1. Test Taking Skills
How to beat the Test!!!

2. Parts of a Multiple Choice Question
Stem-question
Answer Choices-lettered A, B, C, D
Key-correct answer choice
Distracters-incorrect answer choices, put there to throw you off.
Which of the following ancient civilizations had pyramids and mummification as part of their culture?
Mesopotamia
India
Egypt
Rome

3. Multiple Choice Questions
Eliminate choices you know are wrong.
Zero in And Pick or ZAP
Kjfzklf jklas jrljawk 134jlk 3ujoi?
jkfjkjeiosr
jies
omelr
325u4i

4. Multiple Choice Questions
If there are two opposite answers be sure to go ahead and ZAP the one that is less likely to be correct.
Read all responses before making a final choice.
This helps you ZAP any incorrect or only partially correct answers.
Write 5-5 using positive
exponents.
  a. 1/-55
b. 1/5-5
c. 1/55
d. –1/55

5. Multiple Choice Questions
Reread the question or stem until you understand what the question is asking.
If you still don’t understand the question go on to the next one, but be sure to come back before you finish that section of the test and complete the question.
Which phrase characterizes the development of the Renaissance in Europe?
a. The exchange of important agricultural techniques
b.The rebirth of interest in classical art, architecture, and literature
c.The desire to modernize the styles of paintings and sculptures
d. The announcement of corruption in the medieval church

6. Multiple Choice Questions
Examine any accompanying text or graphics.
Many times the text or graphics holds the answer.
Which group in ancient Athens was permitted to vote?
Foreigners
Wives of citizens
Children
Male citizens

7. Multiple Choice Questions
Be alert of clues that may be in the other multiple choice questions on the test.

8. Multiple Choice Questions
Once you determine a response is incorrect, don’t consider it again
If no response can be ZAPPED, then do not guess immediately.
Come back to this question later.
Do NOT leave any questions blank!
If you leave a question blank you have 0% chance of getting it correct. You have a 25% chance if you mark an answer.

9. Multiple Choice Questions
In "All of the above" and "None of the above" choices, if you are certain one of the statements is true don't choose "None of the above" or one of the statements are false don't choose "All of the above".
In a question with an "All of the above" choice, if you see that at least two correct statements, then "All of the above" is probably the answer.

10. Short Answer & Extended Response
Ask yourself which type of question it is-Short answer or extended response?
This helps you understand how many points the question is worth and where those points might be coming from.

11. Short Answer & Extended Response
Make sure that you write down everything that is asked of you and do your best to organize the info. Make it easy for the scorer to find what they are looking for

12. Short Answer & Extended Response
If the question is asking for facts, don't give your personal opinion on the topic

13. Short Answer & Extended Response
When writing your essay, try to be as neat as possible, neater papers usually receive higher marks.
This is because it is easier for the grader to see the correct answer.

14. Short Answer & Extended Response
Use a graphic organizer/pre-write to help you write your essay.
This way your essay will be more organized and fluid.
If you happen to run out of time, most instructors will give you partial credit for the ideas that you have outlined.
Make sure the outline is in the box but only takes up the first few lines, so that there is still plenty of room for your written answer.

15. Short Answer & Extended Response
Read the question carefully and make sure that you answer everything that it asks for. Some short answer & extended response questions have multiple parts.

16. Short Answer & Extended Response
Try not to leave an answer blank. Show your work/write down your thoughts, even if you don't get the exact answer, partial credit is usually awarded.

17. Short Answer & Extended Response
Budget your time. If you have an hour to write 3 essays, spend no more than 20 minutes on each essay, then if you have time left over at the end go back and finish any incomplete essays.

18. Short Answer & Extended Response
If you have time left at the end, proofread your work and correct any errors.

19. Reminders Go to bed earlier than normal: Get a good night’s rest
Be sure to eat breakfast
Schedule Dr.’s appointments for the afternoon or on a day we are not testing!