Strategies Reading

Test Taking strategies

Ways to Answer Definition Questions

l.  Practice a 3-step approach to learning definitions.

Write the words and definitions you want to learn on a sheet of notebook paper.  Divide the    paper into three vertical sections.  Put the word in section one and the definition in section two.  Fold section three over section two while you're studying.  

2.  Use flash cards to study.

Put the word on one side of an index card and its definition on the other side.  Use the cards to study by yourself or with a partner.

3.  Use memory strategy for remembering words and definitions.

Use the Look, Say, and Write strategy for learning definitions. 

• Look at the word and study the definition   
• Say the word and its definitions.
• Write the word   

4.  Study words and definitions in groups of five.

Study five words and definitions at a time.  After you've learned the first five words and definitions, study another group of five.  Then review all ten words.  Continue studying groups of five words and definitions at a time.  After studying each group of five, go back and review all the word you've studied before adding any new word groups. 

5.  Find a study partner.

After you've used the Look, Say, and Write strategy for studying the words, have someone say the words and you give the definitions.  You might also want to have someone give you the definitions and you name the words.

6.  Use visualization and association to help recall definitions.

When you visualize something, you try to picture it in your head.  When you associate something, you try to link it to something it's like.

7.  Make up jingles to help you learn definitions.

8.  Match your study techniques to the type of test.

Will the test be a sentenace completion test?  Will it have a word bank?  Will you be asked to take dictation?  Always ask your teacher how the test will be given so you'll know how to study.

9.  Use the number and length of blanks as a clue to the answer.

If the definition is given as an incomplete sentence, check the number and length of the blanks.  Sometimes this is a clue to the size and the number of words.

10.  Look for "a" or "an" right before the blank.

If the definition is given as an incomplete sentence, check the word right before the blank.  This can be a clue to the word you're looking for.  "A" usually comes before a word that starts with a consonant.  "An" usually comes before a word that starts with a vowel.                               

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