Test Taking Strategies Types of Tests

2 Before Taking Any Test read the question carefully try to answer the question before looking at the given answers do only the questions you know first be sure to read all the choices even if you feel sure of your answer go with your first instinct, it is usually correct look elsewhere on your test for the answer

3 Multiple Choice allow 30 sec. per question cross out the given answers you know are wrong to narrow your choices wording of the question - "except", "but","is not", etc FORGET: when all else fails choose “C”

4 Fill-in-the-Blank allow 30 sec. per question if given a word bank, cross out the words as you use them to narrow your choices watch for "an" before a blank watch for plurals number of spaces given may help you in deciding what word(s) to use reread to see if it "sounds right" / makes sense

5 Matching allow 30 sec. per question start with the easiest match cross out the answers as you match them to a statement group answer words according to categories to help narrow your choices watch for plural statements - they should match with plural answers

6 True and False allow 30 sec. per question be sure to read the instructions carefully - sometimes you may be asked to correct false statements to make them true capital T or F (no lowercase) words like "most", "often", "usually", "sometimes" or "rarely“ absolute words like "never", always", "none", "only" or "all "

7 Essay read the entire question carefully read through all choices then pick the question you know the most information about make an outline of your main ideas / key points before beginning the essay to help you organize your ideas present your strongest points first to make an immediate impact on the reader

8 Essay cont. follow proper essay format: introduction, the body of the essay and a conclusion make sure your essay flows in a logical order print or write neatly so it is easy to read reread your essay, making corrections to spelling and word choice as necessary if you do not know the answer, write down as much as you can about the topic

9 Math show all your work - you may get partial value even if your final answer is wrong make your answers neat and easy to read line up you work number your answers carefully be sure your answer includes the correct units (kilometers, liters, degrees, etc) make your final answer stand out: circle it or put a box around it

10 Math cont. difficulty remembering basic facts (+, -, x, ÷), be sure to use your calculator check over your work for careless mistakes do the questions you are certain of how to do first, then go back and try the more difficult ones even if you are not sure how to do a problem try it anyway, you may get some parts of it correct