Test Taking

What to Do Before the Test

    Manage Review Time:

      • Daily reviews
      • Weekly reviews
      • Major reviews

    Create Review Tools:

      • Study checklists
      • Mind map summary sheets
      • Flashcards

    Plan a Strategy:

      • Do a dry run
      • Ask the instructor what to expect

 

What to Do During the Test

      • Pay particular attention to verbal directions given as the test is distributed.
      • Scan the whole test immediately.
      • 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.
      • Read the directions slowly.
      • Jot down memory aids, formulas, equations, facts, or other material you know you'll need and might forget.

 

Test Taking In General

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

 

Typical Online Test Questions

    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.

    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.

    Machine-graded tests

      • Make sure the answer you mark corresponds to the question you are answering. Watch for stray marks.

    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.

    Short-answer, fill-in-the-blank questions

      • Concentrate on key words and facts. Be brief.

    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.
        • Write legibly.
        • Be brief.
        • Use a pen.
        • Write on one side of the page only