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THEA Preparation

 

Taking the THEA test can be very stressful, but with the right preparation and a certain amount of confidence, you can do very well. Try following some of the guidelines below. If you're taking the writing section of the THEA, you should also check our list of THEA writing hints.

Before taking the Test:
  1. Familiarize yourself with the THEA. If you're taking the THEA for the first time, make sure to take practice tests and review the test format. If you're re-taking the test, you should already be familiar with it, but you should still review. Don't go into the test blindly.
  2. Practice, practice, practice! Take practice tests and review the subjects you'll be tested on. The AARC is filled with THEA booklets, and our tutors will gladly help you prepare.

On the Big Day:
  1. Mental preparation is as important as studying. Be sure to get plenty of sleep the night before. You've heard this a thousand times, but your mind will function better when you're well rested. Don't stay out late the night before, and don't stay up studying all night; it will pay off!
  2. Eat a healthful breakfast. Your mind and body will be better prepared if you have a well-balanced breakfast (no junk food!). Remember also that the THEA is a 5 hour test; a grumbling stomach can be very distracting.
  3. Don't take stimulants. It's better to avoid caffeine altogether, but if you must have coffee or a soda in the morning, keep it at a moderate amount. Caffeine will only make you jittery and unable to focus.
  4. Arrive early for the test! You will not be allowed to enter the testing area after testing has begun.
  5. Bring all the materials that you will need. This includes:
    • Your admission ticket and two pieces of identification - one with a photograph
    • No. 2 pencils. They will not be provided at the test site.
    • A watch. Managing your time is very important, and it helps to keep track of the time you've spent on the test.
  6. Stay positive. Remind yourself that you are well-prepared, and remember you are going to do well!

During the test:
Don't rush! You will have plenty of time to complete the test if you manage your time well.
  1. Preview each section before diving in. Allow yourself some time to carefully review and decide how you want to allocate your time.
  2. Think about the sequence of the test sections. You may take the test sections in any order you wish. Consider your own strengths and weakness, determining your game plan accordingly.
  3. If you're having trouble answering a question, skip it and go back after you've answered all the others.
  4. Guess wisely! Eliminate the answers you know are incorrect and focus only on your other options. You will not lose points if you guess wrong. Mark an answer for every question, even if you aren't sure of the correct answer.
  5. Always go with your first instinct. Don't second guess yourself and change an answer if you are not absolutely sure of the correction.
  6. Be aware of words such as not, but, and except. These words specify the direction and limits of the answer.
  7. Watch out for words such as always, never, and only. Interpret them as meaning all of the time, not just 99%.
  8. Don't leave if you finish early. Take that extra time to review your answers and/or essay.

A THEA Writing Checklist

APPROPRIATENESS
Who are you writing this essay for? What are you trying to accomplish with this essay? What prompted the writing of the essay?

UNITY AND FOCUS
Did you stay on topic and say what you meant clearly? Don't bother trying to adopt an "academic" tone; say what you want in the way that is comfortable for you.

DEVELOPMENT
Have you said everything you can about the topic? Did you answer the question "Why"? Did you choose examples that related exactly to your topic?

ORGANIZATION
Is your essay logical? Is everything arranged in an order that makes sense?

SENTENCE STRUCTURE and MECHANICAL CONVENTIONS
Did you write to your strengths? Did you leave yourself time to proof your essay? Is every sentence complete and well-constructed? Is everything spelled correctly? Have you checked all your commas?

USAGE
Did you use the right words to help make your point? Have you shown that you understand everything you're saying clearly?

A few other pointers:

  1. Read the writing prompt before you answer any other questions. Getting that first impression out of the way could help you better understand what you need to do in order to write the essay effectively. Once you've read the prompt, you can go back to the other sections, and you might come up with an idea while you're working on those questions.
  2. Identify key terms in the prompt. Your thesis may already be waiting for you if you look closely at the essay topic. Read and re-read this topic until you find value statements or words that let you know what's expected. If you can, use those words in your essay to help keep you focused on the topic.
  3. If you know nothing at all about the topic, make sure to explain that in your essay and discuss the things you do know. Just make sure to stay as close to the topic as you possibly can. Don't get off on a tangent.
  4. Manage your time. Be sure to leave yourself enough time to proofread your essay before turning it in. A short, complete essay that is well-constructed is much better than a long, incomplete one with loads of errors.