Taking Notes in Class

In classes, your teachers will talk about topics that you are studying. The information they provide will be important for you to know when you take tests. You must be able to take good written notes from what your teachers say. Taking good notes is a three-stage process in which there are certain things you should do before class, during class, and after class. Here are the three stages of notetaking and what you should do during each stage.

1. Get Ready to Take Notes (Before Class) · Review your notes from the previous class session before you come to class. This will help you remember what was covered and get you ready to understand new information your teacher provides. · Complete all assigned readings before you come to class. Your teacher will expect that you have done this and will use and build upon this information. · Bring all notetaking materials with you to class. Have several pens and pencils as well as your notebook.

2. Take Notes (During Class) · Keep your attention focused on what your teacher is saying. Listen for "signal statements" that tell you that what your teacher is about to say is important to write in your notes. Examples of signal statements are "The most important point..." and "Remember that..." Be sure to include in your notes information that your teacher repeats or writes on the chalkboard. · Write quickly so that you can include all the important information in your notes. Do this by writing abbreviated words such as med for medicine, using symbols such as % for percent, and writing short sentences. · Place a ? next to information you write in your notes, but about whose meaning you are not sure.

3. Rewrite Your Notes (After Class) · Rewrite your notes to make them more complete by changing abbreviated words into whole words, symbols into words, and shortened sentences into longer sentences. · Make your notes more accurate by answering any questions you had when writing your notes in class. Use your textbook and reference sources to obtain the information you need to answer your questions. If necessary, ask your teacher or other students for help. · Check with other students to be sure you did not leave out important information.

Having good class notes will help you to be better prepared for tests.

http://www.how-to-study.com/study-skills/en/notetaking/27/taking-notes-in-class/

Using Acronymic Sentences to Remember Information

Creating an acronymic sentence is a good strategy to use when you have to remember information in a certain order. An acronymic sentence is a sentence that is created using the first letter of each piece of information to be remembered. Here is how to create an acronymic sentence. · Write each piece of information you have to remember. · Underline the first letter of each piece of information. If there is more than one word in a piece of information, underline the first letter of the most important word. · Write a sentence using words that begin with the underlined letters. "My (Mercury) very (Venus) earthy (Earth) mother (Mars) just (Jupiter) served (Saturn) us (Uranus) nine (Neptune) pizzas (Pluto)" is an acronymic sentence that students through the years have used to remember the order of planets around our sun, from closest to furthest. If you accept recent evidence that Pluto is not a planet, you can use "My very earthy mother just served us noodles."

Here are the five most populous cities in Indiana shown in order from highest to lowest: Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, South Bend, Gary. Here is an acronymic sentence you can use to remember these cities in the order shown. "Insects from everywhere seem gross." Try to form an acronymic sentence that is funny or has a personal meaning for you. You will find the sentence easier to remember if you do this. When you remember the acronymic sentence you create, each word in the sentence will help you remember the piece of information it represents (for example, "Insects" represents "Indianapolis").

 Creating acronymic sentences is an effective and fun way to remember information.

http://www.how-to-study.com/study-skills/en/remembering/29/using-acronymic-sentences-to-remember-information/

Becoming a Flexible Reader

To become a flexible reader, you need to know how to select and use a reading style that is consistent with your purpose for reading. There are three important reading styles you should learn to use. Each has its own purpose. Knowing when and how to use these three reading styles will make you a flexible reader. Read to learn about the three reading styles used by flexible readers. Study Reading is the reading style used by flexible readers when their purpose is to read difficult material at a high level of comprehension.

When using the Study Reading style, you should read at a rate that is slower than your normal reading rate. Further, as you read you must challenge yourself to understand the material. Study Reading will often require you to read material more than once to achieve a high level of comprehension. Sometimes, reading the material aloud will also help you improve your comprehension.

Skimming is the reading style used by flexible readers when their purpose is to quickly obtain a general idea about the reading material. The Skimming style is most useful when you have to read a large amount of material in a short amount of time. When using the Skimming style, you should identify the main ideas in each paragraph and ignore the details in supportive sentences. Because you are only looking for the main idea in each paragraph you read, a lower level of comprehension is to be expected than when using the Study Reading style.

