Strategies for Different Test Formats

Matching usually consists of dates, people, places and vocabulary.

• Read the directions carefully.
• Read each column before you answer.
• Determine whether there are equal numbers of items in each column.

Many times, instructors will include more items than necessary.

• Match what you know first.
• Cross off what you have already used, so that you no longer look toward it as an option.
• Use the process of elimination for questions you’re not sure of.

• Read each statement carefully to determine whether it is true or not.
• Pay attention to words that could make a statement true, such as few, some, many or often.
• Pay attention to words that could make a statement false, such as never, all, every, or only.
• Pay attention to double negatives, such as not unlawful.
• Remember that if any part of a statement is false, then the entire statement is false.
• Answer every question, unless there is a penalty for guessing.

• Read each question carefully, and be sure that you know what is being asked.
• Be brief in your response.  Give the same number of answers as there are blanks.
• Don’t assume that the length of the blank indicates the length of the correct answer.
• Pay close attention to the word immediately preceding the blank. For example, if it is an, then your response will begin with a vowel.
• Look for key words in the sentence that may trigger your response.
• Be sure to reread the sentence with your response to decide whether your answer fits the statement.

• Read every question and try to answer it before you read the answers provided.
• Cross-off answers that you know are incorrect.
• Even if you know that A is the correct answer, be sure to read all the options before selecting your answer.
• Look for similar answers; one of them is usually the correct response.
• Answers that contain extreme modifiers, such as always, every, and never, are in most cases incorrect.
• A joke is typically wrong.
• The most comprehensive answer is often correct.
• Don’t linger on any questions. To save time, keep moving and come back to the ones you couldn’t answer.
• Circle questions you are unsure of, and come back to them after you have gone through the entire test. You may have recalled a piece of information or gotten a clue from another question.
• If you must, make an educated guess, and answer all questions unless there is a penalty for guessing.

• Before beginning to write, take a moment to jot down key facts you want to include on a piece of scratch paper.
• Always begin a paragraph with a topic sentence. Your reader should have an idea of what information that paragraph will contain.
• Similarly, end your paragraphs with a brief summary sentence of that paragraph’s point.
• Try to be as concise and informative as possible. More is not always better. Your professor would rather see 1 page of intelligent and well-organized material than 5 pages of fluff.
• In a timed setting, simply focus on conveying your argument in a clear manner. Don’t spend too much time trying to find the fanciest, most sophisticated words. Save that for take-home essays.
• Always write a thesis statement for each answer.
• Watch spelling, grammar and punctuation.
• Use specific details, such as dates, places, people, where appropriate.
• Answer all parts of the question.
• When you conclude your answer, try to summarize your main points for clarity.
• Write neatly.
• Always proofread your answer.
• Stick to the facts; try to avoid overly opinionated answers.