Test Taking

1
Test Taking
Created by Curtis Mckague Learning Skills
Advisor Conestoga College
2
Testing

• Test Preparation
• Test Taking

3
Quality Test Preparation

• Go to class
• Listen actively while in class
• Take good notes in class
• Read textbook actively
• Create good textbook notes
• Combine your class and text notes into
• Condensed notes (e.g. cue cards)
• In your own words
• Pictures and graphs
• Study practice test

4
Cramming
5
Test Preparation

• Dont cram!
• Rule of thumb
• ½ to 1 hr of studying for every 1 of test
• e.g. 30 test 15-30 hrs of study
• Best memory?
• Frequent but short study sessions

6
Test Time!
7
Quick Quiz

• There were 4 MC questions. How much was each MC
  question worth?
• There were 2 short answer questions.
• Did you have to answer both questions?
• How much was each short answer question worth?
•  Stat
• Only 20 will read and follow test directions!

8
Multiple Choice Questions

• 1. Biology is
• A type of rock
• Is where animals are kept
• Is the study of science
• Is the study of life
• None of the above
• All of the above

9
Multiple Choice Questions

• 1. Biology is
• A type of science
• Study animals, plants, cells

10
Multiple Choice Questions

• 1. Biology is
• A type of rock
• Is where animals are kept
• Is the study of science
• Is the study of life
• None of the above
• All of the above

11
Multiple Choice Questions

• 1. Biology is
• A type of rock
• Is where animals are kept
• Is the study of science
• Is the study of life
• None of the above
• All of the above
• Stuck? A) Dont guess!
• B) Put a symbol
• C) Move on

12

• Conestogas mascot is a
• Black-colored bird on the website

13
Multiple Choice Questions

• Conestogas mascot is a
• Badger
• Bear
• Condor
• Cougar
• None of the above

14
Multiple Choice Questions

• Which of the following is not a useful study tip
  when preparing for tests

15
Multiple Choice Questions

• Which of the following is not a useful study tip
  when preparing for tests
• Taking breaks during your study sessions
• Planning your reading and studying schedule well
  ahead of the test date
• Waiting until the last minute to cram so that you
  dont forget anything you studied from a long
  time ago
• Practicing frequently over time for short
  durations

DO
DO
NOT
DO
16
Multiple Choice Questions

• You may have one of the following learning
  styles
• Which one do I have?
• But it says styles with an s?
• Hmmmthe question says may?
• What does this question ask?
• Think like the instructor!

17
Multiple Choice Questions

• You may have one of the following learning
  styles
• Auditory
• Visual
• Kinesthetic
• All of the above
• None of the above

18
Multiple Choice Questions

• 1. Biology is
• A type of rock
• Is where animals are kept
• Is the study of science
• Is the study of life
• None of the above
• All of the above
• Brainstorm Science
• Bio Chem Physics

19
Strategies for Multiple Choice

• Cover the answer choices
• Read Q carefully
• Highlight important words (watch for qualifiers
  may, some, none, all)
• Rephrase Q in your own words
• Predict possible answers
• Check format of answers
• Look at EACH option in order slowly
• Eliminate incorrect answers
• ID correct answer
• If cant answer, put a symbol and come back later
• Dont leave any answer blank!

20
Short and Long Answer

• Tests comprehension and application
• Explain why and how your argument supports your
  answer
• Include the right number (look at how much Q is
  worth) of specific details (examples and
  terminology) to support your answer
• Answer all parts of the question (watch for
  and)

21
Short Answer Question

• Compare and contrast multiple choice and
  short-answer test questions from the instructors
  perspective. (4 marks)

22
Short Answer Question

• Compare and contrast multiple choice and
  short-answer test questions from the instructors
  perspective. (4 marks)
• Compare similarities
• Contrast differences
• Instructors perspective why would an instructor
  choose to use MC questions on a test? Why use
  short-answer questions?

23
Short Answer Question

• Compare and contrast multiple choice and
  short-answer test questions from the instructors
  perspective. (4 marks)

24
General Test-Taking Strategies

• Put your name on the test
• Read and follow directions!
• Preview your test
• pages, Qs, Q types
• Allot time by weight of questions
• Read each Q carefully
• Watch for qualifiers (always, not, none, some)
• Underline key words define
• Rephrase Q in your own words

25
General Test-Taking Strategies

• Short-answer Questions
• Explain why and how your argument supports your
  answer
• Give enough details
• Give specific details
• Answer all parts of the question (watch for
  and)
• Maybe use a checklist

26
Nervous About Tests?
27
Test Anxiety

• Prepare
• Answer questions that you know
• Breathing and relaxation exercises
• Fantastic help through counselling services

28
Be Physically Ready

• Get enough sleep
• Eat well
• Protein eggs, bacon, peanut butter, cheese,
  yogurt, tofu
• Be on TIME!

29
Extra Help
Curtis McKague Michele Brannon-Hamilton Learning
Skills Advisors