Test TakingTest Taking
Chapter 7Chapter 7
Strategies for Test PreparationStrategies for Test Preparation
What doesn’t work in What doesn’t work in preparing for tests?preparing for tests?
What has not worked well in the past?What has not worked well in the past? Think about it.Think about it. Share your ideas with the person next Share your ideas with the person next
to you.to you. Share with the class some of these Share with the class some of these
ideas. ideas.
Preparation for exams begins Preparation for exams begins the first day of class.the first day of class.
Preparation for exams begins Preparation for exams begins the first day of class.the first day of class.
Attend classAttend class Read the chapters. Use SQ4R.Read the chapters. Use SQ4R. Take notes and review themTake notes and review them Review periodically. Review periodically.
Manage Your TimeManage Your Time
Schedule reading and review time.Schedule reading and review time. Break it into small parts.Break it into small parts. Use distributed practice.Use distributed practice. Get started. Avoid procrastination.Get started. Avoid procrastination.
Find a Time and Place Find a Time and Place to Study to Study
Test Review ToolsTest Review Tools
Summary SheetsSummary Sheets
Mind Maps Mind Maps
Study GroupsStudy Groups
How to Review EffectivelyHow to Review Effectively
ImmediateImmediate Review Review IntermediateIntermediate Review Review FinalFinal Review Review
October
How to Predict the Test How to Predict the Test QuestionsQuestions
Ask About the TestAsk About the Test
What does it cover?What does it cover? What types of questions?What types of questions?
True-falseTrue-false Multiple choiceMultiple choice EssayEssay
Predict Text QuestionsPredict Text Questions
Turn bold headings into questions. Turn bold headings into questions. Practice answering the questions.Practice answering the questions. If you are in a study group, assign each If you are in a study group, assign each
member to come up with practice member to come up with practice questions to share with the group. questions to share with the group.
Use the first test as a guide on Use the first test as a guide on what to study on the next test.what to study on the next test.
Avoid Avoid Cramming!Cramming!
Disadvantages of CrammingDisadvantages of Cramming
Test anxietyTest anxiety Poor use of mental abilityPoor use of mental ability Performance suffersPerformance suffers You learn to dislike educationYou learn to dislike education It is not funIt is not fun
Emergency ProceduresEmergency ProceduresCrammingCramming
Be selectiveBe selective Review and recite lecture notes firstReview and recite lecture notes first Skim and search each chapterSkim and search each chapter Prepare summary sheets with key pointsPrepare summary sheets with key points Get enough restGet enough rest Hope for the bestHope for the best Prepare in advance next time!Prepare in advance next time!
The Magical Seven The Magical Seven Emergency ProcedureEmergency Procedure Start with 7 sheets of paperStart with 7 sheets of paper Write a key concept likely to be on the Write a key concept likely to be on the
test at the top of each sheettest at the top of each sheet Check your notes and text to write a Check your notes and text to write a
definition, explanation or answer for definition, explanation or answer for each key topiceach key topic
Review and recite from the 7 sheets. Review and recite from the 7 sheets.
Dealing With Test AnxietyDealing With Test Anxiety
What Techniques Work for What Techniques Work for You?You?
Some anxiety is a good thing. Some anxiety is a good thing. It motivates you to study.It motivates you to study.
Grades just indicate how much or Grades just indicate how much or how well you studied for the test.how well you studied for the test.
Be Successful by:Be Successful by: Practicing relaxation techniquesPracticing relaxation techniques Being well-preparedBeing well-prepared
Relaxation TechniquesRelaxation Techniques
Do Some Physical ExerciseDo Some Physical Exercise
Exercise helps you to feel relaxed and Exercise helps you to feel relaxed and energizedenergized
Get a Good Night’s SleepGet a Good Night’s Sleep
Lack of sleep interferes with memoryLack of sleep interferes with memory It may also make you tired and irritableIt may also make you tired and irritable
Take a Few Deep BreathsTake a Few Deep Breaths
Focus on your breathing to get your Focus on your breathing to get your mind off the testmind off the test
Visualize Your SuccessVisualize Your Success
While studying, picture yourself in the While studying, picture yourself in the classroom doing well on the testclassroom doing well on the test
Admit to Yourself that You are Admit to Yourself that You are AnxiousAnxious
You can’t fight it.You can’t fight it. You can’t deny it either.You can’t deny it either.
