| Today there are a plethora of resources for students | | | | get a feel for the test and address the areas that the |
| preparing to take a particular exam. The question then | | | | student needs to work harder. For example, if a |
| becomes how to choose the right study guide and | | | | student is taking a multi-part exam they may test and |
| how they can help. Some students discount the fact | | | | find that only one area needs more preparation. This |
| that study guides are proven to increase grades, | | | | saves time and allows the student to focus on the |
| promote concentration and give tips for test taking. Not | | | | weak areas of the test. |
| all study guides are made equally though and the | | | | One of the least favorites of a study guide is the |
| student should strive to find the best one possible. | | | | practice reading. This part may not be fun, but it is very |
| Depending on the type of exam will determine the | | | | effective and here is why. Students have a habit of |
| type of study guide that the student needs. If it is a | | | | speed reading or skimming the surface of the |
| particular exam such the SAT or other college | | | | paragraph, book or excerpt. This is a bad habit |
| entrance exam there are several to choose from. | | | | because not only is critical information missed, but also |
| One of the important factors that students should | | | | the student is likely to score poorly on the questions |
| keep in mind is the fact that the test material must be | | | | about the reading. This part of the study guide helps |
| covered, but the study guide must prepare the | | | | the student slow down their reading and helps them |
| individual as well. Several of the study guides only | | | | practice their skills of identifying what is important in the |
| address the information on the test, not the actual | | | | reading. Practice makes perfect and the more we |
| preparation of the student. Granted the content of the | | | | read, the more that we get out of it. |
| test is important, but the mental preparation of the | | | | The writing practice of the study guide is another great |
| student is equally important. | | | | way to prepare for an upcoming exam. Taking a topic |
| A good study guide will walk a student through the | | | | and building an outline and essay around it is a good |
| information and also give them some test taking hints | | | | way to be prepared for what ever the test may |
| that can help them have a positive experience. Tips | | | | throw your way. Not only do practicing writing skills |
| such as rest before the test, proper nourishment, and | | | | help beef up the old skills, it also helps the student put |
| concentration should all be addressed. Though many | | | | their thoughts on paper. Sometimes with computers, |
| of us believe that we already know some of this | | | | word processors and other technological advances in |
| information it is important to have those little tips and | | | | society individuals come to rely on them, therefore |
| tricks with us when taking a test. After all many of | | | | allowing their skills to slip. This can be seen with |
| these tests carry large price tags for us! | | | | employees, students, workers and the general |
| The most frequently asked question about testing is | | | | populations writing skills. When we do not use our |
| what to expect and what type of information is on the | | | | writing skills our grammar, spelling and punctuation |
| test. The unknown seems to be the most anxiety | | | | suffer. So the practice does us good and helps us |
| causing factor when taking a test. The student doesn't | | | | prepare for the writing portion of any test. |
| know whether the test is difficult, tricky or not too bad. | | | | A good study guide helps the student prepare in every |
| Though a study guide will not give detailed information | | | | way for the exam. It is important that a student take |
| about the test, there are practice questions and other | | | | advantage of any opportunity to improve themselves |
| information that will help the student understand what's | | | | or their grades. Study guides are meant to be used as |
| in store for them on the big day. | | | | tools, help set goals and improve the confidence level |
| Practice tests are a great way to determine whether | | | | of the student. Without all of these things students will |
| or not a student is ready for an exam. Some students | | | | not perform as well as they possibly could have. Take |
| assume that they are ready and go in to bomb the | | | | an opportunity to find a great study guide and start |
| test, while others feel that they need tons more | | | | studying early. |
| preparation, yet ace the test. This is a good way to | | | | |