MATH - 10 Tips for Studying and Taking your Mid-Term Exam

FOR ALL CLASSES:

Each class (except for period 1) has received a Mid-Term review packet that is similar to the exam that you will be taking next week. The format is the same - a multiple choice section where you write your answers in the boxes along the top of the open response section; then an open response section with short answer and literacy questions. When working on the review packet:

Tip #1: Set a timer for 90 minutes and only work for 90 minutes. You will only have 90 minutes for the exam, so you should practice working in the time you will be allowed to work in.

Tip #2: Use only a calculator (graphing calculator for Honors students) and a ruler as these are the only tools you will have to use during the exam.

Tip #3: Work through the entire exam doing the problems you know how to do first. Then go back and work on the ones that you were unsure of and those that take more time.

Tip #4: On multiple choice questions, try to eliminate answers that you know it could not be - narrow it down to two if you can. Cross them out on the exam so you do not mark the wrong answer by mistake.

Tip #5: Also on multiple choice questions, utilize the calculator as much as possible. There is no partial credit for these problems, so you do not need to take time showing all your work. If you can solve them mentally or using the calculator, save time and do so.

Tip #6: The multiple choice section should take less time than the open response section. If you worked on the multiple choice for 45 minutes, then stop and move onto the open response section to ensure you get to all the problems.

Tip #7: On the open response section, SHOW ALL YOUR WORK. You may receive partial credit on these questions based on the amount of work is correct and how much of it you showed.

Tip #8: After going through the review, correct your answers. This will give you an idea of how you prepared you are and the areas you should focus your studying on.

Tip #9: If there were any that you got incorrect left blank because you could not remember how to do the problems, look them up in your notes or textbook and try the problems again. Mark these problems somehow so you know that these were the ones you needed to look up so you remember to focus on these types when you study.

Tip #10: On the day of the exam, DO NOT LEAVE ANY QUESTION BLANK! Try all the problems and check your answers. Be sure that you filled in the multiple choice answers correctly on the answer sheet.

And...remember to STAY CALM. Do not get worked up over the exam. If you study and do well on the review packets, you are more than ready for the mid-term. Take your time, but always be aware of the time so you are able to get to all of the problems.

I am after school Monday and Tuesday for anyone who needs extra help for the mid-term exam. Stop by if you have any questions beyond those we discuss in class.