Acknowledge your anxiety. Acknowledge your anxiety. Then focus on the testThen focus on the test
Do the Easy Questions FirstDo the Easy Questions First
This will help you relaxThis will help you relax When you are relaxed, your brain works When you are relaxed, your brain works
better.better. You may find the answers on the test or You may find the answers on the test or
something that triggers your memory so something that triggers your memory so that you can answer the question.that you can answer the question.
Yell “Stop”Yell “Stop”
Interrupt your train of thought so you Interrupt your train of thought so you can get back to the test rather than can get back to the test rather than focusing on your anxiety.focusing on your anxiety.
DaydreamDaydream
Daydreaming may Daydreaming may help you to relax and help you to relax and come back to the test come back to the test with a fresh attitudewith a fresh attitude
Practice PerspectivePractice Perspective
It is just a grade.It is just a grade. It is not the end of the world.It is not the end of the world. It does not define who you are. It does not define who you are. Think about how you can improve your Think about how you can improve your
performance next time. performance next time.
Think PositivelyThink Positively
You may have a picture of failure in You may have a picture of failure in your mind as a result of past your mind as a result of past experience.experience.
Notice your mental pictures about math.Notice your mental pictures about math. Make a new mental picture of success if Make a new mental picture of success if
necessary. necessary. The future can be different.The future can be different.
Does anyone have math Does anyone have math anxiety?anxiety?
Start at the BeginningStart at the Beginning Start at your skill level.Start at your skill level. You may need to review if you have You may need to review if you have
been out of school for awhile.been out of school for awhile.
Don’t Delay Taking MathDon’t Delay Taking Math
You need math to graduate.You need math to graduate. You need math to transfer.You need math to transfer. You may need several math courses.You may need several math courses. Many good paying jobs require math.Many good paying jobs require math.
Think Positively About Your Think Positively About Your Ability to Succeed in MathAbility to Succeed in Math
Get Help EarlyGet Help Early
Get tutoring if you get stuck. Get tutoring if you get stuck. Don’t wait!Don’t wait!
Don’t Miss Math ClassesDon’t Miss Math Classes
It is difficult or impossible to catch up if It is difficult or impossible to catch up if you miss your math classes.you miss your math classes.
Do Your Homework RegularlyDo Your Homework Regularly
Practice until you feel confident.Practice until you feel confident. You cannot cram for a math test.You cannot cram for a math test.
Use a Study GroupUse a Study Group
Other students can help you to Other students can help you to understand. understand.
You can help others and increase your You can help others and increase your skill.skill.
The study group can become a support The study group can become a support group as well. group as well.
Math Success FormulaMath Success Formula
Hard Work Experience
Confidence Satisfaction
Success in Math
Rules for Success on Any Rules for Success on Any ExamExam
Wake Up On TimeWake Up On Time
Eat a Light, Nutritious Eat a Light, Nutritious BreakfastBreakfast
Bring the Proper MaterialsBring the Proper Materials
ScantronsScantrons Pencil, penPencil, pen PaperPaper CalculatorCalculator
Arrive EarlyArrive Early
Think Positively About the Think Positively About the ExamExam
Read the DirectionsRead the Directions
Survey the Test Before You Survey the Test Before You StartStart
Plan Your TimePlan Your Time
Make Your Test Neat and Make Your Test Neat and LegibleLegible
Answer the Easy Questions Answer the Easy Questions FirstFirst This helps you to relax.This helps you to relax. It builds your self-confidence too. It builds your self-confidence too.
Be Careful Not to Give Any Be Careful Not to Give Any Impression You are CheatingImpression You are Cheating
Group Exercise: Group Exercise: Using a Study GroupUsing a Study Group
Test Taking TechniquesTest Taking Techniques
Part IIPart II
Meet the DecoyMeet the Decoy
The Best Way to Prepare:The Best Way to Prepare:
Study the key ideas Study the key ideas TextbookTextbook Lecture notesLecture notes Class handoutsClass handouts
Test Taking TechniquesTest Taking Techniques
Or how to guess if you need to
Or how to answer correctly after you have studied
How Does An Instructor Write How Does An Instructor Write a True False Question?a True False Question?
1. Find an important point2. Write as is for true3. Change or add a qualifier to make it false
100% Qualifiers Make a 100% Qualifiers Make a Statement False. Why?Statement False. Why?
NO
NEVER
NONE
EVERY
ALWAYS
ALL
ONLY
ENTIRELY
INVARIABLY
These qualifiers are found in These qualifiers are found in true statements. Why?true statements. Why?
