Expanding from general to specific might go as follows. If you listed “algebra”
as a broad topic you feel strong in, you would then narrow your focus to
include areas of this subject about which you are particularly knowledgeable.
Your areas of strength might include multiplying polynomials, working with
exponents, factoring, solving simultaneous equations, etc.
Whatever you know comfortably goes on your “good” list. Okay. You’ve got
the picture. Now, get ready, check your starting time, and start writing down
items on your expanded “good” list.
After you’ve stopped, check your time. Did you find yourself going beyond the
two minutes allotted? Did you write down more things than you thought you
knew? Is it possible you know more than you’ve given yourself credit for?
Could that mean you’ve found a number of areas in which you feel strong?
CONGRATULATIONS!
You just took an active step toward helping yourself. Notice any
increased feelings of confidence? Enjoy them.Here’s another way to think about your writing exercise. Every area of
strength and confidence you can identify is much like having a reserve of solid
gold at Fort Knox. You’ll be able to draw on your reserves as you need them.
You can use your reserves to solve difficult questions, maintain confidence,
and keep test stress and anxiety at a distance. The encouraging thing is that
every time you recognize another area of strength, succeed at coming up with
a solution, or get a good score on a test, you increase your reserves. And there