General Statements about Objective Tests
Objective tests require recognition and recall of subject matter.
The forms vary: questions of fact, sentence completion, true-false, analogy, multiple-choice, and matching.
They tend to cover more material than essay tests.
They have one, and only one, correct answer to each question.
They may require strict preparation like memorization.
Before Answering
Listen carefully to oral directions.
Notice if there is a penalty for guessing.
Glance quickly through the entire test.
Observe point values of different sections.
Budget your time.
Read the instructions and follow them.
Write your name on each page of the test.
While Answering
Read all directions carefully.
Read each question carefully.
If allowed to, underline key words.
Answer the easy questions first.
Skip questions that stump you. Mark them to come back later.
If you have time at the end, go back to the questions you marked.
Do not go back over every question. Reread only the ones that you were unsure of.
Do not second-guess yourself. Change an answer only if you are absolutely sure your first answer was wrong. The odds are in your favor that your first answer was right.
Make sure you have answered all the questions.
If you have no idea of the answer, guess!
STRATEGIES FOR TAKING OBJECTIVE EXAMS
Prepare thoroughly for all of your exams. There is no real substitute for studying. Start studying for your final exam the first day of class.
Use a variety of study strategies. Know your preferred learning style and take advantage of it!
Pay no attention to students who finish early. Do not automatically presume that students who finish early did well on the test (they often leave early because they didn't study enough!)
Plan on being the last one to leave. That way you can relax and make the most of your time.
Ignore what other students are saying before and after the exam.
Consider all alternatives in a multiple choice question before making your decision.
Always guess if there is no penalty for guessing.
Do not guess if there is a penalty for guessing and you have no basis on which to make a good choice.
Eliminate options which are known to be incorrect and choose from the remaining options.
Look for information in test items that will help you answer other questions.
Pay close attention to key words on True-False Tests.
a. Closed words (such as never, only, always, all, none, and most) are often (but not always) indicators of a false statement because they restrict possibilities.
b. Open words (such as usually, frequently, mostly, may, and generally) are often (but not always) found in true statements.
STEPS TO REMEMBER
To help you score as high as possible on all exams we have devised a plan of attack called SCORER. Each letter in the word stands for an important rule in test-taking. SCORER is based on the experience of many teachers and students and on research findings -- it might work for you!
S - Schedule your time.
C - Clue words help.
O - Omit the difficult questions.
R - Read carefully.
E - Estimate your answers.
R - Review your work.
Explanation:
