Deck 8: Excel at Taking Tests

Question 1

Darren just got his exam back.He looked through it to see if he had any disputes and accepted his mediocre grade.He rewarded himself after class by going home to take a nap.He then looked over his test again to assess his errors, to look for patterns in his errors, and to assess:

A)his note taking skills.
B)his course expectations.
C)his test preparation skills.
D)what he could do differently next time.

Answer 1

D

Question 2

Harry does not consider himself a good test taker.He feels confident in knowing the material before he goes into a test, but then once he receives the test it seems anxiety limits his ability to recall the information he knows quickly enough.What is the best strategy for him to reduce his test anxiety?

A)use memory techniques
B)dispute negative thoughts and conversations
C)write down important information
D)use all available resources

Answer 2

B

Question 3

Bianca is writing an essay for an exam.To do well, she should do all but:

A)create an outline to organize her ideas.
B)avoid being direct.
C)budget her time.
D)write concisely and correctly.

Answer 3

B

Question 4

A strategy to use when answering fill-in-the blank questions is to:

A)look for faulty cause and effect
B)look at sentence structure.
C)answer the questions you know first.
D)look for qualifiers like all, never, always, and every.

Question 5

When taking an online test, you should avoid:

A)using functions in the testing program to return to previous questions.
B)hitting the save button more than once.
C)setting the window size before you start.
D)taking the test on the due date.

Question 6

When Laura reviewed her test she noticed she made the same type of error she has made in the past.It is likely:

A)this was an equally difficult test she should have prepared for more thoroughly.
B)there may be a pattern in the type of mistakes she makes.
C)she does not check her work.
D)she does not read directions thoroughly.

Question 7

Peter is working on the essay portion of a Physics exam.The instructions indicate that in the essay he must enumerate the physical and mathematical applications of Newton's Three Laws of Motion.This means he must:

A)create a numbered list showing each law with its applications.
B)create an outline showing each law with its applications.
C)provide examples of the laws using math based illustrations.
D)highlight the important applications of each law.

Question 8

As soon as you get the test, you should:

A)write down key information you want to remember.
B)answer objective questions.
C)scan through the test to look for questions you may want to answer first.
D)determine how much time you should spend on each question.

Question 9

Greg got his math test back and although he had the correct answers, he did not get full credit.This was most likely because he did not:

A)write the problem out in longhand.
B)use his note cards effectively.
C)follow the instructions completely.
D)make illustrations.

Question 10

A special strategy to use when taking a math test would be to:

A)review and practice formulas with your study group prior to the test.
B)use process of elimination to help determine the answer.
C)state answers in the simplest form.
D)pay attention to order of operations rules.

Question 11

Which statement does not belong in your checklist for incorrect test answers:

A)I knew the information, but I have a poor memory
B)I understood what I was saying but my answer lacked clarity.
C)I did not demonstrate good organization.
D)I did not demonstrate reasoning ability.

Question 12

Damian is preparing for a performance appraisal.Damian expects he will not only receive feedback from his employer on the quality of his work, but he will also have an opportunity to question his employer.Based on what you have read in the chapter about performance appraisals, are Damian's expectations likely to be fulfilled? Why or why not?

A)Yes, because he will have the opportunity to ask his employer questions.
B)No, because a performance appraisal only involves Damien's evaluation.
C)Yes, because employers often will use this time to solicit feedback.
D)No, because he can ask questions of his employer, but not to question his employer.

Question 13

In setting up time for weekly reviews, one should:

A)plan to review one subject per evening.
B)plan to set aside at least an hour a week to review notes from all classes.
C)plan to spend about an hour per subject.
D)plan to spend about an hour a day in reviewing notes from all classes.

Question 14

Mario is taking a math test.A special strategy he should use would be to:

A)scan the test to see what the questions are worth.
B)rewrite the question in his own words before he tackles it.
C)as soon as he gets the test he should write key information.
D)he should read and listen to all directions.

Question 15

Ed is returning to school after getting laid off from his job.He has a lot of pressure on him to succeed in his program, and thus he is experiencing severe anxiety about doing well on his exams.Based on what you've learned in this chapter, what advice would you give Jack?

A)set and follow a review schedule.
B)stay calm.
C)get regular exercise.
D)seek help.

Question 16

Simon creates sample tests to review chapter objectives, key concepts, or to practice problems.To make this strategy most effective, he should review and rehearse:

A)until he answers most of the sample test questions correctly.
B)for at least two hours per day for three days before the test.
C)until he is comfortable he knows the information and feels confident.
D)until he can summarize key concepts and objectives in his own words.

