Tests can really help to know where you are and what you need to do to improve. They let you know if you have understood something that you have been learning and they also help the teacher to plan what more is needed to be done.
Exams can be really stressful because they are something that you need to pass if you want to move to the next level. Exams are usually more formal. You may take exams in a variety of subjects e.g. Maths, Science, English, etc. to see if you have reached that level and can move on to the next.
Tests and Exams can be written, oral and practical or even all the three. Practical exams mean that you can show what you know. In oral exams, you have to give the answers verbally.
Everyone feels nervous about tests and exams. Some people just become so stressed that they do badly even though they have worked really hard. Stress prevails over them and they can’t do their best.
Preparing for tests and exams.
Plan and make a timetable for study, leisure and physical activity to keep balance in your life. Get into the habit of doing homework properly and in time. Ask the teacher if you don't understand something. Ask the teacher how to improve your work.
Have a tidy study area at home where you haven’t got heaps of stuff around to distract you. Studying with someone can be helpful, but only if you stick to the task. Working alone is best. You will have to do the test or exam on your own.
Read all instructions and questions carefully. Read both sides of each page. Work out which questions you will answer if you have a choice. Make a quick plan if you have to write an essay or story. Just write down key words so that you stay on track. Answer all the compulsory questions - the ones you have to answer.
Check your work when you have finished, starting with the instructions to make sure you did what you were asked to do. Did you to answer every question, some questions, or a number questions from each section? Check that you have done this.
Check your spellings and punctuation. Have you missed any word out and does it make sense? If you finish early, give yourself a few minutes to relax then start checking your work.