Academic Resource Center

TEST TAKING

"Beware the man who knows the answer before he understands the question."
C.M. Mancuso

As you know, there are different types of tests, all meant to evaluate your understanding of the course material. If you've ever said, "I'm just bad at taking tests," this is for you.

MULTIPLE CHOICE TESTS:

  1. Read the question and underline the core part.
  2. Eliminate the answers you know are wrong.
  3. You're probably left with 2 answers (isn't that always the way?). Choose the one that "hits" you first. Don't change it unless you later remember something specific. Your first guess is usually correct!

TRUE/FALSE TESTS:

  1. Read the questions carefully to evaluate what they are asking.
  2. Look for qualifiers. All, only, never, and always tend to make a statement false. Often , usually, and sometimes usually make a statement true.
  3. If in doubt, guess (unless you're penalized for wrong answers).

MATCHING:
  1. Read the directions carefully; can the answers be used once or more than once?
  2. Start at the column with the longest entries (usually the definition or description).
  3. You will complete this section quicker if you read the longest ones less times.
  4. Do the matches you know first, and cross off the ones you used (as long as they're only used once.
  5. Make educated guesses for the rest.

FILL-IN-THE-BLANK:
  1. Be logical. Reread the sentence from beginning to end after inserting your answers to make certain it makes sense.
  2. Note the number and length of the blanks. 2 separate blanks usually require a two-word answer.
  3. Think outside the box; if you can't think of an exact word, maybe you'll get some points for an explanation. Conversely, if you can think of more than one correct answer and aren't sure of the best one, put them both down.

 

ESSAY:
  1. Read all the directions to determine if you have to
    • Answer every question, or is there choice?
    • Write in a particular place or format?
    • Write a certain amount of information?
    • Include examples, dates or names?
  2. Underline each thing required of you. These may be words like list, describe, discuss , compare and contrast, illustrate, summarize, or evaluate . These verbs indicate what is expected of you.
  3. Take time to outline your ideas; brainstorm if you can't seem to get organized. You'll be surprised at how time-saving this really is.
  4. Write the essay, answering all parts of the question.
  5. If you run out of time, at least write down your outline.
  6. Stretch what you know with specific examples and comparisons from your notes, the text, or from outside readings.
  7. Reread your essay if you have time, fixing errors in spelling, grammar, etc.

 

For more information on test-taking skills, call the ARC at 740-5060.