Objective Tests
(True/False, Fill in the Blanks, Matching, Multiple Choice)
- DRILL YOURSELF. Flash cards are particularly useful for objective exams.
- RE-STUDY. Even after you know the material, keep studying.
- READ INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY. Before you begin the exam, read all of the instructions carefully. Read anything that confuses you.
- GUESSING. Find out if there is a penalty for guessing the wrong answer. If there is no penalty, then you should guess.
- PLAN YOUR TIME. Figure out about how much time you can spend on each question and each section. Keep track of your time.
- DO THE QUESTIONS IN ORDER. Do not skip around.
- MARK DIFFICULT QUESTIONS. If you are unsure about an answer, mark the one you think is best, place a question mark in the margin, and go on. Later, if you have time, you can come back to this question.
- KEEP MOVING. Do not skip around.
- DON'T PANIC. Everyone draws a blank on a question or two. So if you just can't remember an answer, leave it blank and go on. Again, put a question mark or a check in the margin to remind you to go back. The answer will probably pop into your head as you continue.
- READ EACH QUESTION CAREFULLY. If you feel confused, reread the question. If you remain confused, ask your professor if he can clear up the problem.
- DON'T CHANGE AN ANSWER. Unless you have strong reasons to change it, your first answer is usually right.
- DON'T WORRY ABOUT FINISHING FIRST. Don't feel flustered if others finish long before you do. Finishing fast does not mean you have done well!
- NEGATIVES. Read over all questions with negatives (not, isn't, least).
- WATCH FOR MODIFIERS like "always" or "never." Few things are always true or never true.
- CHECK OFF ANSWERS you have already used when taking a matching test.
- IF YOU CAN'T REMEMBER THE EXACT PHRASE for a fill-in-the-blank question, write in what you can or any explanation of what you do remember.
- READ ALL THE ALTERNATIVES for multiple-choice questions. The best answer may come last. And look for grammatical clues in the questions and answer (e.g., plurals and singulars).