SELDOM
SOMETIMES
OFTEN
USUALLY
FREQUENTLY
MOST FEW
MANY SOME
GENERALLY
Tricky QuestionsTricky Questions
If any part of a true false statement isfalse, the whole statement is false.
Good relaxation techniques include deep breathing, exercise and visualizing your failure on the exam.
Tricky QuestionsTricky QuestionsSome tricky (usually false) statementsare composed of two sub statementswhich are true and connected with a conjunction such as: THEREFORE CONSEQUENTLY AS A RESULT
ExampleExampleMartha does not have test anxiety, and as a result makes good grades on tests.
The second sub statement does not follow logically from the first statement.
Martha does not have test anxiety, and as a result makes good grades on tests.
This statement is false because she also has to prepare for the exam. Nothaving test anxiety can even causeher to lack motivation to study.
Tricky QuestionsTricky QuestionsBeware of double negatives.
No + No = Yes
Being prepared for the test is the bestway to earn good grades.
Not being unprepared for the test is the best way to earn good grades.
Tricky QuestionsTricky Questions
If you have to guess, guess TRUE. Most exams have more true questions.Why?
How To Take True-False How To Take True-False TestsTests
The Multiple Choice QuestionThe Multiple Choice Question
Begin With a True or False Begin With a True or False QuestionQuestion
Remember that multiple choice questionsare 4 true or false questions in a column.
How does the instructor write How does the instructor write a multiple choice question?a multiple choice question?
Meet the DecoyMeet the Decoy
1. Look for an important point.
2. Make a stem.
3. Write the correct answer.
4. Think or 3 or 4 decoys.
EXAMPLEEXAMPLE
Stem: In SQ4R, The 4R’S stand for: 1. Decoy
* 2. Read. Recite, review, reflect
3. Decoy
4. Decoy
Decoys are false statements.Decoys are false statements.
Read all options. Determine whichstatements are false and which are true. Choose the BEST answer.
Tricky QuestionsTricky Questions
1. Watch for negatives and 100% qualifiers2. Foolish options are generally incorrect.
ExampleExample
The Cornell Format is:
A. A system for taking notes
B. A type of floor mat
Tricky QuestionsTricky QuestionsAll of the above is usually correct.
Answers in the middle range aremore likely to be correct.
Tricky QuestionsTricky QuestionsNumbers in the middle range are usually correct.
The Great Pyramid is ___ft. high.A. 281B. 381C. 481D. 981
Tricky QuestionsTricky QuestionsNumbers in the middle range are usually correct.
The Great Pyramid is ___ft. high.A. 281 (low)B. 381 (middle)C. 481 (middle) (Correct answer)D. 981 (high)
Who wants to be a millionaire?Who wants to be a millionaire?
$4000 Question: How many $4000 Question: How many atoms of hydrogen are in a atoms of hydrogen are in a molecule of water?molecule of water?
A. 1A. 1 C. 2C. 2B. 4B. 4 D. 6D. 6
$4000 Question: How many $4000 Question: How many atoms of hydrogen are in a atoms of hydrogen are in a molecule of water?molecule of water?
A. 1A. 1 C. 2 (correct)C. 2 (correct)B. 4B. 4 D. 6 D. 6
Tricky QuestionsTricky QuestionsIn look alike options, usually one is correct and the other is a decoy.
The functional unit of the kidney is the:A. PelvisB. Nephron C. NeuronD. Medulla
Tricky QuestionsTricky QuestionsIn look alike options, usually one is correct and the other is a decoy.
The functional unit of the kidney is the:A. PelvisB. Nephron (look alike) (Correct)C. Neuron (look alike) D. Medulla
Who wants to be a millionaire?Who wants to be a millionaire?
$32,000 Question:$32,000 Question:What president was known as What president was known as the Great Communicator?the Great Communicator?
A. ReaganA. Reagan C. JohnsonC. JohnsonB. RooseveltB. Roosevelt D. KennedyD. Kennedy
Which answers look alike?Which answers look alike?
Reagan and Roosevelt look Reagan and Roosevelt look alike. Reagan is the correct alike. Reagan is the correct answer.answer.
Tricky QuestionsTricky Questions
Choose the option that is grammaticallycorrect.
Note: Plurals a/an
Tricky QuestionsTricky QuestionsIf you don’t know the answer, SKIP IT.You may find the answer or somethingthat triggers your memory in the restof the test. Circle the ones you do notknow and come back to them later.
