Personal Evaluation Notebook 8.

3
Test Anxiety
Read through each statement and reflect on past testing experiences. You may wish to
consider all testing experiences or focus on particular subjects (history, math, science,
etc.) one at a time. Indicate how often each statement describes you by choosing a
number from 1 to 5.

Never Rarely Sometimes Often Always

1 2 3 4 5

I have visible signs of nervousness, such as sweaty palms and shaky hands, right before a test.
I have butterflies in my stomach before a test.
I feel nauseated before a test.
I read through the test and feel that I do no know any of the answers.
I panic before and during a test.
My mind goes blank during a test.
After I leave a testing situation, I remember the information that escaped my mind during the test.
I make mistakes on easy questions or put answers in the wrong places.
I have trouble choosing answers.
Add together your scores for each statement to find your total score. Totals will range from 10 to
50.

10-19 points: You do not suffer from test anxiety. If your score was extremely low (close to 10), a little
more anxiety may be healthy to keep you focused and get your blood flowing during exams.

20-35 points: Although you exhibit some of the characteristics of test anxiety, the level of stress and
tension you’re experiencing is probably healthy/

Over 35 points: You are experiencing an unhealthy level of test anxiety. Evaluate the reason(s)
for the distress and determine strategies t help you handle the anxiety.

Answer the following questions in complete sentences. Pay attention to your grammar,
punctuation, and spelling.

1. In which classes do you most often experience the most anxiety? Why?

2. What physical symptoms do you most often experience? (Examples: headaches, nausea,
extreme body temperature changes, excessive sweating, shortness of breath, light-
headedness or fainting, etc.)
Personal Evaluation Notebook 8.3

3. Which emotional symptoms do you most often experience? (Examples: excessive feelings
of fear, disappointment, anger, depressions, helplessness, or uncontrollable crying or
laughing.) If you do not experience any of the above symptoms, why do you think you do
not?

4. Do you have different feelings about nonacademic tests, such as a driving test or a medical
test, than academic tests, such as quizzes and exams? Why or why not?