9   Se     . MAKE sure to concentrate and listen to your teacher's directions. Listening is a skill that your teacher or counselor can help you improve. Read assignments at least twice. Sometimes the second time will clarify information for you. If you are having difficulty, get help from your teacher immediately. Review your assignments regularly and you will not have to cram because you will have more time to absorb the information. Follow testing directions carefully. If you realize you have not followed directions let your teacher know as soon as possible. This is a little trick: See if any of the questions asked can help you find the answer to other questions. If you are nervous, breathe in slowly and deeply and breathe out slowly and deeply. Release the tension in your body by relaxing your muscles. Clench your muscles tightly, hold for a few seconds, and then let go. Get a good night's sleep and eat a nutritious breakfast. This will help you do better everyday as well as on testing days.   Think positive! Tell yourself that you can do it. Learn to read charts, graphs, and maps and interpret the data. Questions about date interpretation appear on most tests.   Talk about what you do in class and tell your parents what you are reading. Students who talk about what they read with family or peers, score higher on tests. REMEMBER: Don't get discouraged keep your focus on: