Test Format Strategies
Matching
- Read each question completely and attempt to answer before looking at the possible answers.
- Cross off answers that you know to be incorrect.
- Answers that contain extreme modifiers, such as always, every, and never, are generally incorrect.
- Even if you spot the correct answer, read all possibilities before selecting.
- A joke is usually not the answer.
- The most comprehensive answer is often correct.
- Sometimes, other questions or answers can trigger the questions you missed.
- Answer all questions unless there is a penalty for guessing. If no penalty, make an educated guess.
True-False
- Generally, true-false can be tricky. Read carefully.
- Pay attention to key words--few, some, many, or often.
- Pay attention to words that make a statement false--never, all, every, or only.
- Pay attention to double negative such as not unlawful.
- If any part of a statement is false, then the whole statement is false.
- Answer every question, unless there is a penalty for guessing.
- There is a 50/50 chance of answering correctly.
Multiple Choice
- Read each question completely and attempt to answer before looking at the possible answers.
- Cross off answers that you know to be incorrect.
- Answers that contain extreme modifiers, such as always, every, and never, are generally incorrect.
- Even if you spot the correct answer, read all possibilities before selecting.
- A joke is usually not the correct answer.
- The most comprehensive answer is often correct.
- Sometimes, other questions or answers can trigger the questions you missed.
- Answer all questions unless there is a penalty for guessing. If no penalty, make an educated guess.
Short Answer/Fill-in-the-Blank
- Read each question carefully, be sure of what the question is asking.
- Be brief in your response. Generally, no more that 2-3 sentences.
- Don't assume the amount of space needs to be filled.
- Generally, your first response is correct.
- Pay attention to wording immediately before or after the blank. It could help narrow down the possibilities.
- Look for Key words in the sentence.
- Reread statement with your response. Does it fit the statement?
Essay
- Try to be concise and informative. Quality over Quantity.
- Write a thesis statement for each answer.
- Outline thoughts before you write.
- Watch spelling, grammar and punctuation. Some instructors subtract points.
- Where appropriate, use specific details such as dates or names.
- Answer all parts of the question.
- Summarize main points for clarity.
- Proofread answer.
- Stick to the facts unless the question asks for your opinion.
