Test taking
Being test savvy ...
It helps students to know the format of the test they are taking as there are different strategies they can use for different parts of the test. Knowing about the test may also help to relieve anxiety. While the instructor's goal for the test is to see how much students have learned, the students' goal for the test is to score the maximum number of marks. To help them with that, please see the strategies below.
While taking the test
Begin,
a) Preview the test first to look at the question formats
b) Check what point values are assigned to different types of questions
c) Read the directions carefully, especially make sure you read all of the words
d) If unsure of what you are being asked to, ask the instructor to clarify
Next,
a) Answer easy questions first by skimming the test and answering easy questions quickly and correctly (this will calm nerves)
b) Answer questions in proportion of the marks assigned to them. If you have an essay question worth 50%, you want as much of those marks as you can get, so assign the question the same percentage, e.g. 70 minute exam * 50% = 35 minutes to answer the essay question.
Multiple choice questions
Read the stem of the questions; cover-up the alternatives
Ask yourself, "What is this question really asking?"
Predict a possible answer; recall associated details
Now read alternatives for meaning - don't just go by recognition
If you don't know re-read the stem and eliminate wrong answers (if all else fails, guess)
Short-answer questions
A mini essay.
Underline or circle the guide word and underline the topic in the question. Contrast the main features of pastoral societies with those of hunter-gatherers.
Quickly brainstorm and jot down ideas and details of each group. Do not wander off topic.
Make the question into the main idea: "There are six main similarities and differences between the features of the pastoral societies and those of the hunter-gatherers."
Use supporting details, examples, evidence, explanations, experiences, etc.
End with a conclusion, "There are other differences between the features of the pastoral societies and those of the hunter-gatherers, but these are the most prominent."
Essay questions
Common problems
- write down many facts, but don't answer the question.
- do not analyze the question carefully to find the key issue.
- essay not clearly organized with transition statements.
- no specific examples to illustrates points.
- no evidence of discipline specific vocabulary.
Point-form outline
List at least six points or sub-themes that you would expand in your answer
Main idea _____________________________________________________________________________
Point-form outline ______________________________________________________________________
Important facts/events/dates/names ______________________________________________________
Write the essay based on the above information
Understand terms commonly used in essay questions
1. Compare & contrast - requires similarities and differences
2. Compare each topic point by point
3. Analyze the significance - investigate and include detailed examples
4. Critically examine - evaluate positive and negative aspects and provide evidence for points made
Problem-solving questions
- write down important formulae that you may likely forget
- budget time according to marks assigned to each question
- read over all of the problems first
- begin with easier questions; think about difficult ones during this time
- write neatly and one step at a time
- watch for most common errors
Test debrief
Problems & solutions:
1. Didn't study some of the information - be assertive and find out what's going to be covered on the test
2. Studied but got the answers wrong - organize new study materials, review differntly, distribut your study over longer periods, evaluate your understanding when studying
3. Not good at certain types of questions - practice tests that use those kinds of questions
4. Didn't follow directions - take time to read directions carefully, circle guide words, underline key terms and proofread
5. Didn't finish test - make a plan to focus on getting greatest number of marks as possible - set time limits for each section
6. Made careless mistakes - don't rush, move steadily and think carefully about what each question is asking - proofread
7. Too stressed and panicked - overlearn the content and take numerous practice tests to build test-taking skills
Sources: Fleet, J., Goodchild, F. Zajchowski, R. Learning for Success - Skills and strategies for Canadian students (1990); Downing, S. On Course strategies for creating success in college and in life (2011).
It helps students to know the format of the test they are taking as there are different strategies they can use for different parts of the test. Knowing about the test may also help to relieve anxiety. While the instructor's goal for the test is to see how much students have learned, the students' goal for the test is to score the maximum number of marks. To help them with that, please see the strategies below.
While taking the test
Begin,
a) Preview the test first to look at the question formats
b) Check what point values are assigned to different types of questions
c) Read the directions carefully, especially make sure you read all of the words
d) If unsure of what you are being asked to, ask the instructor to clarify
Next,
a) Answer easy questions first by skimming the test and answering easy questions quickly and correctly (this will calm nerves)
b) Answer questions in proportion of the marks assigned to them. If you have an essay question worth 50%, you want as much of those marks as you can get, so assign the question the same percentage, e.g. 70 minute exam * 50% = 35 minutes to answer the essay question.
Multiple choice questions
Read the stem of the questions; cover-up the alternatives
Ask yourself, "What is this question really asking?"
Predict a possible answer; recall associated details
Now read alternatives for meaning - don't just go by recognition
If you don't know re-read the stem and eliminate wrong answers (if all else fails, guess)
Short-answer questions
A mini essay.
Underline or circle the guide word and underline the topic in the question. Contrast the main features of pastoral societies with those of hunter-gatherers.
Quickly brainstorm and jot down ideas and details of each group. Do not wander off topic.
Make the question into the main idea: "There are six main similarities and differences between the features of the pastoral societies and those of the hunter-gatherers."
Use supporting details, examples, evidence, explanations, experiences, etc.
End with a conclusion, "There are other differences between the features of the pastoral societies and those of the hunter-gatherers, but these are the most prominent."
Essay questions
Common problems
- write down many facts, but don't answer the question.
- do not analyze the question carefully to find the key issue.
- essay not clearly organized with transition statements.
- no specific examples to illustrates points.
- no evidence of discipline specific vocabulary.
Point-form outline
List at least six points or sub-themes that you would expand in your answer
Main idea _____________________________________________________________________________
Point-form outline ______________________________________________________________________
Important facts/events/dates/names ______________________________________________________
Write the essay based on the above information
Understand terms commonly used in essay questions
1. Compare & contrast - requires similarities and differences
2. Compare each topic point by point
3. Analyze the significance - investigate and include detailed examples
4. Critically examine - evaluate positive and negative aspects and provide evidence for points made
Problem-solving questions
- write down important formulae that you may likely forget
- budget time according to marks assigned to each question
- read over all of the problems first
- begin with easier questions; think about difficult ones during this time
- write neatly and one step at a time
- watch for most common errors
Test debrief
Problems & solutions:
1. Didn't study some of the information - be assertive and find out what's going to be covered on the test
2. Studied but got the answers wrong - organize new study materials, review differntly, distribut your study over longer periods, evaluate your understanding when studying
3. Not good at certain types of questions - practice tests that use those kinds of questions
4. Didn't follow directions - take time to read directions carefully, circle guide words, underline key terms and proofread
5. Didn't finish test - make a plan to focus on getting greatest number of marks as possible - set time limits for each section
6. Made careless mistakes - don't rush, move steadily and think carefully about what each question is asking - proofread
7. Too stressed and panicked - overlearn the content and take numerous practice tests to build test-taking skills
Sources: Fleet, J., Goodchild, F. Zajchowski, R. Learning for Success - Skills and strategies for Canadian students (1990); Downing, S. On Course strategies for creating success in college and in life (2011).