Saturday 23 August 2014

How To Take Test: Scoring What You’re Worth

Unit 1

Taking Objective Test

Objective test are those that include question in a true/false, multiple choice, matching, or fill-in format. Usually the answer is provided but the student must decide among several possibilities.

1. True/False Questions


True/false questions are the  easiest test questions for the obvious reason that you have at least a fifty-fifty chance of getting the right answer. First, be sure you have read the question correctly. Look for words such as always or never, these words often indicate a false answer. Word such as often, usually, rarely or sometimes can indicate a true answer. Decide if the statement is totally true before you mark it true. Answer what the tester intended, now what you read into the question. For example, the statement “General Motors produces compact cars” If the question had read “General motors alone produces compact cars.” Then it would be false. On true/false questions, stick with you first impression. Studies have shown over and overthat your first impression is usually right, so be slow to change your answe, if it is a fairly long statement; it takes more qualifiers to make a true statement than a false one.


2. Multiple - Choice Questions


An important rule to remember when answering multiple-choice questions is to read the answer first. This way, you’ll view answer separately and equally, without “jumping” on the first and easiest one. Look for an answer that not only seems right on its own but completes the question smoothly. If the question asks why something accours, than your answer must be a cause. Try to eliminate any obviously poor answers. Suspect as a possible right answer phrases such as “all of the above,” “none of the above” or “two of the above.” Check the wording of questions to notice qualifying pharases such as “all of the following are true except.....” or “which two of the below are not....” staticlly the least likely correct answer on a multiple-choice question is the first choice. When in doubt, pick the longer of two answers. But, just as in better than leaving the question blank the question blank and getting it wrong for sure.


3. Sentence Complation of Fill in Questions


These generally ask for an exact word from memory. They don’t allow for much error, so make sure your answer is a logical part of the sentence as a whole. Use the length and number of blanks given as a hint. Make sure the grammar is consistent. When in doubt, guess. Even if it’s a generalized guess, you may get particle credit. If you are unsure of two possibilities, include both and hope for half credit.




Taking Easy Test


When answering questions on an essay test, begin by making an outline on a piece of scratch paper. Assemble and organized the main points. Check the wording of the question to make sure you are interpreting the question correctly. For example, if the question asks you to compare and contrast, do not give a description or a discussion. Begin your essay by using the same word in your answer that are the question. Keep your answer to the point. Always write something in answer to a question, even if you don’t have much to say. Think and write by using this format:



  1. Introduction. Introduce your topic.
  2. Background. Give historical or philosophical background data to orient the reader to the topic.
  3. Thesis and argument. State the main points, including causes and effects, method used, dates, places, results.
  4. Conclusion. Include the significance of each event, and finish up with a summary.


When totally stumped for an answer on an essay, think about book titles, famous names, places, dates, wars, economics, and politics. Usually something will trigger some ideas. If you know nothing about the essay question, invent your own question on the subject and answer it. You’ll usually get at least partial credit, That’s better than nothing.


The Aftermath


When you complete a test, be sure to reread all your answers Check the wording of the questions again. Eliminate careless errors, and you can save a lot of disappointment later. This is the time when you can cash in on your brief encounters with your professor. Write your name in large, visible letters. If you have made a positive impression from personal contact, it will pay off now. Sometimes just a good impression can give you the higher grade in a borderline situation. Take as much as you need. When you think you have finished the test, turn it upside down on your desk. Think about it for a few minutes, giving your mind some time relax and come up with some answers. If you still agree with what you have written, then turn it in. But sometimes those few moments spent just thinking about the questions will bring back the answer that gives the A.


Once your corrected test is returned, look it over. Check your errors and find out not what they were but what kind of errors they were. Was it from answering question too quickly, poor organization, missed assignment, or incorrect notes? Understand why you made errors and avoid the problem on the next test.



