TRIO Program

Tips for Taking Exams:

Multiple Choice Exams

• Circle or underline the key words in the question.
• Answer the questions in order. Mark any questions you are unsure of, return to them later.
• Anticipate the answer before reading the choices .
• Read all the choices.
• Narrow the choices by eliminating those choices that are obviously incorrect .
• Remember words such as: always, never, all, and none tend to be incorrect options. Words such as sometimes, seldom, and many tend to be in correct options.
• Review the test . Use the information you've acquired working through the test and answer earlier questions you were not sure of.
• Check your answers . Change responses only if you read a question incorrectly or if you recall additional information.
• Make an educated guess if you do not know the answer. Never leave an answer blank .

Essay Exams

1. Write legibly . Grading essay questions is in large part a subjective process. Sloppy, difficult to read handwriting might actually lower your grade.
2. Be brief . Avoid filler and sentences that say nothing. Write as if you expect the person grading your test to be tired, bored, and overworked.
3. Use a pen . Ink is easier to read than pencil.
4. Write on one side of the paper . Writing on the back page will show through and make it harder to read.

Words commonly found in essay questions:

• Analyze : Break into separate parts and discuss, examine, or interpret each part.
• Compare : Examine two or more things. Identify similarities and differences.
• Contrast : Show differences. Set in opposition.
• Criticize : Make judgments. Evaluate comparative worth. Criticism often involves analysis.
• Define : Give the meaning, usually a meaning specific to the course or subject. Determine the precise limits of the term to be defined. Explain the exact meaning. Definitions are usually short.
• Describe : Give a detailed account. Make a picture with words. List characteristics, qualities, and parts.
• Discuss : Consider and debate or argue the pros and cons of an issue. Write about any conflict. Compare and contrast.
• Enumerate : List several ideas, aspects, events, things, qualities, reasons etc.
• Explain : Make an idea clear. Show logically how a concept is developed. Give the reasons for the event.
• Evaluate : Give your opinion or cite the opinion of an expert. Include evidence to support the evaluation.
• Illustrate : Give concrete examples. Explain clearly by using comparisons or examples.
• Interpret : Comment upon, give examples, describe relationships. Explain the meaning. Describe, then evaluate.
• Outline : Describe main ideas, characteristics, or events. (Does not necessarily mean "write a Roman numeral/letter outline.")
• Prove : Support with facts (especially facts presented in class or in the text.)
• Relate : Show the connection between ideas or events. Provide a larger context.
• State : Explain precisely.
• Summarize : Give a brief, condensed account. Include conclusions. Avoid unnecessary details.
• Trace : Show order of events or progress of a subject or event.