Test Taking Strategies (page 2)
Multiple Choice Questions
- At the beginning of an exam, write key information, or make a table, chart, or diagram of important information memorized for the exam. Refer to this information as necessary throughout the exam.
- Direct your client to read over all multiple-choice options.
- Suggest your client eliminates obviously wrong answers.
- Direct your client to anticipate the answers before looking at the choices. Do so by coving the answers to see if they can answer the question without them.
- Next, write your answer right after the question. Compare your answer to the multiple-choice options and decipher whether your option if the same as any of the options.
- Instruct your client to work through the questions in order. Identify the questions they unsure of by putting a question mark in the margin next to them. Recheck these prior to submitting the exam.
- Be attentive to questions with negative working such as “not” or “least”. Be alert of double or triple negatives and read these questions carefully to ensure that they are properly understood.
- If stuck, encourage your client to read each stem with each possible answer.
- Avoid spending too long on one question. If unsure, mark your best guess and move on. Return to this question later if time permits.
- Be cautious of changing an answer, usually, your first guess is more likely to be correct than are subsequent “guesses”. Be sure to have a sound reason for changing your answer.
True or False Questions
- Look to see if there is a given number or false statements.
- Watch for phrases that inserted into the true/false questions that modify or limit them such as names, dates, places, or other details to make a statement inaccurate.
- Be alert for multiple ideas or concepts within the same true or false statement. All parts of the statement must be true or the entire statement is false.
Essay Questions
- Prepare for the test. Re-read all class material that may be useful for answering the essay questions. Prepare answers for questions that will be on the exam or for questions that may be on the exam.
- Read all questions prior to beginning the exam. Note how many points each question is worth and allocate time accordingly. Circle any important words to include in your answer.
- Jot down notes or thoughts that come to mind as you read through the questions.
- Construct a brief outline prior to beginning an essay. Make a graphic organizer/mind map to follow and logically organize ideas.
- Include main ideas, supporting details, and key examples. Highlight important relationships and connections to class materials.
- Spellcheck your composition before handing in a test.
Accommodations and Modifications
When required, the following accommodations and modifications may be implemented:
- Consider allowing the client preferential seating in the classroom to maximize their concentration.
- Provide the client with the opportunity to clarify assignments through one-on-one consultation with teachers.
- Provide the client with a written outline of all major assignments that detail all necessary components.
- Provide the client with additional help identifying the steps involved in larger projects and assignments.
- Discuss the options of being given extra time to complete exams, writing exams in a separate room, using a laptop computer to type responses to questions, completing an oral exam, providing the client with a scribe or voice dictation software, or an aid to read questions aloud to them during the exam.
- When grading tests, consider not evaluating and incorporating the client’s spelling into their score.
- Allow the client to have an extended due date on major assignments.
- For more information on accommodations and modifications click here.
For more information and targeted interventions for test and performance anxiety see this handout: Test and Performance Anxiety Handout