Exam Taking

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
  texts author
• Questions in supplemental materials
• Discussions with classmates and instructor

3
Tips

• Save all quizzes, papers, or labsyou 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 falsethe 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 difficultBE
  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.