Tricky QuestionsTricky Questions
Choose the best or most completealternative.
When alternatives seemequally good, select the longest one.
Why?
Tricky QuestionsTricky QuestionsWhenever two of the options are opposites, one is always wrong and the other is often,but not always, right.
A decoy is a:
A. Right answerB. Wrong answerC. General qualifierD. A true statement
Tricky QuestionsTricky QuestionsWhenever two of the options are opposites, one is always wrong and the other is often,but not always, right.
A decoy is a:
A. Right answerB. Wrong answerC. General qualifierD. A true statement
Ready for the “Guess” test?Ready for the “Guess” test?
Tips for Matching ExamsTips for Matching Exams
Read through both lists to discover Read through both lists to discover patterns and relationships. patterns and relationships.
Count the items on each list. Are they Count the items on each list. Are they equal?equal?
First match the items you know for First match the items you know for certaincertain
Guess at the end, if you need to. Guess at the end, if you need to.
Tips for Sentence Completion Tips for Sentence Completion ExamsExams
Review facts such as definitions, Review facts such as definitions, names, places and datesnames, places and dates
Use clues in the sentence to find an Use clues in the sentence to find an answer that makes sense in the answer that makes sense in the sentence and fits the grammar of the sentence and fits the grammar of the sentence. sentence.
Essay ExamsEssay Exams
The question should be The question should be answered directly in the first answered directly in the first statement. Repeating part of statement. Repeating part of the question is a good way to the question is a good way to stay on track.stay on track.
TipsTips
Manage your time so that you complete Manage your time so that you complete all the questions needed.all the questions needed.
Read the directions.Read the directions. Make sure you understand the question.Make sure you understand the question. Jot down memory aids.Jot down memory aids. Use good writing, grammar and spelling.Use good writing, grammar and spelling. Write neatly!Write neatly!
TipsTips
Never leave a question blank. Write Never leave a question blank. Write down what you know. You may get down what you know. You may get partial credit. partial credit.
Words to watch for in essay Words to watch for in essay questionsquestions
Words to watch for in essay Words to watch for in essay questionsquestions
analyzeanalyze
comparecompare
outlineoutline
illustrateillustrate
describedescribe
tracetrace
enumerateenumerate
explainexplain
demonstrate
Words to watch for in essay Words to watch for in essay questionsquestions
contrastcontrast
comparecompare
discussdiscuss
definedefine
justifyjustify
evaluateevaluate
diagramdiagram
summarizesummarize
relate
Let’s try a short essay on test Let’s try a short essay on test preparation.preparation.
Let’s Warm Up for the Essay:Let’s Warm Up for the Essay:How to Prepare for ExamsHow to Prepare for Exams IntellectuallyIntellectually EmotionallyEmotionally PhysicallyPhysically
Exercise:Exercise:Practice with Short EssaysPractice with Short Essays
Machine-graded testsMachine-graded tests The answer you mark The answer you mark
must correspond to must correspond to the questionthe question
Do not make stray marks Do not make stray marks on the answer sheeton the answer sheet
Open-book testsOpen-book tests
Write down formulasWrite down formulas Place post-it notes or paper clips on Place post-it notes or paper clips on
important pagesimportant pages Number your class notes and write a Number your class notes and write a
short table of contentsshort table of contents
Math TestsMath Tests
Check your workCheck your work Do the first step againDo the first step again Estimate your answerEstimate your answer Is the solution logical and does it make Is the solution logical and does it make
sense?sense?
When tests are returned:When tests are returned:
Use them as feedback for future studyUse them as feedback for future study Do you need to improve your study Do you need to improve your study
techniques?techniques?
Keys To Success:Keys To Success:Be PreparedBe Prepared
SuccessSuccess
Begins with a vision of the futureBegins with a vision of the future Becomes reality through hard work and Becomes reality through hard work and
preparationpreparation
I’m a great believer in luck,I’m a great believer in luck,and I find the harder I work, and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it.the more I have of it.
Thomas Jefferson
Remember, Remember, good test preparation begins good test preparation begins the first day of class.the first day of class.
Good Preparation is the Key Good Preparation is the Key to Success in Many Areas of to Success in Many Areas of LifeLife TestsTests Making a business planMaking a business plan Going on vacationGoing on vacation Having a weddingHaving a wedding Building a houseBuilding a house
Exercises:Exercises:Test Taking ChecklistTest Taking Checklist
Analyze Your Test Taking Analyze Your Test Taking SkillsSkills