Scanning is the reading style used by flexible readers when their purpose is to quickly locate a specific piece of information within reading material. The piece of information to be located may be contained in a list of names, words, numbers, short statements, and sometimes even in a paragraph. Since you know exactly what you are looking for, move your eyes quickly over the reading material until you locate the specific piece of information you need to find.

Before you begin your next reading assignment, identify your purpose for reading. Decide if you are reading for a high level of comprehension, trying to get a general idea about what you are reading, or looking for specific information. Then use the reading style that is appropriate for your reading purpose.

http://www.how-to-study.com/study-skills/en/studying/33/becoming-a-flexible-reader/

The DETER Strategy for Taking Tests

To do well on a test, you must have good knowledge of the information that is being tested. But you must also have a strategy for taking the test that allows you to show what you know. The DETER strategy can help you do your best on any test.

Each letter in DETER reminds you what to do.

D = Directions · Read the test directions very carefully. · Ask your teacher to explain anything about the test directions you do not understand · Only by following the directions can you achieve a good score on the test. · If you do not follow the directions, you will not be able to demonstrate what you know.

E = Examine · Examine the entire test to see how much you have to do. · Only by knowing the entire task can you break it down into parts that become manageable for you.

T = Time · Once you have examined the entire test, decide how much time you will spend on each item. · If there are different points for items, plan to spend the most time on the items that count for the most points. · Planning your time is especially important for essay tests where you must avoid spending so much time on one item that you have little time left for other test items.

E = Easiest · The second E in DETER reminds you to answer the items you find easiest first. · If you get stuck on a difficult item that comes up early in the test, you may not get to answer items that test things you know.

R = Review · If you have planned your time correctly, you will have time to review your answers and make them as complete and accurate as possible. · Also make sure to review the test directions to be certain you have answered all items required.

Using the DETER strategy will help you do better on tests and get better grades. http://www.how-to-study.com/study-skills/en/taking-tests/46/the-deter-strategy-for-taking-tests/

Multiple-Choice Tests

Many of the tests you take in school will be multiple-choice tests. Here are two types of items you will often find on multiple-choice tests.

1. An incomplete statement followed by several answer choices. In this type of item, the missing part of the statement can be anywhere in the statement. You must circle the letter that represents the answer choice that correctly completes the statement. Usually there are four answer choices represented by the letters a, b, c, and d. Sometimes there are more than four answer choices. Here is an example of this type of item: The first president of the United States, ____, was known as the "Father of his country." a. Thomas Jefferson b. Abraham Lincoln c. George Washington d. Theodore Roosevelt You should circle "c" to show that George Washington was the first president of the United States.

2. A question followed by several answer choices. In this type of item, you must circle the letter that represents the answer choice that correctly answers the question. Here is an example of this type of item: How many states make up the United States of America? a. 48 b. 52 c. 46 d. 50 You should circle "d" to show that 50 is the correct answer choice for this question.

Sometimes, one of the answer choices is "all of the above." In the following example, "e" is the correct answer choice because all of the foods shown are dairy products. Which of the following foods are dairy products? a. milk b. ice cream c. yogurt d. cream cheese e. all of the above Other times, one of the answer choices is "none of the above."

In the following example, "b" is the correct answer choice because Argentina is the only country listed that is in South America. For "e" to be correct, none of the countries listed could be in South America. ______ is a country in South America. a. Russia b. Argentina c. Mexico d. Japan e. none of the above

Guidelines When Taking Multiple-Choice Tests Here are some guidelines that will help you correctly answer multiple-choice items.

1. Circle or underline important words in the item. This will help you focus on the information most needed to identify the correct answer choice.

2. Read all the answer choices before selecting one. It is just as likely for the last answer choice to be correct as the first.

3. Cross out answer choices you are certain are not correct. This will help you narrow down the correct answer choice.

4. Look for two answer choices that are opposites. One of these two answer choices is likely to be correct.

5. Look for hints about the correct answer choice in other items on the test. The correct answer choice may be part of another item on the test.

