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   Gateway Student Support Services sponsored “Be A Super Test Taker,” a workshop intended to improve students’ test-taking skills, Sept. 18. Educational Counselor Phyllis Waldron served as presenter. 

   The presentation began with an emphasis on the fact that tests are not a measurement of your self worth, but, however, a measurement of how well you did on that particular topic.

   Waldron then provided several tips for taking tests; she encouraged students to make flash cards as well as to get eight hours of sleep the night before and to not go to the test on an empty stomach.

   “Start preparing for your exams the first day of class,” Waldron said. “Plan reviews as part of your regular weekly study schedule.”

   On the day of the test, Waldron said students should get to class early to get a good seat, but not too early. The presentation stressed the importance of taking your time to read the directions thoroughly to see how much time you need for each section and to work on the easiest parts first.

   “Find out if you are penalized for incorrect answers,” she said. “If not, guess at ones you don’t know.”

   The presentation then covered the different types of tests – multiple-choice, true and false, and essay – and the best way to handle each type.

   “If you don’t have a clue on a multiple-choice test and two answers are similar except for one or two words, choose one of these answers,” Waldron said. “If you don’t have a clue on a true and false question, look for any part of the statement that is false and then you know the whole statement is false.”

   As for essay questions, Waldron suggested that students make an outline. She said this would help you write faster and you would be less likely to leave out important facts. Also, if you do not finish the test, she said you may get some points based on the outline.

   The presentation concluded with three trips for reducing test anxiety: deep breathing, thought stoppage and focusing.

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