Reading Comprehension Success in 20 Minutes a Day, 3rd Edition

–
A P P E N D I X A : P R E PA R I N G F O R A S TA N D A R D I Z E D T E S T
–
1 7 0

---

really high in sugar, such as donuts. A sugar high turns
into a sugar low after an hour or so. Cereal and toast,
or anything with complex carbohydrates is a good
choice. Eat only moderate amounts. You don’t want to
take a test feeling stuffed! Your body will channel its
energy to your digestive system instead of your brain.
Pack a high-energy snack to take with you. You
may have a break sometime during the test when you
can grab a quick snack. Bananas are great. They have
a moderate amount of sugar and plenty of brain
nutrients, such as potassium. Most proctors won’t
allow you to eat a snack while you’re testing, but a
peppermint shouldn’t pose a problem. Peppermints
are like smelling salts for your brain. If you lose your
concentration or suffer from a momentary mental
block, a peppermint can get you back on track. Don’t
forget the earlier advice about relaxing and taking a
few deep breaths.
Leave early enough so you have plenty of time to
get to the test center. Allow a few minutes for unex-
pected traffic. When you arrive, locate the restroom and
use it. Few things interfere with concentration as much
as a full bladder. Then find your seat and make sure it’s
comfortable. If it isn’t, tell the proctor and ask to move
to something more suitable.
Now relax and think positively! Before you know
it, the test will be over, and you’ll walk away knowing
you’ve done as well as you can.
C o m b a t i n g Te s t A n x i e t y
Okay—you know what the test will be on. You’ve
reviewed the subjects and practiced the skills on which
you will be tested. So why do you still have that sinking
feeling in your stomach? Why are your palms sweaty
and your hands shaking?
Even the brightest, most well-prepared test takers
sometimes suffer bouts of test anxiety. But don’t worry;
you can overcome it. Here are some specific strategies
to help you.