Test Taking Strategies: Tips, Techniques, and Types of Questions

1. Exam Taking Kinds of Tests and Test Taking Strategies

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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.”

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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…

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

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

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

15. 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.

16. 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

17. 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.

18. 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

19. 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

20. ‘ 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

21. ‘ 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

22. ‘ 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

23. ‘ 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

24. 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?

25. 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!!

26. 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.

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