Motivation and Learning Strategies for College Success : A Self-management Approach

 GI      $

TAKING EXAMS 273

Procedures for Answering

Multiple-Choice Questions Examples

6. Go back over difficult questions.


7. When in doubt, guess. If there is a “I know the meaning of decoding
   penalty for guessing, still guess if you and encoding, but I am not sure of
   can omit at least two of the the other two terms. What is my
   alternatives. best choice of the remaining terms?”


8. If given an opportunity, review “Most of the questions I missed were
   your exam results (error analysis). higher-level questions and came from
   the lecture notes.”
   Procedures for Answering Essay Exams Examples


9. Read the directions carefully and Directions: Answer questions 1 and 2
   do exactly what is asked. If given a and either 3 or 4.
   choice, determine what questions you
   will answer.


10. Read each question carefully to Describe the functions of the Speaker
    determine what is expected in the of the House of Representatives and
    response. evaluate his performance. Be sure to
    
    
    • Circle key words in each question. provide support for your evaluative
    
    
    • Make notes as you read. comments.
    
    
    
    


11. Determine how you will use your “I have 90 minutes to answer three
    time. essays each worth 10 points. This
    means that I should spend about 30
    minutes per essay. If I finished a
    question in less time, I will have more
    time for the other two essays. I will
    also leave some time for outlining and
    editing each question.”


12. Determine the order you will “I like to begin with the easiest
    respond to the questions. question. It builds my confidence.”


13. Organize your response by “I want to present three main ideas.”
    making an outline or representation
    (map).


14. Write your answer in the following
    manner:
    
    
    • Begin with an introductory
      paragraph.
    
    
    • State your first main idea and
      back it up with supporting details
      or examples. Go to the next
      main idea and do the same.
    
    
    • Add transitional words.
    
    
    • Add a summary.
    
    
    • Proofread and revise your
      answer.
    
    
    
    


15. If given an opportunity, review your “My major problem was that I failed
    exam results. to provide supporting evidence for the
    ideas I discussed.”