Essay Test Taking Tips...

On Essay Test...
Read the entire question carefully before answering anything. Underline key words in the instructions such as discuss, compare, contrast, demonstrate, and develop to be sure that you answer the question that is asked.

• Evaluate- Weigh the pros and cons
• Summarize- Outline the main points
• Compare- List the characteristics and then examine the similarities and the differences.
• Contrast- Bring out Differences
• Explain- Make plain how it works
• Criticize- Examine the evidence and state you opinion pro or con
•  Name, State or Enumerate- List
• Discuss or review- Examine from all angles
• Describe- Paint a word picture, requires no causes, just characteristics. 
• Illustrate- Give Examples
• Interpret- Explain a specific case
• Prove- List facts that support the statement
• Justify- Prove with facts

*As you are reading the question, make some brief notes in the margarine as pertinent facts, ideas, quotes, dates, and names come to mind.

*Decide which time you must allot to answering each question.
*If you don't have to answer questions in a specific order, start with the one you feel most confident about.
* On scratch paper, make brief outline that includes:

The INTRODUCTION that incorporates the key words of the question and the thesis or theme of your word essay
The BODY which will consist of main ideas, major facts, and supporting details like examples, quotes, dates and even exceptions
A CONCLUSION that summarizes and agrees with your thesis.

*If you are running out of time and are not going to finish, jot down the most important facts in the space for the answer.
*If you finish ahead of time, check your punctuation and spelling. Then relax and think about your answers. Sometimes a point will come to mind that will clinch your "A"

Just a few helpful tips that Dr. Azizis office found that we thought would be helpful for our test taking patients :) 



 

Test Taking Tips...

General Tips:

1. Wear a Watch 
2. As soon as you get your test , quickly write any information like dates, formulas, or lists you might forget.
3. Read all directions twice. Follow directions exactly. If you don't understand the directions, ask your teacher to explain. 
4. Scan the entire test for point values and questions you can answer quickly. 
5. Estimate how much time you can spend on each section and keep track while you are taking the test.
6. First, answer questions you are sure of and can answer quickly. Then go for the questions that are worth the most points. Check them off. 
7. Break long, complicated questions into bite sized pieces, then focus on one part at a time. 
8.  If you get stuck on a question or problem, put a check next to the question and move on. 
9. When you've finished the other questions, go back to those you've marked and answer them as well as you can. If you don't know, guess, unless you'll be penalized. 
10. If you feel a question could be interpreted more than one way, write a note to the teacher explaining your interpretation. 
11. If you're using answer sheets, be careful to stay on the right number- especially if have skipped one. 
12. Use all of the time allotted for the test. If you finish early check and reschedule.  

 On matching tests...
Lightly mark answers as you use them. Eliminate those you are sure of first. Look for obvious matches in parts of speeches and types of items.

On fill-in-the-black questions....
Look for clues. Note the length and number of blanks. Is or an before the blank? Is the verb singular or plural?

On multiple-choice tests...
Be alert for qualifying phrases such as all of the following are true except.. or which two of the following...

Anticipate the answer before you look at the choices. Then read all the answers carefully.

Eliminate any choices that are obviously incorrect.

Look for answers that smoothly complete the question.
Check subject/verb agreement.