Tips on How to Answer Different Types of Test Questions
Often you go into a test and are not sure what types of questions will be asked and sometimes the exam can consist of different types making it even more difficult to be fully prepared. With a variety of choices teachers like to challenge their students but here are a few tips that should help you answering the different types of exam questions, as well as links to more information about each type of question.
Essay This is usually the most time consuming type of question so it can be tricky because you have to ensure that you have enough time to answer. Whether you have to choose from one or a selection you should quickly read through the questions and decide which ones you will answer and then plan your approach. Your opening statement or introduction should state your case for what you want to say. The bulk of the essay will be in the three or more paragraphs in the body of the essay where you use any quotes or examples to clarify your points. The last paragraph should be concise and state your conclusion. Keep track of the time and if you are running out of time, use bullets to make your points. How to Study for an Essay test
Fill in the Blank Make your answers short and to the point and use whatever comes to mind to complete the sentence or to fill in the answer. Don’t leave anything blank – at least guess if you aren’t sure or don’t know the answer. Short answer and Fill in the Blank questions.
Multiple Choice – Most Standardized tests, especially College Entrance, Teacher Certification, Armed Services Entrance Exams like the AFQT, and High School tests are multiple choice. Read each question carefully and try to answer it without looking at the choices. Your first instinct is usually right. Don’t over analyze but be sure to read each answer because many times they can be very similar and can trick you if you are too hasty. A good rule of thumb is that when a question uses words like always, never, none or all the statement is usually incorrect. Conversely those that use words such as most, rarely, often or sometimes are often correct. How to Answer Multiple Choice
Open Book – This test can sometimes be the most challenging because you think it will be easy. Use post-its, underline or highlight chapters in table of contents and use separate papers to keep definitions or other formulas handy. Taking Open Book Exams
True or False – All parts of a statement must be true for it to be true and all parts of a statement must be false for it to be false. Words such as always or never are usually false and the words sometimes or often are usually true. When in doubt you should say true as statistics show that more than 50% of these questions are usually true. Answering True False Questions