California Cadet CorpsCurriculum on Study Skills

“Taking Tests”

Test Taking Agenda

B1. Test Preparation TipsB2. Strategies for Improving Test PerformanceB3. Short Answer TestsB4. Taking Essay TestsB5. Multiple Choice Test Taking TipsB6. True/False TestsB7. Quantitative & Math Test Preparation StrategiesB8. Open Book TestsB9. Oral Test Taking, Boards, and Interviews

TEST PREPARATION &TEST TAKING TIPS

B1. Identify test preparation and test taking tips

Test Preparation Tips

• Prepare early → don’t procrastinate • Have a study routine → stick to it• Take good notes

– Compare notes • Instructor clues

– Test content– Question types

• Healthy choices– Get sleep– Eat a good breakfast– No junk food or sugar

Test Preparation Tips

• Listen for instructor tips/instruction/insight• Review material with study group• Prepare outline

– Main topics and concepts– Study from it

• Use/study visual aids & charts

Test Taking Tips

• Show up early• Test instructions

– Listen!– Read!

• Do a ‘memory dump’ at test start

Test Taking Tips

• Plan your time– Answer easy questions first– Circle back to others

• Plan early finish– Go back & review– Ensure no skipped questions

• First instinct is usually correct

Check on Learning

1. T/F: A “memory dump” refers to writing down key ideas/formulas at the beginning of a test.

2. T/F: You should answer a question before moving on to the next one.

3. T/F: Comparing notes with others in class is usually not a good thing to do.

STRATEGIES FOR IMPROVING TEST PERFORMANCE

B2. Identify strategies for improving test performance

Improve Test Performance

Take good notesPrepareOrganizeReviewAsk Questions

Improve Test Performance

Use Comprehension StrategyActively ListenManage TimeReview & Plan A Week AheadPractice With Test Taking

MethodUse Test Prep Tips

Check on Learning

1. What should you do if you don’t understand what was taught?

2. How far in advance should you start reviewing for a test?

3. What is one good way to take notes?4. What is a good way to manage your time?

SHORT ANSWER ESSAY TESTS

B3. Describe how to effectively take Short Answer Tests

Short Answer Essays

• Show you understand a concept– Can you explain it?

• Concentrate study time on understanding– Practice writing out answers

• Explain major points in 1 or 2 sentences– Focus on sub-topics/concepts– Memorize facts & info

Short Answer EssaysTest Prep

• Write practice questions– Have someone review your answers

• Use flashcards• Make educated guess, if necessary

Check on Learning

Briefly explain (short answer essay) how to study for a short answer

essay test?

TAKING ESSAY TESTS

B4. Describe how to effectively take Essay Tests

General Format

• Introduction– Identify purpose– State thesis (theory, idea, notion, hypothesis)

• Body– State main points– Explain main points– Include examples

• Conclusion– Restate purpose– Summarize supporting points

General Format

Essay Exam Tips

• Outline topic before writing answer• Always follow format:

Intro – Body – Conclusion• Cover your points• Get out!

Check on Learning

1. T/F: The Introduction part of an essay exam is where you summarize your argument.

2. In what part of the essay exam do you place your main points?

3. What are the three main parts of an essay exam?

MULTIPLE CHOICE TEST TAKING TIPS

B5. Describe how to effectively take Multiple Choice Tests

Multiple Choice

• Read entire question before looking at answers

• Read every answer before making a choice• Eliminate answers you’re sure are incorrect• Once incorrect ones eliminated, focus on

remaining answers• Select the best answer

Multiple Choice

• First answer questions you know, then go back to other questions

• If possible, make an educated guess • Don’t leave unanswered questions

Multiple Choice

• Pay attention to these words:– Not → changes sentence meaning

– Sometimes → makes occurrence possible

– Always → an absolute

– Never → another absolute

– All of the Above → often right, but be sure!

– None of the Above → often right, but be sure!

Multiple Choice

• Usually best to stick with first choice, but not always

• If two answers correct, “All of the Above” is probably right choice

• If choice between positive & negative options, likely to be the positive

• If guessing, pick answer that contains the most info

Check on Learning

1. T/F: If you already know the answer in a Multiple Choice test, you don’t need to spend time reading the other answers.

2. T/F: If you don’t know the answer on the test, don’t guess at the answer.

3. If there’s a choice between positive & negative options, which one is it likely to be?

TRUE/FALSE TESTS

B6. Describe how to effectively take True/False Tests

True/False

• Consider statement true → Determine if any part false – One false aspect? → Entire statement false

True/False

• If T/F sentence contains a negative:– drop negative word – read remainder

• Is sentence true or false w/out the negative? • If true, then correct answer would be False.

• Watch out for double negatives– Example: “It is unlikely the battalion will not

win the drill competition” is same as “It is likely the battalion will win the drill competition.”

