Exam Taking Kinds of Tests and Test Taking Strategies

Source of Exam Questions Textbook chapters Lecture notes Old exams Target questions by you and those provided by the text’s author Questions in supplemental materials Discussions with classmates and instructor

Tips Save all quizzes, papers, or labs—you may see a deviated form on the final Ask the instructor about the test Arrive early for the test Listen to verbal instructions Read all test instructions

Tips Do Not cram Study deeply Engage in a relaxed activity 1-2 hours prior to the test. Have everything you need for the test. Avoid peers that are “over anxious” or “anxiety generators.”

General Rules for Test Taking Read instructions carefully. Scan the test to determine time allocation for each section. Focus on the test, rather than your feelings. Prior to taking the test, decide whether or not to begin with the easier or more difficult questions first

General Rules for Test Taking Rules of Thumb Generally most student begin with the easier questions first This gives a degree of success before addressing the more difficult questions Can stimulate answers for questions to follow

General Rules for Test Taking Make sure you understand what each question/section is asking If you cannot answer a question, mark that question and come back to it later Perhaps the answer will appear later on in the test Sequential questions may trigger your memory Upon test completion make sure you have answered all questions

Kinds of Test Questions Multiple Choice Question Cover-up the answer choices prior to reading the questions Make sure you identify exactly what the question is asking. Answer the question mentally before uncovering the choices Generally your first answer/instinct is correct Do NOT change an answer unless your are sure your second choice is correct

Multiple Choice Test Questions Check to see if there can be more than one answer. Mark any questions you are unsure of and return to the question later. Pay attention to qualifiers, I.e. “except,” “seldom,” “often, ” “opposite,” etc…

Multiple Choice Test Questions Some general guidelines, if you are unsure of the correct answer: If two answers are similar, with an exception of one or two words, choose one of the responses as your answer. If two answers have similar sounding words, choose one of the responses for you answer.

Multiple Choice Test Questions - Guidelines If answering a question where the answer will complete a sentence, eliminate any responses which would make the sentence grammatically incorrect. If given two quantities as your choices that a close, choose one of the two responses. If given a wide range of quantities, choose one response that is in the middle.

True and False Questions Guidelines These questions are generally low point value, so answer them quickly. Read carefully, but do not spend too much time. If any part of the statement is false—the answer is false. Look for qualifiers. I.e. “all,” “most,” “never,” “sometimes,” and “rarely” because the answer depends of the qualifier.

True and False Questions Guidelines Qualifiers “always” and “never” generally make the statement false.

Short Answer/Fill-In the Blank Generally these questions require definitions or short descriptions. Remember to be brief.

Essay Question Tests Read the question carefully! Know precisely what the question is asking. Make an outline prior to writing. Use appropriate terminology. Be concise. Avoid long sentence introductions.

Essay Question Tests Use supporting details, facts, and examples. Write a brief outline in the margin. Pay attention to style: Write legibly Use a pen Use one-side of the paper

Essay Question Tests Preparation Predict the questions. Pay attention to your target questions. Write out the answer to your questions. Review all lecture notes and reading assignments. Pay close attention to your highlights and markings.

Essay Questions’ Direction Words Glossary Account for Explain the causes of Analyze Divide into parts and describe each part; evaluate the event or issue Assess Decide the importance of something, and give reasons

Essay Questions’ Direction Words Glossary Classify Arrange into groups or categories Comment on Explain why something is important Compare Describe the similarities Concise short, and brief Contrast Describe the differences between two things

‘ Essay Questions’ Direction Words Glossary Criteria The requirements or rules for something Deduction The conclusion or generalization you arrive at after carefully examining all the facts Discuss Give both sides of an issue and present your opinion Distinguish between Describe the difference between things

‘ Essay Questions’ Direction Words Glossary Evaluate Explain the importance of something Factors The facts or circumstances that impact the results/findings Function The role or purpose of something Given an account of Describe

‘ Essay Questions’ Direction Words Glossary Identify Point out and describe; name Illustrate Give examples to prove your answer is correct Implications Why something is significant or important; long term effects or results In relation to Refer to a specific aspect of something

‘ Essay Questions’ Direction Words Glossary In the context of In a particular setting; referring to Indicate Show, demonstrate Limitations Explain where something is not useful or irrelevant to the function of something Scope The extent or influence of something

Essay Questions’ Direction Words Glossary Significance The consequence and importance of something Summarize Give the main points of a broad subject; explain in what ways something is valid or invalid; Is there evidence that the facts prove the statement?

Open Book Tests On a separate paper, prepare a key. It saves time. Paper clip or use post-its on specific pages that contain pertinent information. Make sure any notes you use, are organized and reference the book page. Book test are generally the most difficult— BE PREPARED!!

Machine Scored Tests Periodically check the number of test question to its corresponding number on the answer sheet. Erase stray markings that may be interpreted as an answer.

After the Exam Reward yourself. Learn from the exam. Look for patterns to your incorrect responses. Talk to your professor.