Quiz

Guessing the Meaning of Words from Context

Nine words or expression that will be important to your understanding of the reading are presented below in contexts that should help you guess their meaning. Circle the one word or phrase that would best keep the meaning of each sentence.
1.   Words and phrases such as “often,” ”usually,” “sometimes,” “in part,” or “on occasion” are qualifiers that change or limit the meaning of each sentence.
a.       Synonyms         b. Prepositions             c. Objects        d. Modifiers

2.   Of all the candidates, jack is the least likely to win because he does not know many voters.
a. One who will probably win.
b. One who will probably not  win.
c. One who would like to win.
d. One who would  not like to win.

3.   A teacher sometimes will give a hint to aid students with a difficult exam question.
a.      Tell the answer                                      c.  Make a suggestion
b.      Explain the reason                               d.  Offer comfort

4.   The students assembled their notes from the whole semester before beginning their study session.
a.      Brought together                                  c.  questioned
b.      Took apart                                             d.  memorised                                                                                                                                                                                                             

5.   Her essay was excellent because she presented her thesis very clearly and gave so much evidence that any reader would have to be convinced.
a.      Fact                                                               c. description
b.      Expression of personal feelings            d. Main idea

6.   From the sad expression on Sheila’s face, the teacher could see that she was totally slumped by the question.
A.     was pleased about                                c.  Was trying to comprehend
B.     Had finally seen                                   d.  Did not understand

7.   The flood itself was terrible,but the next day we saw the aftermath,with was even worse.
a.      Resulting situation                            c.  Number of problems
b.      Time before                                          d.  Earlier condition

8.   When he saw that half of the test was on word definitions, he knew he would cash in on the many hours he had spent studying vocabulary.
a.       Get money for                                       c.  Forget completely
b.      Receive benefit from                            d.  Totally explain

9.   Your clear knowledge of math paid off when you were interviewed for the bookkeeping job.
a.       Was worthwhile                                    c. Gave you confidence
b.       Was useless                                            d.  Caused youbto fail



Scanning for Specific Information

Fill in the blanks with the correct information from the article. If you do not remember a specific point, find the appropriate heading and scan that section for the answer.
1.      The two main kinds of tests are ___________ tests and essay tests.
2.      On true/false tests, word as often, ________________________ or __________________ can indicate a true statement.
3.      On true/false tests, a fairly long statement is more likely to be __________ because it takes more  qualifiers to make a _________ statement than a __________ one.
4.      Before answering multiple-choice questions, you should __________________________________ .
5.      Phrases such as “all of the above,” ” __________________________________” or “________________________”  should be suspected as possible ________________answers on multiple-choice tests.
6.      According to stastics, the least likely answer on a multiple-choice tests is the ________________ one.
7.      On completion or fill-in tests, use the ______________ and ______________ of blanks as a hint, if you are unsure of two possibilities, _________________ .
8.      When answering question or essay test, begin by making an/a ________________ on a piece of scratch paper.
9.      When writing the answer  to an essay question, use the following format :
(1)   Introduction,(2) _______________, (3) Thesis and arguments, and (4) ____________________ .
10.  If you know nothing about the essay question, ___________________________________ on the subjey ct and answer it in to get partial credit .

Talking it Over

Discuss the following questions as a class or in squestions as a class or in squestions as a class or in squestions as a class or in small groups

1. The author suggests that it is better to make an “educated guess” than to leave a question blank. What do you think he means by an “educated guess” ?

2. When is it not a good idea to guess on a test?

3. Do you find it hard to answer multiple-choice question  with qualifying phrases such as “all of the following are true except  . . .” or  “ Which of the below is not . . .?” Will the correct answer to such a question be something that is true or false ?

4. Do you prepare differently for different types of testa? Explain your answer.

5. What type of test do you find the most difficult? Why?

6. Which of  the pieces of advice given in the article do you think is the m exam most helpful?
    
7. How do you prepare yourself to take an important exam? Do you go to sleep early the night before or do you sutdy up to the last minute? What can you do to avoid getting nervous?

8. When is it correct to ask a teacher to give you a hint about the type of exam that he or she is going to give? How can you do this in a polite way?

Adapted from Reading Material for UIN Jakarta

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