True/False

– Always– Never– Sometimes– Frequently– Seldom– Often– Generally– Ordinarily

– All– Few– Many– Entirely– Completely– Best – Worst– None

• Carefully consider how following words affect the given statement:

True/False

• Long sentences (more likely to be false):– Review each phrase – Ensure it says what you think it says – If one phrase is false, the answer is False

• If completely unsure of an answer →more likely True than False

True/False

• Statements that include a reason (use of ‘because’, ‘reason’, ‘since’, etc.) → more likely to be false

• Plan your time– Go through whole test – Answer questions you know– Go back & tackle ones not sure about

Check on Learning

1. ‘Always’ & ‘Never’ frequently reflect a statement/answer.

2. If a T/F statement has a has a negative word, the negative & re-read. If the statement now reads as true, then the correct answer would be .

3. If you’re completely unsure of an answer, it’s more likely than .

MATH PREPARATION AND TEST TAKING STRATEGIES

B7. Describe how to effectively prepare for and take Math Tests

Math Tests

• Practice, practice, practice• Understand concept/theory• Review problems in book, notes, &

homework• Ask for help if needed• Focus on understanding principles & step-

by-step procedures• Practice explaining processes

Math Tests

• Keep a list of all formulas & theories– Memorize them

• Study in groups– Work through problems together

• Immediately write down formulas (from memory) on test paper/worksheet

Math Tests

• Read test & question instructions carefully– Pay attention to detail!

• Show work, even if unsure if it’s correct answer – Sometimes partial credit given even if not

correct answer

Check on Learning

1. What is the first thing it’s good to do when given a test paper/worksheet?

2. What is something you should practice for tests that will require you to provide a logical explanation of how you arrived at your answer?

3. T/F: Group study is one recommendation for taking math tests.

OPEN BOOK TESTS

B8. Describe how to effectively take Open Book Tests

Open Book Tests

• Time limit (normally)– Impossible to look up every answer– Require prep & knowledge of info location

• May be able to tab text

– Answer mostly from memory– Rely on understanding material

• Organize notes– Include key formulas or precepts

Open Book Tests

• Answer easy questions first

• Answer remaining questions– Rely on your memory – Look at resource material

• Don’t plagiarize

ORAL TEST TAKING, BOARDS, & INTERVIEWS

B9. Describe how to effectively take Oral Tests, Boards, and Interviews

Oral Test Taking, Boards,& Interviews

• Lifetime Skills– Performance Task Assessments (PTA)– Promotion Boards– Job or other interviews– Oral presentations– Public speaking

Oral Test Taking, Boards,& Interviews

• Formal or Informal process– Do you know the material?– How well do you present yourself?

• Preparation reduces anxiety– Knowledge– Self-confidence

Oral Test Taking, Boards,& Interviews

• Preparation & Practice!– Research possible questions asked– Have others quiz you

• Know what to expect• If impressive, present it!

Oral Test Taking, Boards,& Interviews

• Be on time! Never late!• Critical first impression

– Room entry– Properly follow reporting procedure – Practice customs and courtesies throughout

• “Sir,” “Ma’am,” or “Sergeant” – If in uniform

• Correct and sharp • Have someone familiar w/uniform

look you over before entering

Oral Test Taking, Boards,& Interviews

• Bring notepad– Jot notes– Remember the question

• Multiple parts? Jot notes!

• Listen carefully & respond appropriately– Don’t understand a question? Ask for

clarification!

Oral Test Taking, Boards,& Interviews

• Cadet Promotion Boards outlined in Cadet Regulation 1-5– https://cacadets.org/sites/default/files/Reg

ulations/CR_1-5_Cadet_Appointments_Promotions_as%20of%201FEB17%5B5378%5D.pdf

– Don’t go unprepared!

Oral Test Taking, Boards,& Interviews

• Pay attention to body language and posture – Sit, if offered

• Do so formally • Keep posture upright—Don’t slouch!

– Stand → told to be At Ease• Don’t move around• Stay in At Ease position • Don’t cross hands over chest • Don’t put hands in pockets or on hips

Oral Test Taking, Boards,& Interviews

• Likely to be asked if you have questions or anything to add– Be prepared ahead of time– If new position/promotion,

prepare brief statement– Don’t repeat info

• Thank interviewer/examiner/board for taking time to interview

After Action Review

Afterward• Assess how you think you did• Write down some review notes• Next oral exam, board, or interview:

– Review previous notes as prep process

• Open to providing feedback?– Ask board how to do better next time

Check on Learning

1. T/F: If offered to sit at an interview or before a board, you should refuse so you don’t appear too casual.

2. The key to being confident when taking an oral exam, presenting for a board or going for an interview is to prepare and practice ahead of time.