn't mean you will review the day or months before the examinations. Start from the start. From the first day of class, study very well. Don't take small quizzes for granted. These are very small preparations for something "BIG". Take them seriously, that way, you won't cram that much when it comes to the real thing.

2. Don't overwork yourself. Yes, we need to study very very hard, but that does not mean we need to compromise ourselves. Sleeping late just to study does not guarantee you having a high score, for your brain is very tired from that very hectic night. One thing I did, and will always do - if I'm tired from studying and nothing is entering my system already, I stop and rest. Nothing will enter anyway. That's why I am telling you that you need to start from the start, for reviewing is just "repeat-viewing", not "just-now-viewing."

3. Take your comfort food the moment you take your exam. These comfort foods will help you become relaxed as you take your exams. As you are filled of a lot of stress, these foods will surely alleviate your anxiety. Don't think about your diet, it's just on the day of the exam by the way.

4. Eat peanuts. Peanuts are known to have manganese, an element which enhances brain activity, thus making your brain active while you take an examination. Those stored in your unconscious might (MIGHT!) come out and be used as you take the test. Don't worry about the acne, it's just this day, by the way.




5. The morning before the examinations, take a bath with cold water. Though not proven, there are articles in the internet telling us that if you take a bath with cold water, 10% more of your brain will work throughout the day. This will add to the functioning neurons that our brain has. You won't lose something if you will try, right?

6. Don't worry that much. It is known that mild to moderate anxiety can increase concentration and hasten thinking, but severe anxiety will make your mind cloudy. You cannot concentrate in your work, and will eventually make you very anxious and tired. Don't worry that much. You pass, you pass. You fail, you still have the chance to pass.

7. Pray. It does not hurt to pray. Seek for guidance and help. Whether it's done months before the examinations or just right before the examinations, He will surely hear your woes and help you.

There are still things that might help you take these mind-boggling examinations. There are several strategies that you can use in order to pass them all. I used these things actually, as I was taking the licensure examinations.

You may pass these exams. But remember, it's still not the end. Always remember that..
"Everyday is a test."

Study tips for kids

There are some things that parents can do to encourage effective study:

1. Group Work
Encourage your children to study in small groups (usually groups of 3-5). They can enjoy one another’s company, but also focus on the subject of interest. By quizzing one another on appropriate subject-matter, students can teach one another. Encourage your children to attend the group with questions and answers already prepared. As they ask one another their questions, they will usually cover most of the content in great depth, sharing answers and adding insight.
2. Goal Setting
Ask your child what he or she would like to achieve in a certain subject. By setting a goal and creating a pathway to obtain that goal, your child is far more likely to perform well. Goal setting is one of the most powerful ways to obtain positive outcomes in any area of life, including school.
3. Redefine success
By making success about effort rather than results, children will feel good for working hard. They are more likely to feel that they have been successful, regardless of the result, if their time is used productively in study. This is counter-intuitive in some ways, but emphasising results increases pressure and can lead to poor outcomes. Emphasising effort reduces pressure, often promotes MORE effort, and ultimately may bring about better results!
4. Removing Distractions
Internet, phones, games, television, and any number of other distractions can be harmful to study! Get them away from ANYONE who should be studying – until the study is over.
5. Just do it
Ultimately, study is really only going to be successful if your child will sit down, be dedicated, and put in the time that is required to learn the material.
The more a parent forces a child to study, the less effective the study will be and the less motivated the child will be. But the more the parent encourages the child to manage his or her own studies, work with other students on appropriate tasks, set goals, and minimise distractions, the more the child will study and be motivated to focus on worthwhile pursuits.

Best Way For Writing Scholarship Essay

If you are looking for ways to write an effective scholarship essay, your search ends here. All you need to do is make a resolution that you will be truthful while writing it. This is not a tip that you will get on “How-to” articles and tips for being organized. This is a different dimension for approaching the same problem of writing the best scholarship essay.

