Objective - Your child will learn effective strategies to apply in order to succeed on multiple choice , true/false , short answer/fill-in-the-blank , and essay tests. After the tips section, an easy sample test is given in that format. Review the sample tests with your child, demonstrating how the tips can apply to individual questions.

Tips for Taking Multiple Choice Tests

Answer each question in your head before you look at the possible answers. By coming up with the correct answer on your own, you eliminate the possibility of being confused by other choices.

Mark questions you cannot answer immediately and come back to them if you have time.

If you have no clue as to what the answer is, and if incorrect answers are not deducted from your score, use the following guidelines to guess:

If two answers are similar, except for one or two words, choose one of these answers.

If two answers have similar sounding or looking words (intermediate/intermittent) choose one of these answers.

If two quantities are almost the same, choose one.

If answers cover a wide range (4.5, 66.7, 88.7, 90.1, 500.11), choose one in the middle.

B, C, and D answers are best in five answer multiple choice questions

Avoid pairs. If question 28 is known to be B, avoid guessing B in 27 or 29.

Non-answers ("Zero" and "None of the above") are usually poor guesses.

Longest multiple choice answers are good guesses.

If a few questions have five possible choices instead of four, pick #5.

Tips for Taking True / False tests

Answer true/false questions quickly.

Generally, these questions will not be worth many points individually. Do not invest a lot of time to get two points on a 100 point exam.

If any part of the true/false statement is false, the entire statement is false.

When limiting words are used (all, never, always, must, etc.), false is usually the best answer.

When general terms are used (most, some, usually, could, might, etc.), true is usually the best answer.

Exaggerated or complex answers are generally false.

Answer every question with a best guess as you go. Identify those yo u are not sure of with a mark.

Review these on a second pass.

Discuss with your child how each question could be slightly modified to change it from false to true or true to false.

Tips for Taking Short Answer or Fill in the Blank Tests

Pick up points fast when you work the fill-in-the-blank section of a test. Concentrate on key words and facts.

Over-learning really pays off. When you know a subject backward and forward, you can answer this type of question almost as fast as you can write.

Begin with the easiest questions.

Work at a steady pace. Spend about the same amount of time on each question.

Do not waste time on questions if you do not know the answer. Put a * or a by the ones you skip, and go back to them later.

Tips for Taking Essay Tests

Remember to start with the easiest essay questions. Doing the easy questions first will get your mind going. The easiest ones will give you more confidence to go on to the harder questions.

Plan your answers by jotting down important facts first. Do this jotting in the margins or on a separate sheet of paper. Then, add to this information until you have answered the question.

Just answer the question that was asked. Do not add a lot of unimportant information. Begin your answer by restating the question, such as:

 

Q: What are some snacks that are good for you?
A: Some snacks that are good for you include peanuts, raw vegetables, fresh fruit, and juice.

Timing is an important part of an essay test. When there is more than one essay question, allot your time so that you spend more time on the questions with the most points. Don't overwrite on the easy questions and not leave enough time for the more difficult questions.

Write as clearly and neatly as you can.

Read your test over carefully before you hand it in.

Here is an example of how to prepare for an essay test:

Your history teacher has talked about the Civil War for five days. You have many notes. You find out the test will be an essay test. To prepare, write some questions and answer them with a couple of simple facts. List your answers. Then, write a paragraph in which your sentences include the facts to answer the questions.

1. What were the causes of the Civil War?

A. Slavery
B. North versus South
C. The breakup of the Union

 

Essay: The Civil War was caused by the North and South disagreeing about slavery. The North wanted slavery to end. The South kept slaves to run their plantations. Some states could not agree whether to keep slaves or not. Those who wanted to keep slaves finally decided to form their own country.

 

2. What part did President Lincoln play in the Civil War?

A. Freed the slaves
B. Commander in Chief
C. Tried to keep the country together

 

Essay: When Lincoln became President, he freed the slaves. The South was upset. They formed their own country. President Lincoln was the Commander in Chief in the North. He said that it was his job to keep the country together. He did not want a war. He wanted one strong country.

Discuss with your child how to think of an answer, organize two or three basic ideas, and write them down.