Developing Strategies for Recall, Math, and Essay Tests Chapter 13 Developing Strategies for Recall, Math, and Essay Tests

Recall Questions Fill-in-the-Blank Listing Definition Short Answer Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

Elements of Strong Answers for Recall Questions Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

Elements of Strong Answers for Recall Questions (Cont) Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

Strategies for Fill-in-the-Blank Questions Study from the backs of your index cards. Use immediate response. Use delayed response; search your memory for the category and ask questions. Use assisted response by skimming the rest of the test. Substitute a related synonym or phrase. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

Strategies for Listing Questions Predict test questions when you study. Underline key words and determine whether the question is closed or open ended. Use immediate response Use delayed response; do a memory search and ask questions. Use assisted response. Substitute a related synonym or phrase. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

Strategies for Definition Questions Read the question carefully. Underline the term to be defined. Use the three steps for writing definitions: The category The definition One additional detail Use delayed response and assisted response if necessary. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

Strategies for Answering Short-Answer Questions Identify the direction word or underline the key words. Make a mental plan or short list of key ideas to use in your answer. Write a strong, focused opening sentence. Add additional sentences with specific details. Use delayed and assisted response if necessary. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

Common Direction Words Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

Essential Strategies for Math Tests Read the directions carefully and thoroughly until you understand the type of answer required. Categorize the problem. Estimate a reasonable answer before you begin solving the problem. Show your work all the way through to the last step of solving the problem. Check your work one final time. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

Test-Taking Errors on Math Tests Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

RSTUV Problem-Solving Method Read the problem, not once or twice, but until you understand it. Select the unknown; find out what the problem asks for. Think of a plan to solve the problem. Use the techniques you are studying to carry out the plan. Verify the answer. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

Essential Strategies for Preparing for Essay Tests Identify major themes developed in the course. Create summary notes that include textbook, lecture, and homework information for each theme. Use the list of possible themes and your summary notes to predict and write practice test questions. When the topics for the essay are announced in advance, generate detailed notes on the topic. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

Essential Strategies for Preparing for Essay Tests (Cont) When the questions are announced in advance, gather and organize pertinent information, practice writing essay answers. Organize materials for an open-book essay test. For take-home essay tests, plan your time well. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

Direction Words for Essay Questions Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

Direction Words for Essay Questions (Cont) Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

Direction Words for Essay Questions (Cont) Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

Strategies for Answering Essay Questions Identify and underline the direction word and other key words. Write a strong, focused opening sentence called a thesis sentence or thesis statement. Create an organizational plan for your answer before you begin writing: A brief outline A visual mapping A hierarchy A list of ideas to develop Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

Suggestions to Develop an Effective Essay Limit each paragraph to one main idea. Use complete sentences. Use supporting details. Use course-specific terminology. Use an organizational plan for the essay. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

Tips to Strengthen Your Essay-Writing Skills When you are given options, carefully consider your choice of questions to answer. If you need to answer more than one essay question, begin with the one that is most familiar and easiest for you. Write as neatly as possible. Replace slang or informal language with formal language. Reword sentences to avoid using the informal, second person word you. Replace vague pronouns such as it with the name of the specific item. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

Tips to Strengthen Your Essay-Writing Skills (Cont) Reword to avoid weak "sentence starters" such as Here or There. Consider writing on every other line so you have space to revise. If you turn out of time, turn in your organizational plan. Be sure to write something for every essay question that requires an answer. Weigh the value of different questions. Ask if you can writing your essay on a computer. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.