Study Skills - Test Taking
 
Tips For Taking Tests

General tips for all types of tests:

  • As soon as you get your test write down any information (i.e. formulas, equations, key points) that you might forget during the test.
     
  • Mark questions that you are not sure of so you can come back to them later.
     
  • Make sure to turn in an answer instead of leaving a question blank, unless you are penalized for guessing (which is rare), you have a better chance of getting points this way.

    • Tips for taking Multiple Choice tests:

  • Think of an answer in your head before you look at the choices. This can make the choices less confusing.
    • Read all of the options. Eliminate incorrect answers to narrow your choices.
  • Try each option with the original question and decide if it makes a true or a false statement. This method is especially helpful on tests where there can be more than one answer.
     
  • Whenever you see "all of the above" as an option, double check to see if there might be more than one correct response.
     
  • Watch for negative words in the question such as "except" or "not."
     
  • Be aware that you might find information that will help you answer one question within other questions on the test.

    • Tips for taking True/False tests:

  • Carefully read all of the qualifying words such as all, most, some, never, always, usually, more, and less. Be especially cautious of 100% words like all, best, only, always, and never.

    • Tips for taking tests with Matching:

    • Preview both lists to be matched to get an idea of all the options of each.
  • As you start to match items, look at one list and think of the answer in your head before you search the other list.
     
  • Guess only at the end. If you are unsure and guess incorrectly early, correct answers for later matches will be eliminated.

    • Tips for taking Problem Solving tests:

    • If you get stuck on a problem just start trying different ways to solve it on scratch paper. Use formulas that seem like they might fit. Once you get started you might stumble across the right way to do it.
       
    • Make sure to check your work. Plug answers back into equations and verify that your answers make sense (i.e., an age wouldn’t be a negative number).

    Tips for taking Essay tests:

    • Write down a brief outline. Jot down your main ideas and supporting points. This will help you organize your thoughts and you may get credit for ideas in your outline if you run out of time on your essay
    • Address and answer all parts of the question. Re-read the question periodically while you are answering it to make sure you have covered all of its parts. Try listing all of the points you need to address and checking them off as you go.
    • Interpret action words. If the question asks you to define, describe, compare, contrast, explain, or summarize; make sure that what it asks for is what you are doing.
    • Get down to business. Don’t waste a lot of time deliberating about the question. Try to get started by outlining, then just start writing. Often, once you get started the ideas start flowing. If you are really stuck, write what you do know and try for partial credit.

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