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.
Download
Report
Transcript 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.
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.