2 Test Taking Tips

Today’s Post is from D.R. DeSilva. He wants a few clarifications on test taking tips.

Dear Sir,
I read the Get the best grades with the least amount of effort book and it was really cool.

So first up I Have Two questions to ask;

  1. When you are studying, you mentioned taking notes for every chapter. Therefore is it wise to create short notes when studying & if it’s so can you tell me what is the correct way of doing it or is there an alternative way of doing it?
  2. In terms of anchors, is it correct if I can use a neck chain while I am studying & as well as for my exams? So is that way of creating an anchor which is correct for an individual?

So Marc, if you mind me calling by your first name, if you don’t mind, I would appreciate if you can answer my following questions ASAP & I find you as a cool guy in particular.

Thanking You !
Yours Sincerely,

D.R Desilva.

First of all, these are great questions. So here are equally great answers!

GREAT TEST TAKING TIP #1

Taking notes is covered in my study book, but one of the strategies I have expanded on is MindMapping. Mind Mapping is not only a quick and easy note taking method, but because of the VISUAL aspect, it’s a MUCH better way of taking notes than just summarising facts and figures in list form. I created an entire program with a MindMapping artist, Paul Telling, to teach you How To MindMap To Get Better Grades.

GREAT TEST TAKING TIP #2

Anchors come in all shapes and sizes – you can use anything that helps you remember more when it counts – during exams and tests. Using a neck chain is a great idea EXCEPT that it’s not something that is ACTIVATED when you study if you have it on all the time. You would need to wear it ONLY when studying and when you write exams and tests to be an anchor.

An anchor MUST be ASSOCIATED visually, physically, auditorially, olfactorially (smell) or gustatorially (taste) for it to work. What I am NOT suggesting is that you become superstitious – that’s when it gets out of hand. You just want to TEST what anchors work and don’t work for you. You don’t want to create a psychological crutch that without it you’re ‘lost’.

There is a balance between using anchors and creating superstitions.

So there you have it, two great Test Taking Tips!

6 Responses to “2 Test Taking Tips”


  • I have bought your how to study book and am unsure how to make the use of it. I basically have the same problem as the guy mentioned in your recent support/follow up email.

    I follow the same usual pattern. Plus that, I am not an English speaker and try to improve my English pronunciation.

    However, I find it a bit hard to keep up with the pronunciation of new words.

    What’s your advice on this?

    • Mubarak,
      Thank you for your question. I understand your dilemma with a new language. My mother tongue is French and now I live in Australia which is a very different ‘version’ of English than you would hear in Canadian or the United States.

      Pronunciation is something that is hard to overcome – which I don’t advocate you do. Even though I have lived in Australia for 10 years, I still have a Canadian accent. As long as your are articulate, don’t worry about it. Deepak Chopra still speaks with an Indian accent yet he is one of the most gifted orators around.

      What you should focus on is CLEAR ARTICULATION of your words and thoughts. There is nothing worse than someone who rambles on without making a point.

      I think the major issue you want to address is repeating bad patterns – but that’s a different question altogether!

  • Dear Marc:

    I am an adult learner going back to school after being out for more than 20 years. I am in a Radiology program that is quarter based and is extremely fast paced. My grades have been really good up until this most recent quarter. We are currently working with Radiologic Physics and Imaging which are difficult concepts to master. There are lots of formulas.

    I have purchased your ebook for better grades and read through it. I like the mind mapping idea for memory because I think this is the only way to grasp these ideas is to memorize, memorize, memorize. But I also find it a bit difficult with the particular courses I’m taking.

    Do you have any additional suggestions that will help me improve my grades? I want to get out of the feeling that I’m on a hampster wheel getting nowhere.

    Thanks,
    Tracy

  • Hi, Marc
    I’m currently an english college student.
    I am driven and motivated
    Study hard
    But still don’t end up with the grades i’m capable of.
    I struggle with note taking, usually writing too much.
    Please please help me!
    Stephanie

    • Hi Stephanie,
      Are you using the strategies in my study book, accelerated learning and speed reading videos? If not, get your hands on them and then let me know how you go with them. They have worked for THOUSANDS of students in more than 30 countries, they are quick and easy to do and all you need to remember is to believe in yourself and follow through.

      Keep me posted on your progress!
      Marc

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