General Test-Taking Tips

Just before your exam starts, you are usually cramming as much information into your head as possible. Sometimes the stress of hearing the exam “go!” time pushes some of this last information away from the forefront of your mind. In this case, when an exam session begins, try an initial "data dump":

Write down names, dates, definition key words, immediately upon being given your exam paper.

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Exam Strategies

General Test-Taking Tips

We are often so prepared to answer questions that we skip over important instructions that are found on the first page. Read directions and questions carefully:

Know your time limits, how to answer the questions and how they will be scored.

Listen for last-minute clarification or correction of questions and be alert to key terms.

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Exam Strategies

General Test-Taking Tips

Though being aware of time during an exam is a given, using it wisely requires strategy. Use time wisely:

Budget your time so that you are able to attempt every question.

Use the grade scheme to determine how much time to spend on each section.

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Exam Strategies

General Test-Taking Tips

If you start with the hardest question and spend all your time getting it just right, you’ll be left with an impossible number of easy questions you could have quickly finished beforehand. Do the easiest questions first:

For essay exams, read over the entire test before you attempt any questions, then go back and do the ones which you think will be the easiest first.

If you are unable to answer an exam questions, mark it with an asterisk (*) and make sure to come back to it later when perhaps your memory will allow an easier time answering this question.

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Exam Strategies

General Test-Taking Tips

You cannot receive ANY points for leaving a question blank. Attempt every question and do what you can:

Remember that questions which look complicated may not be so difficult once you get into them.

You may also get part marks for initiating the correct process or including some of the information being sought (looked for).

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Exam Strategies

General Test-Taking Tips

Staring at a question will not help you answer it. Actively reason through the questions:

Think through your answer, remembering back to your study notes and diagrams, the lectures you attended, or any information found in the test questions that may help answer the question.

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Exam Strategies

1/3Quiz

It is useful to start an exam session by attempting the hardest questions first.

True

False

Answer: False. You should start with the easiest questions first and mark the difficult ones to come back and attempt later.

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Exam Strategies

2/3Quiz

At the very beginning of an exam session, it is important to:

Do an initial data dump by writing down key words and names

Read directions and questions carefully

Listen for last-minute clarification or correction of questions

All of the above

Answer: All of the above.

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Exam Strategies

3/3Quiz

It is best to leave a question blank, than to put the wrong answer and lose points or risk embarrassment.

True

False

Answer: False. It is more useful to attempt every question and do what you can because you cannot get ANY points for leaving a question blank. You may also get part marks for initiating the correct thought process or including some information the instructor is looking for.

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