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!

Trending ZIKA VIRUS

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Key facts

• Zika virus disease is caused by a virus transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes.
• People with Zika virus disease usually have symptoms that can include mild fever, skin rashes, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise or headache. These symptoms normally last for 2-7 days.
• There is no specific treatment or vaccine currently available.
• The best form of prevention is protection against mosquito bites.
• The virus is known to circulate in Africa, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific.

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Introduction

Zika virus is an emerging mosquito-borne virus that was first identified in Uganda in 1947 in rhesus monkeys through a monitoring network of sylvatic yellow fever. It was subsequently identified in humans in 1952 in Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania. Outbreaks of Zika virus disease have been recorded in Africa, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific.

• Genre: Flavivirus
• Vector: Aedes mosquitoes (which usually bite during the morning and late afternoon/evening hours)
• Reservoir: Unknown

Signs and Symptoms

The incubation period (the time from exposure to symptoms) of Zika virus disease is not clear, but is likely to be a few days. The symptoms are similar to other arbovirus infections such as dengue, and include fever, skin rashes, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise, and headache. These symptoms are usually mild and last for 2-7 days.

Potential complications of Zika virus disease

During large outbreaks in French Polynesia and Brazil in 2013 and 2015 respectively, national health authorities reported potential neurological and auto-immune complications of Zika virus disease. Recently in Brazil, local health authorities have observed an increase in Guillain-Barré syndrome which coincided with Zika virus infections in the general public, as well as an increase in babies born with microcephaly in northeast Brazil. Agencies investigating the Zika outbreaks are finding an increasing body of evidence about the link between Zika virus and microcephaly. However, more investigation is needed to better understand the relationship between microcephaly in babies and the Zika virus. Other potential causes are also being investigated.

Transmission

Zika virus is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito from the Aedesgenus, mainly Aedes aegypti in tropical regions. This is the same mosquito that transmits dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever. However, sexual transmission of Zika virus has been described in 2 cases, and the presence of the Zika virus in semen in 1 additional case.

Zika virus disease outbreaks were reported for the first time from the Pacific in 2007 and 2013 (Yap and French Polynesia, respectively), and in 2015 from the Americas (Brazil and Colombia) and Africa (Cabo Verde). In addition, more than 13 countries in the Americas have reported sporadic Zika virus infections indicating rapid geographic expansion of Zika virus.

Diagnosis

Infection with Zika virus may be suspected based on symptoms and recent history (e.g. residence or travel to an area where Zika virus is known to be present). Zika virus diagnosis can only be confirmed by laboratory testing for the presence of Zika virus RNA in the blood or other body fluids, such as urine or saliva. 

Prevention

Mosquitoes and their breeding sites pose a significant risk factor for Zika virus infection. Prevention and control relies on reducing mosquitoes through source reduction (removal and modification of breeding sites) and reducing contact between mosquitoes and people. 

This can be done by using insect repellent regularly; wearing clothes (preferably light-coloured) that cover as much of the body as possible; using physical barriers such as window screens, closed doors and windows; and if needed, additional personal protection, such as sleeping under mosquito nets during the day. It is extremely important to empty, clean or cover containers regularly that can store water, such as buckets, drums, pots etc. Other mosquito breeding sites should be cleaned or removed including flower pots, used tyres and roof gutters. Communities must support the efforts of the local government to reduce the density of mosquitoes in their locality.

Repellents should contain DEET (N, N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide), IR3535 (3-[N-acetyl-N-butyl]-aminopropionic acid ethyl ester) or icaridin (1-piperidinecarboxylic acid, 2-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-methylpropylester). Product label instructions should be strictly followed. Special attention and help should be given to those who may not be able to protect themselves adequately, such as young children, the sick or elderly.

During outbreaks, health authorities may advise that spraying of insecticides be carried out. Insecticides recommended by the WHO Pesticide Evaluation Scheme may also be used as larvicides to treat relatively large water containers.

Travellers should take the basic precautions described above to protect themselves from mosquito bites. 

Treatment

Zika virus disease is usually relatively mild and requires no specific treatment. People sick with Zika virus should get plenty of rest, drink enough fluids, and treat pain and fever with common medicines. If symptoms worsen, they should seek medical care and advice. There is currently no vaccine available. 

Link: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/zika/en/