Test Taking
GENERAL TIPS FOR TEST-TAKING
Be on time. Arrive early so you can organize yourself and get ready. Find a good seat and get comfortable.
Manage your anxiety. Stay calm and in control. Use relaxation techniques to reduce tension and help yourself relax.
Pay particular attention to any verbal directions that you are given. Sometimes the instructor will make changes or corrections that aren't included in the written directions. It could be costly if you miss such verbal instructions.
Put your name on the paper. Your instructor cannot give you credit unless he or she knows to whom the test paper belongs.
Write down things you have memorized. Get them off your mind early on. If you begin by writing them down in the margins on your test paper, you won't have to worry about forgetting them because they'll be written down right in front of you.
Scan over the entire exam. See how many and what types of questions are on the test. Notice the point value for each question. Develop a plan for how you will use the time available for the test. Decide how much time you should devote to each question and how much time you'll need for review. Then follow your plan.
Read the directions slowly, carefully, and completely. Make sure you know what is expected from you.
Ask your instructor for clarification. If there is anything that is not clear to you, ask questions right away. Don't begin a test with any doubt in your mind.
Answer the easiest questions first. This way you'll be sure to get credit for the ones you know. This will give you the experience of success and will help reduce anxiety. Also, this is a great warm-up device which will build your momentum and your confidence. Don't spend a lot of time on any one question. If you are unsure about a question, mark it and go back to it later.
Go back and do the moderately difficult questions.
Use memory techniques when you're stuck. If your recall on a certain point is blocked, try using something that may stimulate your memory. Try remembering something that's related. Mnemonic devices and mind maps may be especially helpful.
"Time and weight check." See how much time you have left. Are you pacing yourself according to the time plan you initially devised? Remember: Put your time where the points are.
Look for answers in other test questions. A word or fact that escapes your memory can sometimes be found in another question within the test itself. You can also use other questions to stimulate your memory.
Do your own work. Be careful not to give the impression of cheating. Do your own work and do not give any help to others.
Tackle the difficult questions. Read each question carefully and try your best in answering them.
Use the full time allowed to complete the test. Don't rush. Take your time. Answer all the questions that you can. Don't be disturbed by other students finishing before you do.
Check your work. Leave time to check, edit, and proofread your work. Look for careless mistakes. Make sure you answered all the questions -- this is especially important since you skipped around while completing the test. Be careful about changing answers. Your first instinct is usually best. Don't change your answer unless you are sure your other choice is correct. If you think your first answer is wrong because you misread the question, then change your answer.
TIPS FOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF TESTS
MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
Stems, Options, and Distractors
Multiple-choice questions are usually either incomplete statements followed by possible ways the statements may be completed, or they are questions followed by possible answers.
The first part of a multiple-choice question is called the STEM.
The choices that are given for the answers are called OPTIONS.
Options are written so that one is the correct answer and the others are distractors.
Eliminate the Distractors
The basic strategy for answering a multiple-choice question is to eliminate the distractors and to select the correct answer, the option that is not a distractor. One way to locate distractors is to analyze a multiple-choice question as though it is a series of true-false questions.
Use Common Sense and Sound Reasoning
Also, you may sometimes be able to select the correct answer to a multiple-choice question by using common sense, sound reasoning, experiences you have had, and information you know.
Absolute Statements
When you answer multiple-choice questions, keep in mind that absolute statements tend to be distractors.
Unfamiliar-Looking Terms or Phrases
Unfamiliar-looking terms or phrases are seldom the correct answers to college test questions.
Jokes and Insults
Jokes and insults are seldom correct answers to multiple-choice questions.
"All of the Above"
When one of the options for a multiple choice question is "all of the above," it is likely to be the correct answer.
High and Low Numbers
When the options for a multiple-choice question are a series of numbers, the highest and lowest numbers tend to be distractors.
Two Similar-Looking Answers
When two options to a multiple-choice question are similar looking, the correct answer is often one of the two similar-looking options.
TRUE-FALSE QUESTIONS
Assume Statements are True
When you answer a true-false question, assume that it is true unless you can determine that it is false. This strategy will help you to arrive at accurate decisions efficiently. Also, there is a slight tendency for true-false tests to include more true statements than false statements. The reason for this seems to be that it is easier to write true statements than it is to write false statements that appear to be true. As a result, when you must guess at the answer to a true-false question, you usually have an advantage when you guess that it is true.
All Parts of Statements Must be True
A second strategy for true-false questions is to keep in mind that for a statement to be true, all parts of it must be true. As a result, the more facts that are included in a statement, the more likely it is to be false. A statement does not need to be long to contain several parts.
Reasons Tend to be False
You may find it helpful to know that true-false questions tend to be false when they state a reason. Be alerted by words such as "because," "reason," and "since," which indicate that a reason is stated in the question.
MATCHING QUESTIONS
Use one list as the starting point for making all matches.
If one list contains longer statements than the other list, use it as the starting point for making matches.
Cross out items as you match them.
FILL-IN QUESTIONS
Decide what type of answer is required and give that type of answer.
Keep in mind that the word "an" before a write-on line may be a clue that the answer begins with a vowel sound such as those represented by A, E, I, or U.
ESSAY QUESTIONS
Understand the direction words.
Answer all parts of the questions.
Write well-organized answers.
Write complete answers.
Proofread your answers.
TERMS COMMONLY USED IN ESSAY QUESTIONS
The following words are commonly found in essay test questions. Be sure you know them well.
| Analyze |
- Break the subject into separate parts and explain each part
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| Compare |
- Examine 2 or more things, identify and emphasize similarities but also discuss differences
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| Contrast |
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| Criticize |
- Make judgments; analyze the good points and the limitations
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| Define |
- Give a clear, concise meaning. Specify unique qualities and characteristics
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| Describe |
- Give a detailed account of the subject listing characteristics, qualities, and parts
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| Discuss |
- Consider in detail and debate the pros and cons of an issue
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| Enumerate |
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| Evaluate |
- Discuss advantages/ disadvantages, good points/bad points
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| Explain |
- Give reasons for; make clear; interpret
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| Identify |
- Give correct description of events, places, or persons
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| Illustrate |
- Explain clearly by giving concrete examples and/or using diagrams
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| Interpret |
- Explain; provide examples; comment upon; describe relationships; solve
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| Justify |
- Provide reasons for; give evidence or facts to support a position
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| Outline |
- Provide main points and vital details in an organized fashion
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| Prove |
- Give evidence; provide logical reasoning with examples; demonstrate validity
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| Relate |
- Point out connections/associations to show how things interconnect
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| State |
- Explain precisely by giving a clear, brief account of the high points
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| Summarize |
- Briefly provide main points or facts, include conclusions
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| Trace |
- Follow the course of; describe sequence of events or the progress of a subject or an event
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