Types of Tests

true/false (correct/incorrect) questions

True/False tests use the same principle as multiple choice test.

As you go through the hints for True/False test below, also think of how they relate to multiple choice tests.

Some statements test on basic facts
- Ex., A pronoun is a word used in place of one or more nouns
Some test ability to apply knowledge
- Ex., In the sentence, "Whose notes did you borrow?" "whose" is an interrogative pronoun.

• As you read through true or false statements in your tests, pay attention to wording. • Modifiers. o Absolute modifiers; These words mean there are no exceptions. Examples: all, everything, everyone, complete, perfect, final, total. o Example; All dogs chase cats. False. o Example; All spiders have eight legs. True. • Qualifiers: These words leave room for variance. Examples; usually, might, most, some, frequently, seldom, perhaps, ordinarily, often, sometimes, many, quite, may, few, likely, possibly, hardly, generally, probably, commonly. o Example; some dogs chase cats. True. o Example; Most mammals don’t have backbones. False. • Negatives. A negative is a word or phrase that shows that something is rejected or disagreed with. • It might help to circle each negative word or prefix. • Word examples; false, never, not, cannot. • Prefix examples: dis-, il-, un-, non-, im-, ir-, in-. o Example; Today angioplasty is considered to be an insignificant procedure in correcting cardiovascular diseases. False. • Double negatives. Two negatives usually equal a positive. o If you find several negatives in a sentence, cross them out in pairs. o If there is a negative left, the entire statement is negative. o If there is NO negative left, the entire statement is positive (the negatives were cancelled out.)  Example. It is not uncommon for people to catch a cold even in the warm summer months (not + un = it is common). • Double negative exceptions. There are times when a double negative can mean a negative, and these usually have to do with regional speech patterns (dialect). o Example; You don’t know nothing. o Example; I didn’t go nowhere today. • String of items. Like when proving a hypothesis in statistics; when one item is false, the entire statement is false. o It can help to put a “T” or “F” on top of each item.  Example; sources of vitamin E include vegetable oils (T), wheat germ (T), chicken (T), corn (T), nuts (T), seeds (T), olives (T), asparagus (T), and spinach (T). • Statement is true.  Example; Sources of vitamin E include vegetable oils (T) and wheat germ (T), therefore sesame oil is a good source of vitamin E (F). • Statement is false. Sesame belongs to the nut and seed, not the vegetable category in the USDA food groups. • The first part of the statement was true, and the second part was false, so the entire statement is false. • Sometimes a string of items is paired with a modifier. o Example. Russia is no longer a Communist country (T), therefore all other Communist countries will change to capitalism as well (F).  Statement is false.

If you really do not know an answer, give it your best guess.

You have a 50% chance of getting it correct.

Multiple choice questions

• Which is not an example of an animal? o A. Cat. o B. Dog. o C. Tree. o D. Monkey.

Remember: Multiple choice questions are actually a group of True/False statements.

Use the strategies you would use to asses a True/False statement to assess each statement under the multiple choice question.

Circle the word in the question that you are looking for, and put "T" or "F" beside each of the answers as you complete your analysis of the answer statement.

Studying for multiple choice tests requires learning the information and being able to recall, not just recognizing it.

Answering can take careful reading and analysis because you have to choose not just a correct answer, but the best answer from the group.

TIPS:

Often the longest or most specific option will be the correct answer.
Like True/False questions, qualifying modifiers are used more often than absolute modifies in the correct options.
Eliminate statements that include things that don't make sense or use words or remarks that you would not be expected to know.
The best answer usually will be a grammatically correct extension of the question.
Look for exception words (ex., but, except), which give a clue to the type of answer you are looking for. (Ex., All of the following are true but..." is looking for the false answer.

Matching Questions

Matching questions usually consist of two lists. Each item on one list will match another item in the second list.

These tests are often used to test terms and definitions, names, and facts.

Make sure you know details when you study so you can recognize subtle differences between words and terms.