Question 17

Shelly arrived in class early to do a quick review of her notes before her exam.Although she is confident she knows the material, she has a lot of test anxiety.While she reviews, she should most likely:

A)review memory strategies.
B)assemble what she needs for class and get there early.
C)review note cards.
D)intend to be positive.

Question 18

Ethan is preparing for an exam in his Psychology class.He knows there will an essay he needs to write about one of the main concepts they have studied thus far.To feel confident going into the test, it is best that he:

A)keeps a sense of perspective.
B)practice writing essays in order to pace himself when taking the test.
C)be able to summarize the main concepts in his own words.
D)create a sample test.

Question 19

Anna has faithfully followed her weekly review schedule and feels she is keeping up in her classes.She will have her first exam next week and feels confident she will do well without studying.She does not feel motivated to do the final review needed for the exam.The best way to motivate herself to study would be to:

A)arrange a reward for herself after the test.
B)prepare for the test with a study group.
C)create practice tests.
D)keep a sense of perspective.

Question 20

When taking a True/False test, you should:

A)avoid answering questions you don't know.
B)watch for faulty cause and effect.
C)look for qualifiers to validate your initial instinct.
D)restate the question and look for associations.

Question 21

Miles is taking a multiple-choice test.When taking this type of test, it will be helpful for him to watch for qualifiers such as always, all, and every.

Question 22

Genevieve has been given the following multiple-choice question: Veronica's instructor often wanders from the points he is trying to make in his lectures, which leaves her confused and panicked.Upon talking with classmates in a study group session, she realizes she is not alone.The group's first step should be to:
A) approach their issue with the instructor directly
B) work together to ask questions that provide clarity
C) compare notes after class to piece together understanding
D) arrange to meet with the instructor to go over their notes outside of class
In this question, Genevieve's best strategy in finding the correct answer of "B" will be to:

A)look at the grammatical structure of the question to see if it matches her choice.
B)cover the answers, then search for the answer she has determined in her mind.
C)use critical thinking to analyze her first impulse of the correct answer.
D)read the question carefully to be sure she is choosing the best answer of all the choices which seem to have different degrees of accuracy.

Question 23

When taking a multiple-choice test, do the hard problems first.

Question 24

The key to an open-book test is to read carefully.

Question 25

Martin and one of his classmates often take online tests together.Although they know this is cheating, they each feel this is the only way they can make it through the class given their time constraints.Since the main objective is learning, and they feel they have mastered the material, albeit together, they don't feel it is a big deal to cheat.They understand the risks, but in their minds the benefits outweigh the risks.They should also realize they lack integrity, could have academic problems, and that this will erode their confidence.

Question 26

One of the best ways to test yourself is to close the book after you are reading and write down all you remember about what you read.Then go back and fill in the missing details.

Question 27

When taking a course, it is important to make the time to clarify and understand expectations, as this will help to eliminate the unknown and unnecessary anxiety.

Question 28

Christopher is taking a True/False type quiz.As he reviews his answers, he is second guessing himself.He should always go with his first instincts.

Question 29

The main purpose for analyzing and assessing your graded exam is to improve your critical thinking skills when taking future exams.

Question 30

You should set up a review schedule on the first day of class.

Question 31

Justine feels her academic strength is in writing well-developed and informative research papers.She does a mediocre job on tests, which drags her grades down.She has a firm understanding of the key concepts in the course and applies these in her assignments.She reviews her notes weekly and does a final review before tests.Which set of strategies will help her the most?

A)Justine should begin to prepare for tests earlier and more often.She should summarize key concepts in her own words.She should incorporate sample tests into her weekly review routine, incorporating strategies for taking different types of tests.She should work with a study team in her final review before tests.
B)Justine should set up weekly reviews with her study group.She should review her text and notes, and give herself practice tests weekly, incorporating strategies for taking different types of tests.She should conduct a final review and go into tests with a positive attitude.
C)Justine should summarize key concepts in her own words.She should review her text and notes, and give herself practice tests weekly.She should conduct a final review and keep things in perspective as she approaches tests.
D)Justine should make more of an effort to understand expectations in the course.She should prepare for tests earlier and more often.She should summarize key concepts weekly and share these with her study group.She should conduct a final review and affirm her memory just before heading into her tests.

Question 32

Amy is answering the following multiple-choice question on her exam: Gwen asked her friend if he would mind if she explained a new concept she learned from class to him.How is she using the Adult Learning Cycle?
A) She is relating with the information by discussing it with a friend.
B) She is reflecting on the information with her friend.
C) She is teaching this information to her friend.
D) She is observing this information by hearing her friend's feedback.
What is Amy's best strategy for answering this question quickly?

