Welcome to the exciting world of Test Preparation…….just kidding. The word ‘test’ was originally derived from the Latin word ‘testari’, to be a witness, and ‘testis’, witness. Before that, etymology shows us that ‘testari’ comes from ‘tres’, three, ‘stari’, to stand, and when combined, means ‘to stand in as a third party witness'.

Currently, according to Merriam-Webster, ‘Test’ means, “a basis for evaluation: criterion”, and “something for measuring the skill, knowledge, intelligence, capacities, or aptitudes of an individual or group.”

So the word ‘test’ has devolved from a very personal, dare I say ‘1on1’, positive encounter whereby one might show off one’s ‘stuff’ to someone who stands as your witness. Now, ‘test’ has come to mean more of an automated, standardized measurement and impersonal evaluation by a faceless authority. ‘Testing’ has morphed into a Behemoth Robot Barrier of acceptance that we must battle to overcome.

NO WONDER WE HATE TESTS!

I suggest that we look at ‘test’ in a new light with its old meaning, i.e., as a testament and opportunity to shine before a witness. I even suggest that you envision your favorite mentor or sage as your witness while you testify your ability and knowledge.

Once you adopt a positive attitude, tests become a kind of game. As with any game, to do well you must:

Oh, and one basic rule for tests:

NEVER TAKE A TEST THAT YOU ARE NOT PREPARED FOR!

It is way too humiliating to willingly be a victim of Random Test Torture.

Your job is to prepare, be ready and be in control so that you can do your best and forget about all the other monkeys. With this in mind, try out some of these strategy worksheets and

Practice, Practice, Practice!