Exam Stategies : The Five Methods for Test Taking Success

The Five Methods for Test Taking Success

There are certain strategies that all test writers have in common. If you master these , you will automatically become a better test-taker. These are the foundational methods that all writers use when creating multiple choice tests. 

Method 1: Look for Meticulous Phrasing

Great answers always sound correct. When in doubt, look for the answer that makes the most sense. A good multiple choice test writer will always provide two poorly-written answers and one or two answers that are phrased well. Eliminate the two answers that are poorly written. Of the remaining two choices, eliminate the least clear of the two. The best-phrased answer is always the right choice. For example, of the answers below, which would you select? 

The term classical conditioning refers to a learning process:

A. Where responses are provided with stimuli. 
B. Where individuals are associated with sequences.
C. That involves placing a neutral signal before a naturally occurring reflex.
D. That involves a natural reflex.

If you answered C, you are correct. Why? This answer is the most natural and well-phrased, although A is a close second. The key is to look for the BEST answer. However, responses cannot be provided with stimuli, and in B, individuals are not generally associated with sequences. Therefore, the best option is answer C. 

Method 2: Use Common Sense

Normally, when assessing a multiple choice answer, common sense is the key to your success. It is normal to want to choose the simplest and easiest answer. But often, the easiest answer is not the right answer. This is particularly true for math problems. If an answer seems too obvious, this is probably because the answer is incorrect. Cross this answer off your list.

Likewise, if you notice that two answers are very similar, the odds are very good that one of these answers is the best answer. Do your best to eliminate one of these to determine which of these is the best answer.

Method 3: Recognize the Twin Towers

If there are two answers that are very different from one another or are parallel but opposite to one another, cross these answers off your list; the odds are good that neither of these is the correct answer. These are likely there to distract you from the right answer. 

Here is an example of Twin Towers in action:

A pendulum typically consists of a circle or other large object hanging from a string or cord. When the mass of the sphere doubles, what happens to the period of the pendulum?

A. It increases.
B. It decreases.
C. It remains the same.
D. More information is necessary to answer the question.

The answer to this question is C, the period remains the same. Two things happen here. First, you can cross the two parallel answers from your list. These are answers A and B, which cancel each other out. You are left with choices C and D. Of these, if you have to guess, the odds always favor answer C. Lets learn more about this.

Method 4: When in Doubt, Pick C

There are lots of questions that are simply impossible to answer immediately. This is particularly true when taking standardized tests. For questions like this, rather than guess, your best bet is to answer C. Why? Research suggests that up to 32 percent of test questions use C as the answer. So, if you simply cannot answer a question, you are far better off answering with C than skipping the test question. If you can eliminate any possible wrong answers and are still left with C as a choice, go with C.

Method 5: Deal with All or None of the Above

Most tests have a formula or template for questions with all of the above, none of the above, or some of the above choices. Many test writers will use a pattern that will have you answering all of the above most of the time or seldom. If you can determine this early on, you will be more confident of your answers. 

Figure out whether the correct answer is all of the above or none of the above with a question or two you are confident about. That way, you will not feel that you are guessing for the remainder of the test. The choice for all of the above is most commonly used in K-12 testing. 

By mastering these five simple strategies, you will sharpen your test-taking skills dramatically. Of course, the best weapon is to PRAY!