TIPS:

Count the items in each list. If the amount of items don't match, you know that there be some unused answers.
Read both lists carefully to familiarize yourself with each item.
Begin matching the items on the left to the items on the right.
Avoid choosing the first item on the right that seems to match. Scan the entire list to find the best choice.
If you find two items that seem to match, right the number next to them of the item on the left that they seem to match. Then see if either of the items on the right are a better match with another.
Don't guess until you have completed all of the items you are sure of.

Fill in the Blank Questions

These questions require you to create and write an appropriate answer in the blank.

TIPS:

Read each question carefully, as it can contain clues as to the correct response
When you read the question, analyze what it is saying and asking for
You will be completing a sentence, so write an answer that will complete the statement in a grammatically correct fashion so that it is not misinterpreted
- Ex., if the statement is missing a noun, include a noun in the answer
Check your answers to make sure that make sense, that they are logical
Read the answer to yourself to make sure they "sound" right

Essay Questions

Essay questions require you to write short or longer answers that combine an understanding of the facts and logic.

It shows your analytical and organizational abilities.

They present challenges, but are an opportunity for you to show your knowledge.

Instructors are looking for some of the following things when grading essay questions. Check with your instructor to see what they want:

Factual accuracy
Reasoning ability
Organization
Completeness
Clarity of thought
Mechanics (spelling and grammar)

Sometimes instructors will give you the essay question before the test. Most of the time, this is not the case. To practice writing essay questions on your topics, you can write about:

Questions at the end of your textbook chapters
Questions your instructor asked in class
Questions you have created when you were studying
Questions discussed in class
Details from your class notes (on the Cornell Note Taking method, write about the information from the left side column)

TIPS:

Look through the question(s) to determine how much time it will take, then watch the clock to make sure you don't run out of time.
Read though the questions carefully before you write to make sure you understand that the instructor is looking for
If there is more than one question being asked, make sure you include responses to all of the questions
If you have more than one question, answer the easier ones first
If you are allowed to make notes, Jot down any thoughts, mnemonics, or outlines that will help you develop your responses, including formulas, charts, or steps that you will be using, so you can focus on formulating the response and don't forget anything
Your outlines should have a logical sequence and identify important points.
If this is a long essay, state only one main idea per paragraph
Stick to the facts unless the question asks for your opinion
Provide evidence for each point you make
Write concisely and proofread your answers
- Do your answers make sense?
- Did you answer the question completely?
- Is your conclusion adequate?

• Common terms used in essay questions: • Analyze – break topic into small parts and discuss each part. • Apply – show how something works. • Compare – Discuss similarities. • Contrast – discuss differences. • Criticize/evaluate – discuss pros and cons, cost and benefits, the good and the bad. • Define – give the meaning. • Describe – state the details and the particulars. • Discuss – state main points, facts, and details. • Enumerate/list – write a list of main points (number the points). • Evaluate – give your and/ or an expert’s opinion or judgement (include evidence to support the evaluation) • Explain – make an idea clear and show logically how a concept is developed. • Illustrate – give an example. • Interpret – state the meaning in simpler terms; state your analysis of the topic. • Justify – present evidence to support the topic. • Outline – list a short overview of points. • Prove – support with facts (especially facts from the text and lecture). • Relate – show connections. • Solve – come up with a solution. • State – present main points. • Summarize – give an overview of main points. • Support – back up a statement with facts or proof. • Trace – describe an event from beginning to end.

SHort Answer Questions

Most of the strategies listed for essay questions apply to short answer questions.

The main difference is length and format.

TIPS:

Determine how much time to spend on the answer, and only spend that much time
Be concise in your wording of the answers
Don't stray from the main focus of the question

Examples were taken from Transitioning to College and Career (2015); J. Amos.

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Types of Tests

true/false (correct/incorrect) questions

True/False tests use the same principle as multiple choice test.

As you go through the hints for True/False test below, also think of how they relate to multiple choice tests.

