Tips for Dead Week

Something to think about with approaching FINAL EXAMS. (from Quick Study Academic – Keys to College Success)



EXAM STRATEGIES



Preparation

1. Learn the exam format: e.g. objective (true/false or multiple choice) or subjective (essay).

2. Review course outline, notes and charts etc.

3. Review previous tests; check at departmental office.

4. Summarize highlights on single sheet.

Memory Dump

At the beginning of the test, write down on scrap paper everything you remember – formulas, facts, names, etc., scan the test questions; then do a second memory dump and begin the test.



Objective Exams

1. Scan the exam to determine types of questions.

2. Always read and follow directions!

3. Determine the exam’s scoring rules and use them to your advantage. If wrong answers are penalized, don’t guess unless you can reduce the choices to two.

4. Answer easy questions first.

5. Mark difficult questions and return to them later.

6. True – False Questions:

a. Pick out key words or those on which the meaning of a statement hinges.

b. If any clause in a statement is false, the statement is false.

7. Multiple-choice questions are essentially true-false questions arranged in groups.

a. Usually only one alternative is totally correct.

b. Eliminate obvious false choices.

c. Of the remainder, pick the alternative that answers most fully all aspects of the question.



Essay Exams

1. Planning your time when answering essay questions is more important than in objective type tests!

2. Read through the entire examination first.

a. Get a feel for the questions you are expected to answer.

b. If the exam allows you to choose from a number of questions, be sure to number your answers exactly to match the questions.

3. Follow directions carefully:

a. Pay attention to the key words in the question. Words such as “list,” “describe,” “compare and contrast,” and “outline” require different types of answers.

b. Don’t “write around” the question, but answer it directly and concisely.

4. Outlining

a. After scanning the list of questions, choose those about which you know most.

b. On scrap paper quickly prepare an outline of important ideas and facts to be included in your response.

c. Your opening statement summarizes what you are going to write.

d. The following sentence should support your opening statement.

e. Your conclusion should show how your body text support your opening statement.

5. It is absolutely essential that your ideas can be read and understood: print if your cursive writing is very hard to read; know and use correct grammar, punctuation and spelling.