How to Study

1. They are quicker and easier to prepare. 
2. They may be preferred when a group is small and the test 
will not be reused. 
3. They are used to explore students’ attitudes rather than 
measure their achievements. 
4. They are used to encourage and reward the development 
of the students’ skill in writing. 
5. They are suitable when it’s important for the students to
explain or describe. 
6. They are more suitable to some material. You’re likely to have
more essay questions in English and history than you are in
the sciences. 
Some teachers prefer objective questions because:
1. They are preferred when the group is large and the test 
may be reused. 
2. They are more efficient when highly reliable test scores 
must be obtained quickly. 
3. They are more suitable for covering a larger amount of 
content in the same amount of time. 
4. They are easier for the teacher to give an impartial grade.
Every student has to write down “C” to get number 
22 correct. 
5. They are easier for some teachers to create. 
6. They may be used when students need to demonstrate 
or show. 
How to Study
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Never Study “Everything”
Once you’ve discovered the type of test facing you, you need to
figure out what’s going to be on it (and hence, what you need 
to study). Remember, it’s rarely, if ever, “everything.”
At most, do a cursory review of material you are convinced is simply
not important enough to be included on an upcoming test. This will
automatically give you more time to concentrate on those areas
you’re sure will be included.
Then create a “To Study” sheet for each test. On it, list specific books
to review, notes to recheck, and topics, principles, ideas, and concepts
to go over. This method will minimize procrastination, logically organ-
ize your studying, and give you ongoing “jolts” of accomplishment as
you complete each item.
Test Yourself
Just as you have made it a habit to write down questions as you study
your texts, why not try to construct your own tests? The harder you
make them, the better prepared and more confident you will be when
you confront the real test.
Practice tests offer some real advantages, whether you’re studying
for a weekly quiz, the SAT, or your bar exam. In fact, the longer and
more “standardized” the test, the more important it is to be familiar
with its structure, rules, and traps.
First and foremost, familiarization with whatever type of test you’re
taking is vitally important, as it enables you to strategically study the
material (prioritize) and strategically attack the test (organize).
Familiarization breeds comfort and being comfortable—relaxed—is 
a key component to doing well.
Chapter 8
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How to Study for Tests
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Familiarization also breeds organization, allowing you to concentrate
on the test itself and not on its structure. This gives you more time
to actually take the test rather than figure it out. It also reduces the
effect of whatever time restraints the test imposes on you.
Last but not least, taking practice tests is a highly effective way to
study and remember the material.