As you prepare for exams, it is important to ask some key questions about the tests you’ll be taking. In what format will the exam be presented? Will the exam be an objective test or an essay test? Objective tests are those that include true-false, matching, and multiple choice questions. Here are some tips for taking these types of exams.
True-False Questions: These questions generally center around details. First, ask yourself: “is every part of this statement true all of the time?” If your answer is “yes,” the statement is probably true. If the statement has the words always or never, can you think of exception to the statement? If you can identify an exception, than the statement is false.
Matching Questions: Matching questions generally try to test your knowledge of the connections or relationships between ideas or information. Start with the longer column of information and look for a match in the shorter column. Be sure to move through the entirety of the shorter column before selecting a final match; a more correct answer may follow. Each time you complete a match, cross it off in both columns unless duplicate matches are possible.
Multiple Choice Questions: Read the question. Before reviewing the response options, try to formulate your own answer. Check to see if your answer can be found in the response options. If so, review the other options to be sure your answer is the best option, keeping in mind that ‘almost’ or partly-true answers are often placed in tests to trick you. Like in the true/false questions, it is important to look for qualifiers- words like always, never, all, nothing, greatest and least. These words are key in a sentence because by changing them you dramatically alter the meaning of the phrase.