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Whether you’re taking a standardized test or a classroom examination, you will likely be able to find out the format of the test beforehand.  Knowing the test’s format will help you study, as well as give you ideas about how to approach the materials.  If you’re told that there will be three essay questions, for example, that will ask you to connect the larger theme of the course to specific texts that you’ve read in the class, you know to begin thinking about thesis statements. Or if your instructor says that there will be 15 multiple choice questions and 15 true/false questions, you understand that your focus should be much more specific, probably focusing on facts and dates. If you’re taking a standardized test such as the GRE or the SAT, there are plenty of study guides available.  Almost every current study guide will have practice tests, study materials, and approaches to taking the test.  Typically these guides offer simulated exams as well, so that you can simulate the examination and your performance.  Your school or local library may have study guides available for use within the library. You might find used copies of these guides online for a dramatically reduced price. You can also make your own study guide by compiling your notes and homework from class. Taking practice exams is a great way to familiarize yourself with the layout of the test and the kind of questions you'll be asked. Practice answering essay questions well before your test if you have a good source of feedback available, such as a writing center or your professor has agreed to look over your essays for you.  Doing so will show you what part of your essay writing you need to develop, as well as help you get comfortable answering a question in prose.  The more you practice, the more efficient and quick you will become.  Your instructor might give you example essay questions if you ask for them.  These might include questions from previous exams or simply questions that they think would serve as good practice. Do no assume that your institution’s writing center or your professor will look over practice essays for you.  Instead, respectfully ask if they are willing to review your practice essays and offer feedback. Devote extra study time to working on your weakest areas.  This will help you out in a few ways.  You’ll be better prepared for material that isn’t your strong suit, and you’ll also spend much less time worrying about the information when you encounter it on the exam.  Additionally, by studying your weakest areas, you’ll develop strategies for handling the material efficiently and quickly.  A good example is the GRE’s verbal portion of the examination.  Many people find this component especially challenging and devote extra time to studying flash cards, as well as developing strategies for word meanings, antonyms, and synonyms. If you make your own study guide, devote a lot of it to your weakest points so that you're focusing on these areas the most when you study. Create a study schedule that is realistic and is one to which you will commit.  This ensures that you’re devoting enough time to studying, and also establishes a pattern for you, which will help you manage your time when you get into the actual examination.  There are free study calendar templates available for download from the internet. Some printed student calendars also have a study schedule feature built in to the calendar itself.
Find out the test’s format. Get a study guide. Practice your essays. Review your weakest points. Develop a study schedule.