How to Get Better Grades on Tests

In Class

Make sure you listen to what your teacher says when they review the test in class. Quickly make note of the things you missed or how you could have scored more marks.

Listen carefully to the lecture and jot down key points. Write down as many notes as you can fit. Listen to questions from the students and write the teacher's answers.

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.

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 rewrite your previous exams or quizzes and do them all over.

While Studying

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.

Outline the important parts of the topic and make sure to learn those first.

Review any papers or homework you have done on the topic that you are studying. Take special care to note what mistakes you've made in the past so you won't make them again.

Learn any required languages/lingos. Learn any specialist language that has been used with the topic that you are currently studying.

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.

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 that you might have missed during class.

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, summarizing in your head what happened, and doing extra questions in the textbook.

Have a friend quiz you. Ask a friend or family member to quiz you on the topic that you will be tested on.

Find out what type of learner you are and tailor your revision to your type.

Preparing for the Test

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 perform better.

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. Also, 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.

Don't be nervous and don't worry about the outcome. Instead of focusing your energy on worrying, focus it on relaxing and preparing yourself for the exam. Tell yourself that you will do well. Repeat these to yourself: "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.

Be proud of yourself for working so hard. Know that whatever grade you get, you'll deserve it after trying so hard.

Be confident. Start your test or exam with a great smile, remembering your inspiration first. This makes you more confident and sure. You may use a positive superstition like your lucky pen, your lucky card, or maybe your lucky shots.