Test Taking Strategies

The most important thing to remember before every test is… This is only a TEST! Tests are just your instructor’s way of measuring how much you’ve learned of the materials that were taught.

Test Types There are 4 major test types 1.True or False 2.Multiple Choice 3.Fill in the blank 4.Essay

True or False You have a 50% chance of choosing the right answer Use 2 strategies for guessing the right answer: 1.Assume a statement is if it contains absolute words. (always, never, none, everyone) 1.Assume a statement is false if it contains absolute words. (always, never, none, everyone) 2.Assume a statement is if any part of it is false. (To bake a cake you need flour, eggs, and pepper.) 2.Assume a statement is false if any part of it is false. (To bake a cake you need flour, eggs, and pepper.)

True or False… 1.A trawl uses a net that is cast from a deploy vessel. It encircles tuna and drawn back aboard the mother ship. 2.The red wavelength penetrates the deepest in seawater. 3.Gonochoric corals release gametes into the water column from male and female individuals.

Multiple Choice Tests When taking a multiple choice test, you usually have 4 options. Your job is to identify the one correct option. You can do this by: 1.IF you know the material, first answer the question mentally and then read all the options and choose the correct one. 2.IF you know the material but can’t answer the question mentally, read all the options, eliminate those you know are incorrect, and choose the answer from those items remaining. The more options you eliminate, the more likely you are to choose correctly. 3.If you do not know the material, or if you can’t figure out the answer, guess.

Multiple choice question 1. All of the following are major greenhouse gases except A. Calcium Carbonate B. Methane C. Water vapor D. Carbon Dioxide 2. The Hawaiian Island chain was formed by A. volcanic activity at a convergent plate boundary B. land which broke off the North American continent C. a hot spot in the upper mantle D. seafloor spreading along a ridge

Fill-in-the-blank Tests Fill-in tests may require you to recall an answer from memory or choose an answer from a list of options. 1.Decide what kind of answer the statement requires. Knowing what it asks will help you recall or select the right way. 2.The way in which a statement is written may help you decide how to complete it. Your answer should complete the statement logically and grammatically. 3.Key words in statements may help you determine what topic the question covers.

Fill-in-the-blank question What is the Great Pacific Garbage Patch? __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ ____________________________________

Essay Test 1.Read the question carefully and make sure you understand what the question asks. 2.Watch for instruction words. Short-answer questions often ask you to supply definitions, examples, or other specific pieces of information. 3.Concentrate on answering the questions briefly and precisely. 4.Stay on the topic and avoid stating your opinion or making judgments, unless the questions ask for you to do so. 5.Restate the question in your answer. Doing this makes it easier for your instructor to read and follow your answer. There are 2 types of essay questions, those that require a short answer and those that require a longer, more developed answer.

Describe a local fishpond, it’s productivity, how it’s managed and water quality factors (e.g., dissolved O 2, pH, nitrate, and salinity). Essay Test

Some Test Taking Strategies “F” “F” First read the directions. “L” “L” Look over the test. “E” “E”Easiest questions answered first. “A” “A”Answer questions that are worth more. “S” “S”Skip a question your unsure of.

BE CAREFUL! “R”Read the ENTIRE question and ALL choices before answering. “A”Analyze the context and figure out unknown words. “I”Identify key words in the question and answer choices. “N”Notice the negatives. They can change the meaning of the question or answer, so BE CAREFUL! “S”Search for grammatical clues in fill in the blank questions. If it doesn’t sound right, IT ISN’T! When taking a test, use the “RAINS” method to help you identify what is being asked for.

Mapset your course Map your goals & set your course for achievement! If you’re going to be successful, you’ve got to see yourself successful!

1.Try not to do to much studying at one time. 2.Plan specific times for studying. 3.Try to study at the same time each day. 4.Set specific goals for your study time. 5.Start studying when you planned. 6.Work on the assignments you feel most difficult first. 7.Review your notes before beginning an assignment. 8.Tell your friends not to call during your study time. 9.Call another student when you have difficulty with an assignment. 10.Review your class-work over the weekend. The 10 study habits of a SUCCESSFUL STUDENT

1.Focus on homework. Make sure you review your notes everyday. 2.Keep your notes neat and clear. Highlight or underline important information. 3.Keep your school materials organized together. 4.Use your time efficiently. If you get stuck on an assignment, put it aside and come back to it later. 5.Always look ahead. If you get done early, do a little extra. 6.Do research wisely. Use internet sources cautiously! 7.Use technology. Computer programs like Word, PowerPoint, etc. can make life easier if you learn how to use them. 8.Find your way. You will have to find what works best for you when studying and completing assignments. 9.Prioritize what you have to get done. School must come before fun! 10.Communicate with teachers. If something is unclear, ask for help. Help Yourself Succeed