What is a good way to study for a social studies test?

Question

Please help I almost always do bad on S.S tests please help me. Thank you!

Answer 1

First, make vocabulary cards for each of the key terms in the chapter. Use the glossary to define each term.

 

Then read the summary of the chapter and make sure that you understand the details in it.

 

Next look over your chapter headings and be sure that you can explain each.

 

Then study your class notes.

 

Review the questions at the end of the chapter, especially the more challenging ones (usually these appear at the end of the questions, which tend to build from recall to understand to apply and synthesize).

 

If there is a section of the chapter(s) that you do not understand, reread it until you do.

 

(If you are referring to a standardized test of Social Studies, be sure that you can interpret graphs, read maps, find cause and effect, locate states or countries on the map, and use logic to answer questions).

 

Answer 2

Be familiar with the method that you will be tested in.  This is usually found in the syllabus or study guide.

 

1) Multiple choice questions require that you know rather SPECIFIC information (dates, people, locations, key factors) .  Decoy answers are easily identified when the test taker knows these details. 

 

Usually the instructor highlights this type of information during the lesson or lecture.

 

2)  Constructed response or short answer questions.

Students who are strong writers can do very well here.  Usually the student is required to take a position or create a thesis and support it with details.  (What a student lacks in DETAILS, can can usually make up in CONCEPTS !!)

 

3)  Essay question - Good essay responses require study and preparation. 

Not only are you being tested for your knowledge of the material - but your ability to take a position,  develop your argument/thesis, support your argument with text evidence, and provide a strong conclusion.

 

Study for social studies tests require a little each day approach.  Cramming never works, but especially in the case of social studies.  There's just too much to know, or material to cover in one session. 

 

Plan out the days leading up to the test.  Break the material into smaller chunks and review a bit each day.

 

Answer 3

     Ask your teacher if there will be a study guide.

     Make sure to take notes in class, especially on the topics that there are class discussions on.

     Reread chapters covered, type out or handwrite notes. Use different colored highlighters for main topics and a different color for mini-headers within the chapter. Also look in the back of your chapters to see if there are reviews for the material covered.