Some statements test on basic facts

Ex., A pronoun is a word used in place of one or more nouns

Some test ability to apply knowledge

Ex., In the sentence, "Whose notes did you borrow?" "whose" is an interrogative pronoun.

Multiple choice questions

Remember: Multiple choice questions are actually a group of True/False statements.

Use the strategies you would use to asses a True/False statement to assess each statement under the multiple choice question.

Circle the word in the question that you are looking for, and put "T" or "F" beside each of the answers as you complete your analysis of the answer statement.

Studying for multiple choice tests requires learning the information and being able to recall, not just recognizing it.

Answering can take careful reading and analysis because you have to choose not just a correct answer, but the best answer from the group.

TIPS:

Often the longest or most specific option will be the correct answer.

Like True/False questions, qualifying modifiers are used more often than absolute modifies in the correct options.

Eliminate statements that include things that don't make sense or use words or remarks that you would not be expected to know.

The best answer usually will be a grammatically correct extension of the question.

Look for exception words (ex., but, except), which give a clue to the type of answer you are looking for. (Ex., All of the following are true but..." is looking for the false answer.

Matching Questions

Matching questions usually consist of two lists. Each item on one list will match another item in the second list.

These tests are often used to test terms and definitions, names, and facts.

Make sure you know details when you study so you can recognize subtle differences between words and terms.

TIPS:

Count the items in each list. If the amount of items don't match, you know that there be some unused answers.

Read both lists carefully to familiarize yourself with each item.

Begin matching the items on the left to the items on the right.

Avoid choosing the first item on the right that seems to match. Scan the entire list to find the best choice.

If you find two items that seem to match, right the number next to them of the item on the left that they seem to match. Then see if either of the items on the right are a better match with another.

Don't guess until you have completed all of the items you are sure of.

Fill in the Blank Questions

These questions require you to create and write an appropriate answer in the blank.

TIPS:

Read each question carefully, as it can contain clues as to the correct response

When you read the question, analyze what it is saying and asking for

You will be completing a sentence, so write an answer that will complete the statement in a grammatically correct fashion so that it is not misinterpreted

Ex., if the statement is missing a noun, include a noun in the answer

Check your answers to make sure that make sense, that they are logical

Read the answer to yourself to make sure they "sound" right

Essay Questions

Essay questions require you to write short or longer answers that combine an understanding of the facts and logic.

It shows your analytical and organizational abilities.

They present challenges, but are an opportunity for you to show your knowledge.

Instructors are looking for some of the following things when grading essay questions. Check with your instructor to see what they want:

Factual accuracy

Reasoning ability

Organization

Completeness

Clarity of thought

Mechanics (spelling and grammar)

Sometimes instructors will give you the essay question before the test. Most of the time, this is not the case. To practice writing essay questions on your topics, you can write about:

Questions at the end of your textbook chapters

Questions your instructor asked in class

Questions you have created when you were studying

Questions discussed in class

Details from your class notes (on the Cornell Note Taking method, write about the information from the left side column)

TIPS:

Look through the question(s) to determine how much time it will take, then watch the clock to make sure you don't run out of time.

Read though the questions carefully before you write to make sure you understand that the instructor is looking for

If there is more than one question being asked, make sure you include responses to all of the questions

If you have more than one question, answer the easier ones first

If you are allowed to make notes, Jot down any thoughts, mnemonics, or outlines that will help you develop your responses, including formulas, charts, or steps that you will be using, so you can focus on formulating the response and don't forget anything

Your outlines should have a logical sequence and identify important points.

If this is a long essay, state only one main idea per paragraph

Stick to the facts unless the question asks for your opinion

Provide evidence for each point you make

Write concisely and proofread your answers

Do your answers make sense?

Did you answer the question completely?

Is your conclusion adequate?

SHort Answer Questions

Most of the strategies listed for essay questions apply to short answer questions.

The main difference is length and format.

TIPS:

Determine how much time to spend on the answer, and only spend that much time

Be concise in your wording of the answers

Don't stray from the main focus of the question