Which statement is NOT a test anxiety strategy?

• A. Plan for tests.
• B. Learn to outline.
• C. Do some deep breathing.
• D. Stay calm but avoid planning.

Answer: (D)

Managing test anxiety works best when you combine preparation with strategies that reduce arousal. Planning for tests helps you know what to expect, manage your time, and avoid last-minute scrambling that spikes stress. Learning to outline gives you a clear structure for answering questions, which boosts confidence and helps you recall information more easily. Doing some deep breathing is a practical relaxation technique that lowers physical signs of anxiety, helping you stay focused.

Staying calm but avoiding planning conflicts with how anxiety is effectively managed. If you don’t plan, you’re more likely to feel unprepared and surprised by what the test asks, which can keep anxiety high. So, that statement isn’t a test anxiety strategy because it neglects the preparation and organization that actually help reduce stress and improve performance.