Final Exams

Test Taking Tips for College Students

On Multiple Choice Tests

• Read the question and all possible answers. If you think you know the answer, look for it, but read all possibilities before you decide.

• Make sure the answer fits the question asked.• Eliminate obviously wrong answers and look

logically at those left.• Make the question into a true-false question. Try

each of the possibilities by making a complete sentence with each answer. Eliminate those that are false.

On Multiple Choice Tests

• With computer-scored (Scantron) answer sheets, check often to see that you are on the right number.

• Never be afraid to use common sense in determining your answer.

• When guessing, do not change answers.• Research indicates your first answer is usually

best. However, don’t be afraid to change answers when you have a good reason for doing so.

Writing Effective Essays

• Students are expected to use supporting evidence from class materials to make observations, draw conclusions, and support their own arguments.

• Read all the questions through rapidly, jotting down beside each question any pertinent facts or ideas that occur to you. The best way to ensure that your answers do not overlap each other is to survey the entire test before answering any of the questions.

Writing Effective Essays

• Decide what kind of answer the question requires before you begin writing. Action verbs such as "illustrate", "list", "define", "compare", "trace", "explain", and "identify" require different approaches to answering.

• Before you start writing, make a brief, logical outline for your answer to ensure good organization and prevent careless omissions. It's not how much you say but what you say and how well you say it that counts.

Writing Effective Essays

• Estimate the time that you will have for each question according to the relative difficulty and importance of all questions. Then keep track of your time so that you don't spend too much time on any one question.

• Answer the easiest questions first and concentrate on answering one question at a time. Getting down to work on something you can handle is the surest way to reduce your test anxiety.

Writing Effective Essays

• Get down to business in your first paragraph and avoid long-winded introductions. Your aim in answering most essay questions is to get down the maximum amount of point-earning information in the shortest possible time.

• Where appropriate, include factual details to support your answer. These impress your instructor by giving evidence that you really know what you are talking about.

• Write legible, complete sentences and paragraphs.

Before the Test …

• Be rested and comfortable. If you take a test when you are hungry or tired, you won't perform well.

• Know what to expect. Learn ahead of time the kind of test you will be taking, where and when it will be held, and what materials to bring. Arrive on time to avoid last-minute pressure.

• Expect some anxiety. Being concerned will help you do your best on a test.

Reducing Text Anxiety• Keep a positive attitude. Decide to do

your best, and don't blame yourself for what you don't know.

• Concentrate on the test. Don't worry about your ability, the behavior of other people, the number of questions, or even short memory lapses. Pay close attention to one question at a time. This kind of concentration reduces anxiety.

• Relax. If you are too nervous to think or read carefully, try to slow down physically. Change your mood by taking several slow, deep breaths. Then start to work.

When you get the test …

• Write down important formulas, dates, and key concepts.

• Read all directions carefully.

• Scan the test and note the number of and types of questions; plan your testing time accordingly.

• First, answer all the questions you know. Then, answer all questions you are not sure of. Finally, answer any questions you might need to guess at.

Practice Quizzes and Tests

• Test yourself on what you have read. Ask yourself questions, both immediately and later, quiz yourself in the shower, or on a walk to class.

• Make flash cards on information that needs to be memorized.

• Predict test questions and write sample questions and outlines of essay answers.

• Active thinking about ideas presented greatly enhances understanding of course materials.