Strategies for Success

Which statement best defines test anxiety?

• A dislike of studying for any school subject

• A random fear that appears without any trigger

• A sudden illness caused by eating before tests

• A strong nervous feeling before or during a test

Which group shows common physical signs of test anxiety?

• Itchy skin, yawning, dry lips

• Sweating, fast heartbeat, shaky hands

• Sleepiness, hunger, loud hiccups

• Sneezing, runny nose, sore throat

A student keeps thinking, “I can’t do this” and “What if I run out of time?” What is the most likely effect of this self-talk during a test?

• Feeling worse and getting more distracted

• Feeling calmer and focusing more easily

• Ignoring time limits and finishing faster

• Improving memory and recalling more facts

Which step correctly describes deep breathing you can use during a test?

• Inhale and exhale quickly, do not pause, repeat constantly

• Breathe through your mouth only, hold one minute, exhale loudly

• Take quick mouth breaths, hold ten seconds, exhale fast

• Breathe in through your nose, hold three seconds, exhale slowly

A classmate feels nervous during a quiz. Which action best uses positive affirmations to build confidence?

• Silently repeat, I am smart and capable, several times

• Count backwards from one hundred as fast as possible

• Stare at the clock and think about time running out

• Tell a friend out loud that the test is impossible

You are restless in your chair. Which short stretching routine is most appropriate during a test without disrupting others?

• Twist your body quickly, snap fingers, whisper to neighbors

• Roll your head side to side, raise hands up, shake arms quietly

• Stand and jog in place, clap loudly, wave to classmates

• Do push-ups beside your desk, breathe as fast as possible

You feel tense and distracted. Which plan combines visualization and grounding to help you refocus within two minutes?

• Close your eyes, picture a calm place with sights and sounds, then open your eyes and count items in the room that match a calming color

• Keep staring at the test page, worry about mistakes, and skip breathing

• Talk to several classmates about answers, then check your phone

• Close your book and nap for twenty minutes without permission

Which action best fits using time wisely during a test when you meet a tough question?

• Answer randomly and move on

• Skip it and come back later

• Ask a friend for the answer

• Stare at it until time runs out

A question has four choices. Two are clearly wrong. What is the next smart step?

• Switch to a different section

• Choose the longest answer

• Leave it blank without thinking

• Eliminate the two wrong choices

You finished early on a test. Which plan will most likely prevent small mistakes?

• Review answers and double check work

• Change every answer just in case

• Erase notes from scratch paper

• Submit immediately without rereading