Any good test taking tips for physics.

In summary, if you're a physics student, you should try to do the following: - Sleep well - Eat healthy - Exercise - Study hard- Take practice exams - Practice answering questions
  • #1
mtayab1994
584
0
Well I'm a really great physics student, but our teacher told us that no one will get a perfect score on the exam we're going to be taking on wednesday, but I believe that i can do it. Do you guys have any good test taking procedures that you do before a test?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Learn the material.
 
  • #3
Pengwuino said:
Learn the material.

I already know all of the material and I did all of the hardest exercises given, but I'm just worried that he'll put something that we've never worked with before.
 
  • #4
Keep in mind that usually the point of an exam, particularly in higher levels, is to test whether you understand the material covered in the course enough to apply it in new, previously unknown situations.

That being said, you have to learn what works best for you and that best way I know for a person to do that is unfortunately trial and error.

What I've found that works for me:
1. Sleep. Eat healthy. Exercise. Study. Work on doing all of them well.
2. Avoid cramming and be systematic and disciplined about your studying.
3. Leave some time for review of material that you've already been tested on.
4. Once you've reviewed the material covered in a course, try to predict the kinds of questions that your professor may ask. You won't always get it right, but this helps you to think of the material in new ways.
5. Read the entire exam first. Make sure you understand what's being asked for in each question and focus on giving the best answer you can. Answer the questions you know the answers to first.
6. Show your work.
7. When you don't know the answer, start by working out what you do know and try to figure out what your specific stumbling block is.
 
  • #5
If you know the material, you can apply it in unfamiliar settings. If you can only parrot back what you have seen before, you can't say you really know the material.
 
  • #6
Choppy said:
Keep in mind that usually the point of an exam, particularly in higher levels, is to test whether you understand the material covered in the course enough to apply it in new, previously unknown situations.

That being said, you have to learn what works best for you and that best way I know for a person to do that is unfortunately trial and error.

What I've found that works for me:
1. Sleep. Eat healthy. Exercise. Study. Work on doing all of them well.
2. Avoid cramming and be systematic and disciplined about your studying.
3. Leave some time for review of material that you've already been tested on.
4. Once you've reviewed the material covered in a course, try to predict the kinds of questions that your professor may ask. You won't always get it right, but this helps you to think of the material in new ways.
5. Read the entire exam first. Make sure you understand what's being asked for in each question and focus on giving the best answer you can. Answer the questions you know the answers to first.
6. Show your work.
7. When you don't know the answer, start by working out what you do know and try to figure out what your specific stumbling block is.

Thanks I really appreciate it.
 

FAQ: Any good test taking tips for physics.

How can I improve my test-taking skills for physics?

One of the best ways to improve your test-taking skills for physics is to practice regularly. This will help you become familiar with the types of questions that are asked and the format of the test. Additionally, make sure to review your notes and textbook thoroughly before the test.

Should I focus more on understanding concepts or memorization for physics tests?

Both understanding concepts and memorization are important for physics tests. However, understanding the underlying principles and concepts will help you solve problems more effectively and efficiently. It is also important to memorize important equations and formulas.

How can I manage my time effectively during a physics test?

One tip for managing your time effectively during a physics test is to read through the entire test before starting. This will give you an idea of how much time you should allocate for each question. Additionally, make sure to budget your time wisely and don't spend too much time on one question.

Are there any specific strategies for tackling different types of physics questions?

Yes, there are specific strategies for different types of physics questions. For example, for multiple choice questions, it is helpful to eliminate any obviously wrong answers and then focus on the remaining options. For free response questions, make sure to carefully read and understand what is being asked before answering.

How important is it to show all of my work during a physics test?

Showing your work is extremely important in physics tests. This not only helps you organize your thoughts and calculations, but it also allows your teacher to see where you may have made a mistake and potentially give you partial credit. Additionally, showing your work can also help you receive full credit for the correct answer even if you made a small error in your calculations.

Similar threads

Replies
39
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
948
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
17
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
25
Views
3K
Back
Top