A)covering the answers, then searching for the answer she has determined in her mind
B)using critical thinking to analyze her first impulse of the correct answer.
C)reading the question carefully to be sure she is choosing the best answer of all the choices which seem to have different degrees of accuracy.
D)looking at the grammatical structure of the question to see if it matches her choice.

Question 33

For the final review before an exam, some instructors encourage students to put aside three hours per day, two days prior to the exam.

Question 34

Jane will commonly cram as much information as she can onto a single note card as a part of her final test preparation.Although she cannot use the note card during the test, writing the information in this manner is the best way she can prepare.

Question 35

Dennis is in the essay section of his test.For his thesis, he should restate the essay prompt.

Question 36

Lane does all that he can to prepare for tests but his weakness lies in the small errors he makes, particularly on math tests.Which set of strategies will help Lane the most?

A)Lane should focus on making clear and concise responses and leave time to check his work.
B)Lane should get a good night's sleep before the test and read the instructions carefully.
C)Lane should arrive early and review key concepts, scan the test so he can pace himself, write out questions and make associations and/or illustrations, and should leave time to check his work for accuracy.
D)Lane should first write his name and any key concepts or formulas, read all directions carefully, show his work and watch the signs, and check that his answers are accurate and in the simplest form.

Question 37

Preparing for an exam with a study team may serve as a motivator when you may otherwise be tempted to skip a study session.

Question 38

Colby is a student teacher.Her instructor will be coming in to observe her teaching and to write up a formal evaluation of her performance.This could influence her grade and ability to earn her teaching certificate.Colby is very nervous.Instead of worrying, she should view the evaluation as an opportunity to learn about her teaching acumen for possible improvement for the sake of her students.

Question 39

Don forgot the types of questions that would be on the midterm exam.He should anticipate all types of questions including true/false, multiple-choice, matching, and fill-in-the-blank.

Question 40

Allison has been given the following multiple-choice question: In the face of adversity a peak performer will likely:
A) seek opportunities.
B) gain self advantage.
C) avoid risks.
D) focus on the problem.
In this question, her best strategy in finding the correct answer of "A" will be to:

A)look at the grammatical structure of the question to see if it matches her choice.
B)cover the potential answers, then search for the answer she has determined in her mind
C)narrow her choices by eliminating the answers she knows are not correct
D)read the question carefully to be sure she is choosing the best answer of all the choices which seem to have different degrees of accuracy.

Question 41

What is your checklist for incorrect test answers? Provide at least 6 items you would look for to assess your weaknesses when evaluating your test performance and strategies.

Question 42

Sandra's roommate Lily is taking the same course as she, with the same professor, but in a different section.Lily took her exam and shared what was on the test with Sandra.Since they are not in the same class, this cannot be considered cheating.

Question 43

When taking an essay test, which of the 9 strategies discussed will you find useful? Why? Discuss at least 5 strategies.

Question 44

You just got an exam back.Discuss at least 5 ways you will use the results.

Question 45

What are some obstacles you face when taking tests? Of the test preparation, test taking, using test results, and overcoming test anxiety strategies, which strategies do you think are going to benefit you the most? Discuss at least 3 obstacles you face, and offer at least 2 strategies you will use to overcome these obstacles.

Question 46

A performance appraisal can be a valuable tool in understanding one's strengths, and weaknesses from your employer's perspective.Use a current job experience, or imagine a job scenario where you are preparing for a performance appraisal.What are 6 questions to ask to get the most out of a performance appraisal?

Question 47

List the 6 different types of tests and/or test questions you may encounter in a course.Describe at least 2 strategies you will use to approach each type of test and/or test question.

Question 48

Amy is answering a multiple-choice question on her exam: "It is essential that self-esteem, self-talk and visualization, physical reaction, and behavior are all used in increasing motivation." This statement is most likely false because is contains the qualifier "all."

Question 49

Describe at least 5 strategies you learned in the chapter that you will use to help you prepare for tests and exams in the future.

Question 50

Open book tests are easier than almost any other kind of test.

Question 51

Jordon got his test back and realized he made a silly mistake that cost him 10% of his grade.Although he compared two genres of literature sufficiently in his short essay, he failed to contrast them.This error was likely made because he did not read the instructions carefully.

Question 52

As a part of his final grade, Luka must demonstrate that he can analyze and interpret the photographs within his photographic essay project, and then critique the essay based on the themes covered in class.This means he will need to examine the key elements within each photograph and explain their meaning.Then, he must evaluate the essay using the themes covered in class to support his essay's design.