|
New Page 8
Test-taking
Techniques for Question Types
Multiple
Choice Questions
-
Read
each sentence stem very carefully.
-
While
reading the sentence stem, anticipate the answer by recalling some logical
conclusions and characteristics of the sentence stem. Use your ideas to look
for logical and familiar choices. Remember – think!
Visualize what you do know.
-
Look
for key words (underline them
if it will help you) in the stem and in the answer choices. Qualifying words
such as all, not, never, usually, rarely can change the meaning of the whole
sentence.
Example:
The average American family:
a.
eats 3 times a day
b.
always eats 3 times a day
c.
usually eats 3 times a day
d.
eats only 3 times a day
(answer c is most correct)
-
Read
all the choices before you select the answer even if you find what you think
is the correct answer as the first choice. It’s possible that there are
degrees of correctness and a more precise and correct answer may be found
later.
-
If
two or more choices could be correct and “all of the above” is
presented, choose “all of the above.”
Example:
Which of the following cities is in the state of New York?
a.
Syracuse
b.
Rome
c.
Albany
d.
None of the above
e.
All of the above (answer: E)
-
If
the correct answer does not immediately occur to you, try the process of
elimination.
-
Do
not change answers unless you are sure that your first response is
incorrect. Your first judgment is right 85% of the time, if you know the
material.
-
If
you have no idea what the answer might be, use the following clues:
-
Length:
It will most likely be longer than the incorrect options.
-
Qualifications:
It will be qualified to give it precision.
-
Generalization:
It will be generalized to give it wider application than the incorrect
options.
-
Physical
Position: It will probably not be the first or last option.
-
Similarity
or Oppositeness: It will be one of the two similar statements, or it will be
one of two options which state the idea or fact diametrically opposite.
-
Language:
It will not contain language or technical terms which you are not expected
to know.
-
Grammar:
It will be grammatically perfect with the question stem.
-
Silly
Ideas: It will not be flippant or completely unreasonable.
-
Make
no assumption about the answer pattern. It is possible to have all the
answers false, or to have an extraordinary imbalance.
-
Circle
words of degree, such as all, every, most, some, always, equal, less, worst,
best, etc.
-
Read
logically; every part of the question must be true.
-
Example:
Chlorine gas is a greenish, poisonous, foul-smelling, very rare gas used
in water purification. True or False
Answer: False – Chlorine gas is not rare. However, the remaining parts
of the
statement are all true.
-
Read
the entire question, not just the first six words.
-
Avoid
thinking “This question is too easy. My answer must be wrong.” That
might be the nature of the question.
Essay
Questions
-
Survey
the test to determine where to start. You may want to start on the easiest
questions or on the ones that have the most weight.
-
While
surveying, jot down words in the margin to help you to remember ideas when
you come back to each question.
-
Re-read
the question carefully. Underline the key words. Make sure that you
understand the question.
-
Organize
your answer by making a brief outline.
Example:
Give reasons why most people fail tests.
-
Don’t
know the material.
-
Too
excited.
-
Don’t
read the question right.
-
Don’t
answer all the questions.
-
Don’t
organize before writing.
-
Don’t
time themselves properly.
-
Know
what these words mean:
-
Analyze: To separate into parts or principles and
discuss each.
-
Discuss, Elaborate: To write in detail about the
given topic.
-
Compare: To discuss similarities between two things.
-
Evaluate, Criticize: To give your opinion or make a
judgment. Look at both sides – good and bad.
-
Contrast, Differentiate, Distinguish: To show
differences between two things.
-
Describe, Define, Identify, State, List, Name: To
give the distinguishing gestures of the topic.
-
Summarize: To bring out the main points and condense
the topic.
-
Illustrate: To clarify by the use of examples,
comparisons, etc.
-
Trace, Outline: To give a sequence or order of
events in the development or progress of.
-
Write
something for every question. If time is running out, answer in outline
form.
-
Leave
wide spaces between successive lines on the essay. You will later wish to
return and make possible additions or changes.
-
Use
technical terminology if it is appropriate; and, by all means, use examples.
-
Watch
your spelling and grammar. (Use short, clear declarative sentences.)
|
