South Central College

Test Taking

What to Do Before the Test

1. Manage Review Time:
   • Daily reviews.
   • Weekly reviews.
   • Major reviews.
     
2. Create Review Tools:
   • Study checklists.
   • Mind map summary sheets.
   • Flashcards.
     
3. Plan a Strategy:
   • Do a dry run.
   • Ask the instructor what to expect

What to Do During the Test

1. Pay particular attention to verbal directions given as the test is distributed.
2. Scan the whole test immediately.
3. Notice how many points each part of the test is worth and estimate how much time you will need for each section; use its point value as your guide.
4. Read the directions slowly.
5. Jot down memory aids, formulas, equations, facts, or other material you know you'll need and might forget.

Test Taking In General

1. Answer the easiest, shortest questions first.
2. Next answer multiple choice, true or false, and fill-in-the-blank questions.
3. Then proceed to short-answer and essay questions.
4. Use memory techniques when you're stuck.
5. Pace yourself.
6. Leave plenty of space between answers.
7. Look for answers in other test questions.
8. In quick-answer questions, your first instinct is usually best.

Typical Online Test Questions

1. Multiple choice questions
   • Check the directions to see if the questions call for more than one answer.
   • Answer each question in your head before you look at the possible answers.
   • If you have no clue as to what the answer is, and if incorrect answers are not deducted from your score, use the following guidelines to guess:
     • If two answers are similar, except for one or two words, choose one of these answers.
     • If two answers have similar sounding or looking words (intermediate-intermittent), choose one of these answers.
     • If the answer calls for a sentence completion, eliminate the answers that would not form grammatically correct sentences.
     • If two quantities are almost the same, choose one.
     • If answers cover a wide range (4.5, 66.7, 88.7, 90.1, 5000.11)choose one in the middle.
     • If there is no penalty for guessing and none of the above techniques work, choose one that sounds familiar.
2. True/false questions
   • Answer true/false questions quickly.
   • Read carefully. Sometimes one word can make a statement inaccurate.
   • Look for qualifiers like all, most, sometimes, never, or rarely. Absolute qualifiers such as always or never generally indicate a false statement.
     
3. Machine-graded tests
   • Make sure the answer you mark corresponds to the question you are answering. Watch for stray marks.
     
4. Open-book tests
   • Tape tabs onto important pages of the book. You could also use paper clips.
   • Prepare thoroughly for open-book exams. They are almost always the most difficult tests.
     
5. Short-answer, fill-in-the-blank questions
   • Concentrate on key words and facts. Be brief.
     
6. Essay questions
   • Find out what the question is asking-precisely.
   • Make a quick outline.
   • Get to the point.
   • Include part of the question in your answer.
   • Start out with the most solid points.
     1. Write legibly.
     2. Be brief.
     3. Use a pen.
     4. Write on one side of the page only