Test Taking Tips
Practice Makes Perfect
Presented byProf. Janice R. Close, M.A., RRT-NPS
Test Taking TipsTests are
Scary!
Acquired Skill!
Tips only work if the student has studied
Practice Taking TestsSample exam
questions Review books Review quizzes and
exams on-lineEngradeMyhealthprofessionskit
.com
Before The Test
Arrive EarlyDon’t be rushedGive yourself time
to, park, get to class, relax.
That Means You …
Come PreparedPens, Pencils
Scrap Paper
No personal belongings on desk
Name badge, Ipad, cell phones away
Write DownFormulas and
memorized numbers
As soon as you receive your scrap paper
Draw pictures or diagrams
Alleviate Test Anxiety
Stress Reduction
Don’t cramDon’t rush Deep breathing Relaxation exercises
Test Taking SkillsMay be timed Pace yourself
About One MinutePer questionCheck periodically
Follow Directions
Circle answer choice for multiple choice
Write in Letter corresponding to choice in CAPS (easier to read)
Make sure you CLICKed the answer
Don’t skipDon’t changeNo stray marksDouble check
that answer is clicked
Fill In Completely
Read Entire Question
One Best Answer
Stem: the "question”
Choices: responses/distracters
ABCD(E)
Process of Elimination
A. OSHAB. HIPAAC. NIOSHD. AMA
Find the Best Answer Distracters designed to be plausible or
even acceptableBut only one choice is bestEliminate obviously wrong choices Improve the oddsChoose from what’s left
Choices
BestAcceptableIncorrectHarmful
Key WordsPriority order
First, nextLeast, most
Watch negativesExcept, not
Most importantMajor, primary
Standard practiceUsually, often
Avoid ChoicesThat are obviously different These are usually not the
correct response L vs. ml, ml vs. Mg
Exam writers try not be too obvious
Be Wary of Absolutes Always, never, all,
none, in-,im-Usually not the
correct choice“All of the above”
correct choice only 60% of the time
Do Not Look for a Pattern! There is noneSelect response you best
understand If you have never heard of
a choice, chances are it is a distracter
Take questions at face value - do not read too much into the question
GuessPick BDon’t leave any
blank!You may not have
time to go back
When In Doubt...
Change Answers Sparingly! Only if you realize first
choice was ridiculous Avoid temptation to
change answers Go with your first
instinct, usually correct 8/9 of knowledge is
subconscious More people change
answers from right to wrong (75% of the time)
Closure
Avoid going back and changing answers
You may not have time!Finish the test!
If You Don’t Ask…Proctor cannot help
you with exam content
But may be able to clarify confusion
Don’t Get Emotionally Involved
Cant do anything about it during the test!
Keep calm and focused
Don’t give up!You may comment
on question quality afterwards