How to show what you know! Taking Exams How to show what you know!

Types of Exams

Objective Exams Include Surveying Knowing ground rules Answering easy questions first Picking out key words Reading multiple choice questions Reading other types of questions

Surveying Before beginning the test, briefly glance over it Find out what types of questions are being asked Helps you to know what to expect where you might need to spend more of your time

Know the Rules! ALWAYS read directions! Answer exactly as the directions state Make sure your answers are clear Find out what the scoring rules are for the test and use them to your advantage If wrong answers are not penalized, then try to answer ALL questions, even if you are not 100% sure about the answer

Easy Questions First Answer easy questions first Answer harder questions second If you spend too long trying to answer a hard question, you may run out of time and miss the opportunity to answer questions you did know the answer to

Key Words Questions usually contain one or more key words Learn to spot key words in the statement that define the meaning

Multiple Choice Questions Multiple choice questions are essentially true-false questions arranged in groups Usually only one choice is correct Pick the choice that is MORE true than the others Eliminate obvious false choices

Other Types of Questions Matching Questions Use same methods as true-false or multiple choice questions to answer Scan the entire list of alternatives before matching any Identify key words in each list and test them

Other Types of Questions Completion Questions Require you to provide a word or phrase Choose your words carefully If you are not sure about the answer, make an educated guess Often, such responses receive at least partial credit

Essay Exams Plan your time Follow directions Scan options Good Writing

Plan Your Time THIS IS VITAL! First, read through the entire exam Get a feel for the questions you are expected to answer If you are allowed to to choose from a number of questions, be sure to number your answers EXACTLY to match the questions

Follow Directions Completely read through the directions Pay attention to key words List Describe Compare and contrast Outline Etc. Answer question directly- don’t “write around” it

Scan Options Choose the options that you know the most about Prepare an outline for your answers Helps to remember important ideas and facts to be included in your response

Good Writing Good handwriting is essential Use good grammar, punctuation, and spelling Use excellent word choice