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Out of all the do's and don'ts of test taking, to my mind the most important don't is 'Don't cheat'. Fair enough you may get away with it but I bet you don't. Even if you are a successful cheat it means that the test is worthless and your talents wasted. So above all be honest. Take the test and use your knowledge as your tool. If you pass or even excel it will be rewarding and worthwhile.

So what else should you do or not do.

DO'S

Study well and know your subject matter as much as is possible. Always do your homework and research, so that you know your test matter well.

Try your best to relax on the day. If you have worked hard for the test day, then that is all you can do. If you get very tense and nervous you will not do yourself any favours.

Get enough sleep before the test, especially the night before.

Keep a sense of proportion. Yes tests matter but your life will not end if you fail. There are always re-sits for example.

Use any help available when you are studying. Often if you study in a group, or with a friend, you will find that it is easier and you may retain more information. You will be able to bounce ideas off each other and test each other as you learn.

Do make sure you are in good time for your test. You must not be late. Neither do you want to have to rush in and have to begin before you have time to get your breath, and gather yourself and your thoughts.

Study on a regular basis. If you study a little, ongoing, for your tests the information has time to sink in, make sense and be remembered. Try to study a little each day not just for the last couple of days before the examination.

If you feel that you are beginning to worry to much about a test try and talk to someone and get some helpful advice.

DON'TS

Don't cheat, as already mentioned. It just is not worth the risk and is pointless.

Don't stay up too late the night before a test burning the midnight oil and cramming. There comes a point when you can't do anymore and your brain needs to rest and soak in the information which you have been learning. In fact sometimes too much of this sort of last minute studying can often just confuse you and have a detrimental effect.

Don't panic, get overly stressed or let your approaching tests rule your life. If you do you are more likely to fail than do well.

CONCLUSION

Overall the advice with tests, and the do's and don'ts, are really commonsense. Keep a sense of proportion and remember that we have all had to take tests throughout our lives, even your teachers, and so most people understand how you are feeling. Much as tests are a pain they are one of the best ways to judge how well you are learning and just how good your teachers are. In a way it is a test of them and their abilities also.

Throughout your adult life you will have to take tests, from time to time. Everyone feels a little nervous and can feel that adrenaline flowing, but we all learn that, although important, there is life outside of tests, even if you fail.

Learn more about this author, Ethel Smith.
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