The reason why I am insisting on being truthful is because a scholarship Essay is written by you and for you. It’s not about a third person or thing. If you are a worthy candidate for a scholarship, you have to be honest, at least with yourself.

You are not the only person who is applying for that scholarship. There are plenty of others and all of them are trying to manipulate the scholarship judges in their best capabilities. Not that, they are lying but they are still not all that truthful. By being truthful, you step aside from the rest of the mob. You will now put more efforts in writing the same essay because you are not allowed to brag. Those efforts will reflect in the quality of your essay and to be honest, the quality of the writing is the first thing that the scholarship judges look for in an essay. There are more ways in which it will affect the results. Your mind will be forced to be more innovative and concerned while writing the scholarship essay and this will clearly reflect in your writing.

Think honestly why you need that scholarship and why you deserve that scholarship. After that, truthfully put your thoughts on to the paper. This is all that is expected from you. If you can truthfully convince yourself as well as the judges about these two questions, there is nothing more to be achieved from that essay. Frankly speaking, you do not even need to search Google for writing an effective scholarship essay. You will have to rely on your own capabilities if you want to really win that scholarship.

Lastly, if you feel that it is worth the efforts, you can write 2 different essays and get them reviewed by somebody you know. You will be surprised to see that the essay that contains the truth is much likely to win the competition. With that said, let me end this article. All the best for your pursuit of a good scholarship. You can also try this service if you are looking for professional help on writing scholarship essay.

Can Learning To Recognise Notes By Ear Improve Your IQ?

Learning to recognise and play back notes by ear has many benefits for a musician, but one may surprise you:

Improving your IQ.

The ability to recognise melodies, pitch changes, and overall rhythm changes can lead to improved memory and cognition, as well as better mathematics and language skills. At the same time, learning to recognise notes by ear at an early age can allow children to develop much faster reasoning and intuitive skills than other children. While learning to recognise notes by ear is difficult, its benefits can be significant if you are prepared to put in the time, and to encourage children with musical aptitude to start learning from an early age.

Let’s look at some of the ways that ear training to learn to play by ear can help with brain training too.

Memory Strengths

One of the key benefits of recognising notes by ear is that you can improve your memory skills. Being able to recall notes, and to identify common melodies can work here with singing lessons to build an understanding of very precise and subtle changes. Getting into good habits for learning notes can consequently translate into a more general ability to remember important information, which can in turn help to boost knowledge retention for taking tests.
Cognitive Strengths

Another benefit of learning notes by ear is that you can train your brain to develop faster, and more complex problem-solving skills. While repetitive, once you have mastered learning notes by ear, your brain will be able to process other problems, and will have developed some general skills, which can allow you to break down pieces of work and information for faster learning.
Improve Your Maths Skills

Musical aptitude, and a natural ability to recognise notes, can have a knock on effect in terms of boosting concentration for mathematics. Similarities between musical theory and mathematics can be found through mental arithmetic, as well as the ability to visualise complex numerical problems, and to know how to rearrange them to solve equations and other calculations.

Comprehension

Learning notes by ear can also help you to boost your IQ by developing a strong ear for languages. This can cover everything from small parts of sentences through to general rhythms and repeated phrases, and can work well with memory retention.
Early Learning Skills

Children who receive music lessons that encourage good ear listening and note recognition can lead to a higher IQ than children that do not receive intensive musical training. Young children are particularly able to process a lot of raw information, and trying to instill these skills at an early age can have significant positive effects.
Intuitive Effect

Being able to recognise notes by ear can ultimately help to encourage intuitive and communication skills, which work on a subconscious level to pick up patterns in music, and can then translate to other areas of life, such as recognition of complex solutions to difficult situations. Repeated practice can also make it easier for these processes to become much more embedded in daily thinking, and can increase the potential for the brain to stay strong at an older age.

Does Drinking Coffee Help You Ace an Exam?