6. Look for answer choices that contain language used by your teacher or found in your textbooks. An answer choice that contains such language is usually correct.

7. Do not change your initial answer unless you are sure another answer choice is correct. More often than not, your first choice is correct.

8. Choose "all of the above" if you are certain all other answer choices in the item are correct. Do not choose "all of the above" if even just one of the other answer choices is not correct.

9. Choose "none of the above" if you are certain all other answer choices in the item are incorrect. Do not choose "none of the above" if even just one of the other answer choices is correct.

Knowing how multiple-choice items are constructed and using these guidelines will help you improve your score on a multiple-choice test.

http://www.how-to-study.com/study-skills/en/taking-tests/44/multiple-choice-tests/

True/False Tests

True/false tests seem easy. All you have to do is read a statement and decide whether the statement is true or false. At the very worst, you have a 50-50 chance of being right. But would you be pleased with a test grade of 50? Of course you wouldn’t. True/false tests are a lot more difficult than they seem to be. They test very specific factual knowledge. Nothing can replace having the knowledge. But even if you do have the knowledge, there are some guidelines you should follow to make sure you demonstrate your knowledge.

Guidelines When Taking True/False Tests

Here are some guidelines that will help you correctly answer true/false items.

1. Choose True for an item only when you are certain that the entire statement is true. This is especially important when the item contains more than one "fact." Read the following statement: Milk, cheese, and butter are all in the dairy food group. This statement is true because all three of these foods are part of the dairy food group. Now read this changed statement: Milk, lettuce, and butter are all in the dairy food group. This statement is false because while milk and butter are in the dairy food group, lettuce is not.

2. Be very careful when a statement contains a negative word such as not or a negative prefix such as un as in the word unfriendly. A negative word or prefix completely changes the meaning of a statement. Read the following two statements: Directions given by teachers should be very clear. Directions given by teachers should be very unclear. The first statement is true, while the second is false. At a quick glance, they two statements might seem the same. It is always important to read a statement carefully. It is especially important to do this when the statement contains a negative word or prefix.

3. When a statement contains two negative words and/or prefixes, cross out both. Two negatives typically make a positive, but in a very confusing way. Read the following statement: Eating a balanced diet is not unhealthy. This statement is true, but in a confusing way. Now read the same statement with the negatives crossed out. Eating a balanced diet is not unhealthy. The statement has now become: Eating a balanced diet is healthy. It is now a much easier statement to understand as true.

4. An absolute statement is usually false. An absolute statement contains words such as the following: all, none, always, every, never, only, and no. Each of these words suggests that there are no exceptions. Read the following statement: The official language of all the countries in South America is Spanish. This statement is false because of the absolute word all. Spanish is the official language of 9 of the 13 countries in South America. The exceptions are Brazil (Portuguese), French Guiana (French), Guyana (English), and Suriname (Dutch).

5. A qualified statement is usually true. A qualified statement contains words such as the following: some, many, usually, most, sometimes, may, and often. These words allow for exceptions. Read the following statement: The official language of most of the countries in South America is Spanish. This statement is true because of the qualified word most.

6. If you are uncertain whether a statement is true or false, take your best guess unless there is a penalty for wrong answers. If you have absolutely no clue, choose True as your answer. Research has shown that true/false tests typically contain more true statements than false statements. This is because teachers typically use tests not only to assess what you have learned, but to reinforce what you have learned. True/false tests can be tricky.

Use these guidelines to do your best.

http://www.how-to-study.com/study-skills/en/taking-tests/78/true/false-tests/

Direction Words In Essay Test

Items Most essay test items are not presented in the form of a question. Instead, they are often presented as a statement that includes a direction word. The direction word tells you what you should do when you write your answer to the item. Look for the direction word and be sure to do what it tells you to do. Here are the direction words that are most frequently used by teachers when they write essay test items.

The meaning of each direction word is provided and is followed by an example of an essay test item using that direction word. Get to know what each of these direction words tells you to do.

· Analyze - Analyze tells you to break something down into its parts and show how the parts relate to each other to make the whole. Analyze the factors that contribute to good health.

