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Learning how to take tests well can help your outcome by many percentage points per test. Many people panic at the thought of a test. This is only made worse when they see the actual test. If the answers to the first few questions aren't immediately obvious, for those who suffer this anxiety, the test is about over. Once panic sets in, there is no easy way to get your mind focused and resume the test with clear thoughts. There are techniques to help take tests and help to avoid or overcome test anxiety.

Even on a timed test, you should never feel that you must start answering questions the second that you are allowed to begin the test. A better plan is to just scan over the test for questions that seem easiest for you to answer. This might be the first question, or it might be the last one.

Keep on the lookout for questions that are answered by other questions. While it's not a great test making technique, many instructors will give away the answer to an early question as part of the set-up for a later one. Take anything that they give you. Watch for typo's. You can ask questions about errors on the tests. You may get more of an answer than just the spelling correction. This can give you a hint at the answer to the test.

Test questions come in about 6 varieties. They can be true or false. Questions can be multiple choice, or it's ugly cousin, choose the best answer(s). Short answer or fill in the blank is another popular type of question. Matching questions are sometimes difficult depending on how they are set up. Essay questions are probably the easiest and toughest at the same time. Finally, I will lump all math oriented questions into one category because in their own way, they can also be ascribed to the other categories.

True or false and multiple choice questions are the favorite of most people because you either have a 50/50 chance of getting a random answer correct, or the answer is given to you if you have any idea of what it should be. On both of these types of questions, the key is to really read the wording carefully. Don't think too long. When you either know the answer or feel that you have a clue, answer it and move on. If you just have no idea, leave it blank to come back to. If you answer a question with a doubt, put a check in the margin to remind you to give it a second look. Don't be too quick to want to change first impression answers.

Short answer and essay questions are similar. You have to be able to recall the answer sufficiently to write

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