When exam time rolls around it’s not unusual to see weary eyed students hunched over heavy textbooks sipping cups of lukewarm java. Although their main objective may be to stay awake until test time, can the benefits of coffee include better performance when exam time finally rolls around?

Interestingly, the benefits of coffee drinking for enhancing memory have already been demonstrated. In a study published by the American Psychological Society, drinking coffee was shown to boost memory in older adults, although decaffeinated coffee didn’t appear to have the same effect. It appeared to be the caffeine which enhanced memory rather than some other component found in the coffee. The researchers emphasized that other stimulants may have a similar effect to caffeine when it comes to optimizing memory.

Another study published in 2005 further confirmed the memory boosting benefits of coffee drinking. Researchers were able to show that caffeine enhances short-term memory by interacting with higher centers in the brain. The type of memory caffeine seemed to boost in these studies was “working memory” or the type of memory used to retain information for short time intervals, such as when cramming for an exam.

Despite this, not all studies have shown a memory enhancing effect. Some studies carried out on mice and rats have shown that caffeine may actually impair short-term and long-term memory.

Caffeine has also been shown to increase activity in the portion of the brain that controls attention which may allow for sharper focus on a task, in this case studying for a big exam. It appears that another benefit of coffee drinking may be allowing distractions to be tuned out so that new information can be absorbed more easily.

Although the benefits of coffee drinking seem to include increased attention and, possibly, enhancement of short-term memory, this may be a dose dependent effect. If high doses of caffeine are consumed particularly in a caffeine sensitive individual, negative effects such as jitteriness and anxiety may make it more difficult to retain information.

Some studies suggest a positive benefit of coffee drinking on memory and attention which may be helpful in preparing for an exam. Whether or not this is beneficial may depend upon the individual and how he or she responds to caffeine. It may also depend on how much caffeine is consumed.

The bottom line? When preparing for an exam, it’s probably best to study far enough ahead of time so you don’t have to depend on the benefits of coffee to ace the class.

Source: Does Drinking Coffee Help You Ace an Exam?

Exam Tips

If you’re equipped with the right knowledge, preparation for a federal government exam or interview is a simple and straightforward process.

In order to use all information provided by the hiring department or recruiting agency, there are simple things to consider:

Review the statement of merit criteria. The statement of merit criteria is the document by which the recruiting department or agency describes the eligibility criteria. These criteria are usually listed as follows: education, experience, competencies/abilities, personal suitability, asset qualification, operational/organizational needs, conditions of employment and/or other conditions of employment.
Review, search, practice and study all that is relevant to this position.You will want to read-up on the recruiting body, review your experience in relation to the position, search and understand how the recruiting body assesses knowledge and competencies in an interview or written examination.
Understanding the competencies listed on the statement of merit. Understanding the type of level of competencies for the job you are applying for will save you lot time and help you in written exam. Using concrete examples, prepare answers for your exam demonstrating how you meet each merit criteria based on your past experiences. If you clearly respond to these pre-screening questions, your application will draw attention and you will be given the opportunity to be invited to an interview.
Understanding the different types of interviews and interview questions.
The federal government generally uses structured type interviews: a structured interview is a formal interview which generally has more than 1 board member and where notes are taken in response to your answers.
Various types of interview questions are used by a selection board when assessing candidates:
Open ended questions: e.g. Tell us what you like about your current job;
Closed questions: e.g. What department is responsible for the application of the Public Service Employment Act;
Behaviour based interview questions: e.g. What is your typical way of dealing with conflict? Give me an example;
Situational questions: e.g. You disagree with the way your supervisor says to handle a problem. What would you do;
Personal questions: e.g. Tell us about yourself and what it is that you think you bring to this position.
Other methods used in the selection process:
Written exams: these tests generally assess the applicant’s knowledge, abilities and competencies;
In-basket exercises, role-playing and case method exercises.

Exam Tips