wikiHow to Get Better Grades on Tests

If you want to get a really good grade on a test, then read this to get a super good grade on your next test.

Steps

  1. Image titled Get Better Grades on Tests Step 1
    1
    Make sure you listen to what your teacher says when they review the test in class. Quickly write what things you missed or how you could have scored more marks.
  2. Image titled Get Better Grades on Tests Step 2
    2
    Listen carefully to the lecture and jot down key points. Write as many notes as you can fit. Listen to questions from the students and write the teacher's answers.
  3. Image titled Get Better Grades on Tests Step 3
    3
    Ask your teacher what format the test will be in - multiple choice, true or false, matching, fill-in-the-blank, short answer, or essay. Usually it will be some combination of multiple choice, short answer, and essay questions.
  4. Image titled Get Better Grades on Tests Step 4
    4
    If the teacher doesn't answer, review past tests from the teacher. The types of questions will usually remain the same. A good recommendation is to re-write your previous exams or quizzes and do them all over.
  5. Image titled Get Better Grades on Tests Step 5
    5
    Study the information you think is most important. Think about the information your teacher might put on a test. It's most likely harder to have a specific guide if your teacher leaves out things on a test.
  6. Image titled Get Better Grades on Tests Step 6
    6
    Outline the important parts of the topic and make sure to learn those first.
  7. Image titled Get Better Grades on Tests Step 7
    7
    Review any papers or homework you have done on the topic you are studying. Take special care to note what mistakes you've made in the past so you won't make them again.
  8. Image titled Get Better Grades on Tests Step 8
    8
    Learn the language. Learn any specialist language that has been used with the topic that you are currently studying.
  9. Image titled Get Better Grades on Tests Step 9
    9
    Look at the extra questions that you have not done as homework and look at what each question is asking for. Try to answer these and look at which ones you think are hard; then when you are finished with those, knock out the ones that are easy.
  10. Image titled Get Better Grades on Tests Step 10
    10
    Create a review sheet. Incorporate information from the textbook, class notes, and past homework and quizzes that pertain to the topic of the test. Ask a friend if you can share notes to obtain information you might have missed during class.
  11. Image titled Get Better Grades on Tests Step 11
    11
    Go over your curriculum until you are comfortable with the chapter. Do this by typing or rewriting your review sheet, reading notes or textbook pages and summarizing in your head what happened, and doing extra questions in the textbook.
  12. Image titled Get Better Grades on Tests Step 12
    12
    Have a friend quiz you. Ask a friend or family member to quiz you on the topic that you will be tested on.
  13. Image titled Get Better Grades on Tests Step 13
    13
    Find out what type of learner you are and tailor your revision to your type.
  14. Image titled Get Better Grades on Tests Step 14
    14
    Make sure you sleep well before your test and eat a big breakfast and/or lunch. Remain confident and optimistic. People who stay positive during and before tests usually do better.
  15. Image titled Get Better Grades on Tests Step 15
    15
    Be prepared for the test! Bring a pen and a pencil if there will be an essay question, multiple choice question, or short answer question. Bring an eraser. The bigger, the better. If the teacher allows it, bring a bottle of water and drink it throughout the test to refresh your mouth and mind.
  16. Image titled Get Better Grades on Tests Step 16
    16
    Don't be nervous and don't worry about the outcome. Instead of focusing your energy into worrying, focus it into relaxing and preparing yourself for the exam. Tell yourself you will do well. Repeat, "I got this! I can do this! This is easy! I know this!" It will subconsciously raise your self esteem. It does make a difference.
  17. Image titled Get Better Grades on Tests Step 17
    17
    Be proud of yourself for working so hard! Know that whatever grade you get, you'll deserve it after trying so hard.

Tips

  • Double-check your paper/answers to make sure you haven't made any careless mistakes or missed important parts.
  • Read the questions carefully and, if possible, underline the command words like "describe", "explain" or "calculate".
  • The best thing to do to score better on tests is to listen attentively in class.
  • If you are stuck on a question, write down everything you know about what the question wants. Better safe than sorry!
  • When taking notes, read over the information before writing. You can also clarify it and shorten it just by understanding the text. Write the most important facts and keywords down first.
  • Make flash cards. On one side, write the thing you want to study (person/place/thing/idea/) and on the other side, write down as much information as you can about it, and write it so that it makes sense to you. Don't just copy it straight out of a textbook. Review these flash cards often.
  • Revise for a whole year then when it comes to the get you will know it.
  • Make sure to revise somewhere where you're comfortable. Reduce distractions (phones, laptops etc.) by placing it far away from you and take regular 10 minute breaks every 30 minutes. Don't stress yourself out too much.

Warnings

  • Read the questions very carefully.
  • Avoid rushing. This can cause you to miss things.
  • If you forgot about the test, immediately try to learn the main facts of what the test will be on.

Things You'll Need

  • Good class notes
  • Flashcards
  • Writing implements (pen, pencil etc.)
  • Paper
  • Study time

Article Info

Categories: Improving And Maintaining Grades | Tests and Exams