Tips for Different Kinds of Exams

Test Taking
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True/False Tests
TIP 1.
- Every part of a sentence must be true - If any one part of the sentence is false, the whole sentence is false despite any true statements

True/False Tests
TIP 2. Negatives can be confusing
-If the questions contains negatives, as no, not, cannot -Drop the negative and read what remains -Decide whether that sentence is true or false -If it is true, its opposite, or negative, is usually false

True/False Tests
TIP 3. Qualifiers are words that restrict or open up general statements -Words like sometimes, most, often, frequently, ordinarily, generally open up possibilities of making accurate statements. They make more modest claims, are more likely to reflect reality, and usually indicate true answers.

True/False Tests
TIP 5. Long sentences often include groups of words set off by punctuation
-Pay attention to the truth of each of these phrases. If one is false, it usually indicates a false answer.

True/False Tests
TIP.
-Often true/false tests contain more true answers than false answers. You have more than 50% chance of being right with true. However, your teacher may be the opposite. Review past tests for patterns.

1. Eliminate options you know to be correct

2. Give each option of a question the true-false test 3. Question options that grammatically dont fit with the stem

4. Question options that are totally unfamiliar to you

5. Question options that contain negative or absolute words 6. All of the above
(If you know two of three options seem correct, all of the above is a strong possibility)
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7. Number answers
middle range numbers)

(Toss out the high and low and consider the

8. Look alike options 9. Double negatives

(Choose the best but eliminate choices that mean basically the same thing) (Create the equivalent positive statement)

10. Echo options

(If two options are opposite each other, chances are one of them is correct)

11. Favor options that contain qualifiers 12. If two alternatives seem correct
(Compare them for differences, then refer to the stem to find you best answer)

Guessing
Always guess when there is no penalty Dont guess if you are penalized for guessing and if you have no basis for your choice

Use hints from questions you know

Change you first answers when you are sure of the correction

Words that should describe your answer:

brief compact compressed condensed summary

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Respond directly to the question or directive

- focus on keywords or ideas called for - eliminate those that do not directly address the information requested

Respond and write concise answers

- connect key facts into short sentences

If you can think of several answers, let the teacher know (He may give you a clue of the answer hes looking for) A guess made with common sense could get you more points than leaving an answer blank

Preparation

Begin preparing early Stimulate test conditions

Know your professor

Form a study group
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Read through the exam

Carefully read the instructions Check that you have correctly rewritten the problem Clearly write each step of the solution

Double check your math, especially your calculator entries Dont Dilly Dally (If you get stuck
on a problem move on to the next and come back to it later)

When you are finished, recheck all your work

Test Taking

Before writing out the exam

Write down key words Read through the questions once and note if you have any choice in answering questions (Pay attention to how the
question is phrased)

Before attempting to answer a question, put it in your own words

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Think before you write

Make a brief outline Number the things in the order you will discuss them
- get right to the point - to know a little and know how to present it is superior to know much and presenting it poorly

Writing and Answering

Begin with a strong first sentence

Develop your argument

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Begin each paragraph with a key point Develop each point Use transitions to connect ideas Hold to your time Avoid very definite statements Qualify answers when in doubt

Summarize in your last paragraph

Review

Complete questions left incomplete Review. Edit. Correct. * Outline your answers

Write the questions you expect to be asked

Ask your teacher what will be on the exam Study (If you do not study, you will
not do well)

Discuss answering techniques with people who have had the test Verify the date, time and place with your teacher
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Preparation

Answer questions with more than yes and no (Use key

points or examples to demonstrate your knowledge)

Stay focused Do not ramble if you do not know the answer

Watch for signs that the test is over

Ask if there is anything else you could answer to add to your evaluation

Maintain self-confidence and composure

The exam

Preparation
Keep current on notes and assignments in class

Prepare brief, concise note on ideas being tested

Select what you intend to bring to the exam Organize you material
- familiarize yourself with textbook (format, layout, etc.) - organize these with your notes - write short summaries - list out data and formulas separately for easy access

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Test Taking

Read questions carefully Make good use of time

- answer first questions you are confident and/or those you will not take much time checking resources - leave more complex and difficult questions for later

Dont over-answer

(Concise, accurate, thoughtful answers)

Is useful in emergencies; it is not good for long term learning.

Cramming

Strategies:

1. 2. 3. 4.

Preview material to be covered Be selective; skim chapters for main points Concentrate on reviewing and learning main points Dont read information you wont have time to review