Corporate Services

Test Taking Strategies

General Strategies
Test Taking Strategies
Various Exam Types
Words to Look for

General Test Taking Strategies

To improve your test scores:

Read your course notes and texts and look for potential exam questions.
Make up practice exams like the ones your instructor will give you (practicing the exact behavior you will perform on the test not only prepares you to do well but also helps to relax and build your confidence).
For true/false tests:
Break down complex sentences into smaller phrases. Each phrase has to be true or the entire sentence is false. Research has shown that statements containing the words all, only, always and because are generally false. Statements containing the words none, generally, and usually are generally true.
For number problem tests:
Draw a diagram, graph or sketch - anything that will help you make better sense of the problem. If you are stuck - think through the problem in its simplest form. (Try substituting rounded off numbers for fractions or real number for algebraic symbols.
For multiple choice tests:
Try to answer the statement / problem before looking at the answer choices.
For essay exams:
Read all essay questions before you begin to answer. Take a minute or two to list what you know about each question, use one word or short phrase and jot down relevant facts, formulas, names and dates.

Remember the "self-fulfilling prophecy" concept. You will do as well, or as poorly as you expect to do. Therefore, do everything you can to bolster your confidence. Study your course work and/or get a tutor to quiz you.

^ Top

Various Exam Types

The following section contains tips for taking multiple-choice, true/false, matching, fill-in, and essay tests:

Multiple-Choice Questions:

Remember that a perfect answer may not be given as a choice. Choose the best answer.
Cross out the choices that you know are incorrect. Then concentrate on the other choices.
Read all possible answers even if you think the first answer is the correct choice.
Minimize guessing on difficult items by using one of these methods:
1. Read the questions and then the first option. Next read the question and the second option. Continue until you have done this with all the alternatives. This method will help you find the logical choice.
2. When you return to difficult items, try not to look at the choices. Supply your own answer. Then check the alternatives and choose the closest one.
When you have no idea what the correct answer is, use these clues to guess:
1. The longest answer is often the correct choice.
2. The most detailed and most complete answer is often correct.
3. The middle answer is often correct, especially if it the longest one.
4. If two choices have opposite meanings, one is probably correct.
5. Answers with the following qualifiers are frequently correct: generally, probably, most, often, some, or usually.

True/False Questions:

Simplify questions containing double negatives by crossing out both negatives and then choosing the correct answer.
Answers with the following qualifiers are frequently true: generally, probably, most, often, some, sometimes, or usually.
Answers with the following absolute words are usually false: all, always, everyone, never, no one, nobody, none, or only.

Matching Questions:

Don't begin until you have read both columns completely.
Begin with the easiest items. Match them immediately and cross out the items that you have used.

Fill-In the Blank Questions:

Read the entire item. If more than one answer occurs to you, write both answers in the margin, and when you go over the test later, choose the answer that seems most correct to you.
Check to see if your answer fits logically and grammatically into the slot in the sentence.
Note that all fill-in answers are not one word. If you can, consult with your instructor to see if he or she will tell you if the answer contains one or more word. If he or she will not tell you, fills in all the words that you think are necessary to complete the statement.

Essay Questions:

Preparing for the exam:

Anticipate probable questions.
1. Check class notes and highlight the information where the instructor spent the most class time.
2. Check for definitions and examples.
3. Check for enumeration (lists).
4. Check study guides.
5. Check your notes from classroom reviews.
Write out questions based on the above material
1. List the main points.Put supporting points in parentheses.
2. Make a list of words that you might misspell and learn them.

Taking the exam:

Read all the questions completely.
Note the direction words on handout. Normally these questions do not want your opinion.
Budget your time.
Start with the easiest questions.
Prepare a brief informal outline before answering an essay question.
Write a clear, well-organized essay.
1. Construct a thesis statement.
2. State points and support them.
3. Use transitions.
4. Follow the principles of good writing:
  1. Unity
  2. Support
  3. Organization
  4. Error - free sentences
  5. Proofreading