|
Testing
Services
|
How to Prepare for Test
Most examinations for credit offered at the University of Central Oklahoma
have study-guides or information available regarding study materials. This
information can be obtained from our office.
We have provided some study/test taking strategies for your benefit below. They are not intended to be the only strategies used. The best way to study for examinations for credit is to treat the exam as a final and prepare accordingly.
Try Not to Read Into Test
Sometimes people read into a question, think that some
items are trick questions, or too easy. Instead of it being too easy, it
may be that you studied effectively and remember the material well.
Make Efficient Use of Time
Make sure you know exactly how much time you have
for the test. Check periodically to see if you are keeping up. For
example, when half of your time is up make sure you are half way
through your test.
Do not waste time on difficult problems. If one of
the questions is confusing or you do not know the answer, circle it
or put a star by it and come back to it later.
Review your answers if you have time. When you
review them more slowly you may find that there is a better answer.
Do not hesitate to change your answers
Objective Exam Strategies
Answer easiest
questions first and leave difficult ones for later.
• Underline key words if you are
allowed to write on the exam.
• For T/F, look for the following:
"All, never, always, everyone", etc. Absolute statements are
often 'F'.
• "Frequently, probably, generally", etc. are often
'T.'
Multiple Choice Exam Strategies
Eliminate
answers by drawing a line through them if you're allowed to write on the exam.
Read all answer choices before selecting an answer.
Anticipate the answer before you look at them.
Read over all of your options.
Eliminate highly implausible answers.
Some examiners give away answers in their tests. By
answering one question, you may be able to deduce the answer to another.
If you must guess, keep in mind the following tips for
multiple choice tests:
- Sometimes lengthy or highly specific answers will be
the correct answer.
- Be aware of words like "always",
"never", "only", "must", and
"completely". These are usually the wrong answers since there
are many exceptions to rules. These are extreme words which are more
than likely to be the wrong choice.
To change or not to change your answer on multiple choice tests.
The popular belief is that "your first hunch is your
best hunch." Several of our students feel that they should not go back and
change their answers. This popular belief is wrong. Research has shown that
changes from a wrong answer to a right answer outnumber changes that go from a
right answer to a wrong answer by a margin of approximately 3 to 1. Research has
also shown that changing answers improve students scores!
Essay
Exam Strategies
Read
each question carefully and underline key words.
• Know the definition of direction words, such as: 'compare, contrast, justify, enumerate, describe, justify, evaluate, etc.'
• Before writing, create an informal outline (mind-mapping).
• Strive for organization, avoid: 'padding, weak development, and choppiness.'
• Practice using transition words like: 'therefore, also, in conclusion, consequently, admittedly, moreover, furthermore, of course, finally, first, since, in addition, nevertheless, on the other hand, next, thus, etc.'
Addressing Anxiety
Be Prepared
to:
• Prepare your own pre-test/practice exam.
• Have someone test you verbally.
• Breathe deeply and exhale slowly as often as possible to calm your nerves. Making a fist and releasing slowly also helps.
• Eat right, get enough sleep, limit chemical usage, and exercise.
For comments or suggestions, please contact the
Office of
Testing Services.
This page last updated
31 Mar 2003.
[ Home ] [ Testing Program ] [ Mission & Overview ] [ TOEFL and ACT ] [ How to Prepare for Test ] [ Contact Us ]
|