· Compare - Compare tells you to show how two or more things are BOTH similar and different. Compare the forms of government found in the United States and in China.

· Contrast - Contrast tells you to show how two or more things are different. Contrast the Republican and Democratic political platforms.

· Define - Define tells you to explain the meaning of something in a brief, specific manner. Define what is meant by "living life to the fullest."

· Describe - Describe tells you to present a full and detailed picture of something in words to include important characteristics and qualities. Describe what it was like to live in ancient Rome.

· Diagram - Diagram tells you to illustrate something by drawing a picture of it and labeling its parts. Diagram a modern commercial jet airplane.

· Evaluate - Evaluate tells you to present both the positive and negative characteristics of something. Evaluate the impact of rap music on American youth.

· Explain - Explain tells you to provide facts and reasons to make something clear and understandable. Explain why the American Civil War occurred.

· Justify - Justify tells you to provide reasons and facts in support of something. Justify the need for the federal income tax.

· List - List tells you to present information about something as a series of brief numbered points. List the ingredients needed to bake bread.

· Outline - Outline tells you to present the most important information about something in a carefully organized manner. Outline what it takes to be successful in school.

· Summarize - Summarize tells you to present the main points about something in a brief form. Summarize how Thomas Edison's inventions have made our lives better.

· Trace - Trace tells you to present the order in which something occurred. Trace the major events that led to America's Declaration of Independence.

Recognizing these direction words and knowing what they tell you to do will help you do well when taking an essay test.

http://www.how-to-study.com/study-skills/en/taking-tests/43/direction-words-in-essay-test-items/

Test Anxiety

WHAT IS TEST ANXIETY? Too much anxiety about a test is commonly referred to as test anxiety. It is perfectly natural to feel some anxiety when preparing for and taking a test. In fact, a little anxiety can jump start your studying and keep you motivated. However, too much anxiety can interfere with your studying. You may have difficulty learning and remembering what you need to know for the test. Further, too much anxiety may block your performance during the test. You may have difficulty demonstrating what you know during the test.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE TEST ANXIETY? You probably have test anxiety if you answer YES to four or more of the following:

1. I have a hard time getting started studying for a test.

2. When studying for a test, I find many things that distract me.

3. I expect to do poorly on a test no matter how much or how hard I study.

4. When taking a test, I experience physical discomfort such as sweaty palms, an upset stomach, a headache, difficulty breathing, and tension in my muscles.

5. When taking a test, I find it difficult to understand the directions and questions.

6. When taking a test, I have difficulty organizing my thoughts.

7. When taking a test, I often "draw a blank."

8. When taking a test, I find my mind wandering to other things.

9. I usually score lower on a test than I do on assignments and papers.

10. After a test, I remember information I couldn't recall during the test.

WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT TEST ANXIETY? Here are some things you can do before, during, and after a test to reduce your test anxiety.

1. Use good study techniques to gain cognitive mastery of the material that will be covered on the test. This mastery will help you to approach the test with confidence rather than have excessive anxiety. Employ the tips we provide at Study Habits.

2. Maintain a positive attitude as you study. Think about doing well, not failing. Think of the test as an opportunity to show how much you have learned.

3. Go into the test well rested and well fed. Get enough sleep the night before the test. Eat a light and nutritious meal before the test. Stay away from junk foods.

4. Stay relaxed during the test. Taking slow, deep breaths can help. Focus on positive self-statements such as "I can do this."

5. Follow a plan for taking the test such as the DETER strategy we describe at A Strategy for Taking Tests. Don't panic even if you find the test difficult. Stay with your plan!

6. Don't worry about other students finishing the test before you do. Take the time that you need to do your best.

7. Once you finish the test and hand it in, forget about it temporarily. There is nothing more you can do until the graded test is returned to you. Turn your attention and effort to new assignments and tests.

8. When the graded test is returned to you, analyze it to see how you could have done better. Learn from your mistakes and from what you did well. Apply this knowledge when you take the next test. You have to know the material to do well on a test. You have to control test anxiety to show what you know.

http://www.how-to-study.com/study-skills/en/taking-tests/47/test-anxiety/