6.What kinds of questions will be on the exam (matching,
multiple-choice, essay, true/false, and so forth)?
7.How many of each type of question will be on the exam?
8.How many points will be assigned to each question?
9.Will certain sections of the test count more than others?
10.Will it be an open-book exam?
11.What can I take in with me? Calculator? Candy bar?
Other material crucial to my success?
12.Will I be penalized for wrong answers?Hit the Road, Jack
To shake off pretest anxiety, take a walk or a vigorous swim. In the
days before an exam, no matter how “big” it is, don’t study too hard
or too much, or you’ll walk into the exam with a fried brain.
You’ve already found that scheduling breaks during your study
routine makes it easier for you to focus on your books and complete
your assignments faster and with more concentration. Scheduling
breaks during test preparation has the same effect.
No matter what the time limits or pressures, don’t feel you cannot
afford such a brief respite. You may need it most when you’re
convinced you canleast afford it, just as those who most need time-
management techniques “just don’t have the time” to learn them.
Relax Already
If your mind is a jumble of facts and figures, names and dates, you
may find it difficult to zero in on the specific details you need to recall,
even if you know all the material backwards and forwards. The adren-
aline rushing through your system may just make “instant retrieval”
impossible.
Chapter 8 ■ How to Study for Tests 175