3. SKIMMING
• READ FIRST AND LAST PARAGRAPHS OF ASSIGNED
READING
• READ FIRST AND LAST SENTENCES OF EACH
PARAGRAPH
• READ CHARTS, BOLDFACE MATERIAL, PICTURES
• READ QUESTIONS AT END OF CHAPTERS
4. READING FOR UNDERSTANDING
• AFTER SKIMMING, ASK QUESTIONS
• READ MORE CAREFULLY, USING CONTEXTUAL CLUES
• USE DICTIONARIES, THESAURI, TO FIND WORD
MEANINGS
• TRY TO USE SKIMMING AND READING STRATEGIES
FOR FOUR TO FIVE PAGES AT A TIME
5. STUDYING TO RETAIN INFORMATION
• REVIEW YOUR READING AND PAY SPECIAL
ATTENTION TO IDEAS, KEY DETAILS YOU MISSED OR
MISUNDERSTOOD
• REVIEW TEACHER STUDY GUIDES, NOTES, PAST
QUIZZES, TESTS, HANDOUTS TO ASSIST YOU IN
UNDERSTANDING AND PREPARING FOR TESTS
6. MORE TIPS FOR RETENTION!
• ACRONYMNS: CHUNK PIECES OF INFORMATION INTO ONE WITH
REAL WORDS OR IMAGINARY ONES TO RETAIN INFORMATION
• ACTOR’S TRICK: REVIEW FORMULAS, VOCABULARY, AND/OR OTHER
MATERIAL BRIEFLY BEFORE YOU FALL ASLEEP
• TAPE HARD-TO-LEARN CONCEPTS, DEFINITIONS, FORMULAS, ETC.
ON A PLACE SUCH AS A MIRROR WHICH YOU SEE EACH DAY
• CREATE A RHYME TO REMEMBER A RULE OR IDEA:
I BEFORE E EXCEPT AFTER C, OR WHEN SOUNDED LIKE A, AS IN
NEIGHBOR AND WEIGH
7. SUCCESSFUL STUDYING (ADAPTED
FROM TESTTAKINGTIPS.COM)
• Everyone is different. The following are only suggestions on
improving upon your current studying techniques.
• It is best to review material as soon as possible following a
class, using the study materials you have such as notes,
handouts from the teacher, books, etc.
• Find a comfortable and quiet place to study, if possible, with
good lighting and few distractions. ( Many students find it
helpful to study in a school library and/or in a Writing Center.)
8. TIPS ADAPTED FROM
TESTTAKINGTIPS.COM
• Space out your studying; you'll learn more by studying a little
every day instead of waiting to cram at the last minute.
• Make sure that you understand the material well; don't just
read through the material and try to memorize everything.
• If you choose to study in a group or with a peer, study with
others who are serious about the test.
• Test yourself or have someone test you on the material to find
out what your weak and strong areas are.
9. MORE STUDY TIPS FROM
TESTTAKINGTIPS.COM
• Start out by studying the most important information.
• Learn the general concepts first, don't worry about learning
the details until you have learned the main ideas.
• Take notes and write down a summary of the important ideas
as you read through your study material.
• Take short breaks frequently. Your memory retains the
information that you study at the beginning and the end better
than what you study in the middle.
10. TIPS TO PREPARE FOR TESTS AND
QUIZZES
• Research shows if we use a multi-sensory approach, we learn
best.
• Try to write or type some key points you have learned.
Use/develop your own abbreviations such as “w/”for with.
• Try “teaching” what you have learned to yourself in the
privacy of your home.
• These strategies employ a range of senses ( touch, sight, and
speech, etc.)
11. TEST PREP TIPS ADAPTED FROM
TESTTAKINGTIPS.COM
• Go over any material from practice tests, HW's, sample
problems, review material, the textbook, class notes...
• Eat before a test. Having food in your stomach will give you
energy and help you focus but avoid heavy foods which can
make you groggy.
• Don't try to pull an all nighter. Get at least 7 hours of sleep
before the test (normally 8 hours of sleep a night is
recommended but if you are short on time, get at least 7 hours
so that you'll be well rested enough to focus during the test).
12. REMINDERS ADAPTED FROM
TESTTAKINGTIPS.COM
• Ask the instructor to specify the areas that
will be emphasized on the test.
• Make sure you go to the class before the
test if you have remaining questions. You still
have time for the instructor to give out
helpful responses to you and tips to assist
you in meeting with success as you
undertake quizzes and exams.
13. YOUR TEACHERS AND TUTORS ARE
HERE TO HELP!
• THEY WILL GLADLY HELP YOU PREPARE FOR EXAMS
AND QUIZZES
• THEY WILL APPRECIATE YOUR INTEREST AND
MOTIVATION.
• YOU MAY ALSO BE ABLE TO SCHEDULE
APPOINTMENTS WITH THEM for STUDY STRATEGIES and
ASSISTANCE IN SUBJECT AREAS
14. DREAMS
Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.
Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow.
Langston Hughes
