Test-Taking Skills

Effective Strategies for Tackling Multiple-Choice Questions

• Understand the Instructions: Before you start, carefully read the instructions to determine if questions might have multiple correct answers and how to select your responses.

• Preview and Predict: Read each question and formulate an answer before considering the provided options. This will help you avoid incorrect choices.

• Evaluate Choices Systematically: Consider all answer options. Begin by eliminating those that are clearly wrong. Then, compare the remaining choices with your initial answer to identify the most accurate one.

• Analyze Keywords: Pay attention to the language used in the questions and answers. Words like "never," "always," and "every" often indicate incorrect answers, while "usually," "often," and "rarely" suggest a statement may be correct. Also, watch for the word "not," which can significantly alter the meaning of a statement.

• Skip and Return: If you need clarification on a question, move on and return to it later. Sometimes, clues in other questions help you recall or deduce the correct answer.

• Answer Every Question: Unless penalized for wrong answers, fill in a response for every question. Leaving questions blank is a missed opportunity to gain points.

By applying these methods, you can approach multiple-choice exams with a more strategic mindset.

Strategies for True/False Questions on Exams

• • Watch for Key Words: Pay close attention to absolute terms like "never," "always," "every," "none," and "not." These can be crucial in determining the truthfulness of a statement.

  • Prioritize Questions: Answer the questions that seem straightforward first. This approach saves time and builds confidence. Return to more complex questions later.

  • Restate Questions: If a statement is in the positive, try rephrasing it in the negative by adding "not" or "never." Evaluate whether this change makes the statement sound more true or false.

  • Informed Guessing: If you must guess, opt for "true," as tests tend to have a higher proportion of true statements. However, avoid guessing if incorrect answers carry a penalty greater than leaving a response blank.

• Assess the Columns: Examine both columns to understand the matching criteria. Check if there's an equal number of items in each column. If not, determine whether some items from the shorter column must match multiple items in the longer column or if some can remain unmatched. Always read the directions carefully for specific instructions.

• Analyze Content Before Matching: If one column contains single words and the other phrases, read through all phrases first to grasp their context, then review the single words. This approach helps identify the best matches when you revisit each phrase.

• Strategize by Parts of Speech: For columns with single words, streamline your matching process by grouping similar parts of speech, such as nouns with nouns and verbs with verbs. This method reduces confusion and narrows down the possible matches.

• Prioritize Easy Matches: Start with matches that are immediately clear to you. This tactic not only secures quick points but also reduces the pool of options, making it easier to tackle more challenging matches.

• Track Your Progress: As you confirm each match, mark the items off. This visual cue helps you keep track of remaining unmatched words or phrases, simplifying the process as you progress.

Short answer questions require you to recall and provide specific information directly relevant to the question. When you encounter a short answer question, first analyze what the instructor asks for explicitly. Aim to keep your responses concise and focused, directly addressing the question without unnecessary detail. This approach ensures clarity and precision, which are key to effectively tackling short-answer exam questions.

Effective Strategies for Answering Essay Questions

Essay questions assess your ability to think critically and apply your knowledge of the course material. Expressing your ideas is crucial, supported by specific examples from lectures and readings.

• Plan Your Response: Assess the number and complexity of the essay questions. Allocate your time accordingly to cover all questions adequately.

• Analyze the Question: Carefully read the question, highlighting or underlining key terms and instruction words. Words like "analyze," "compare," "contrast," "define," and "discuss" dictate the approach you should take in your response. Refer to the table below for specific directives associated with these keywords.

• Utilize Other Exam Sections: To enrich your essay, draw on terms and details recalled from multiple-choice or short-answer sections.

• Outline Your Thoughts: If time permits, draft a quick outline to organize your thoughts and ensure you cover all critical points. Even a partial outline can earn marks if you need more time.

• Be Concise and Direct: Start your essay with a clear thesis statement and avoid filler text. For instance, instead of saying, "In our study of the Civil War, it is helpful to consider many facets that lead to conflict," write, "Economic factors were a primary cause of the Civil War."

• Maintain Clarity and Neatness: Write legibly and use correct grammar and spelling to make your essay easy and pleasant to read.

• Proofread: Allocate time at the end to review your essay for any mistakes and ensure you have answered every part of the question.

• Understand Subjectivity: Remember that essay grading can be subjective. A well-organized, clearly written, and engaging essay can favorably create a positive impression and influence grading.

Key Terms in Essay Questions:

• Analyze: Break the concept into parts, showing how they connect.
• Compare and Contrast: Identify similarities and differences, explaining their implications.
• Critique: Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses, providing evidence for your judgments.
• Define: Provide a clear and concise definition using your own words, supported by examples.
• Discuss: Explore the issue from various perspectives, outlining the pros and cons.
• Explain: Offer a clear and logical explanation, focusing on clarity and depth.
• Illustrate: Use examples to clarify and support your points.
• Prove: Justify a claim with appropriate evidence and reasoning.
• Summarize: Provide a concise overview of the main points, optionally including examples if specifically requested.