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.