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 Answering Different Types of Test Questions
 Multiple Choice
- Pay attention to qualifying words (i.e., always, never)
- Do not look for patterns
- Read through the question with the answer
- Estimate the alternatives
- Look for clues (i.e., grammar, tenses)
- Work backwards -- read the answers, then the question
- Choose the best alternative (more than one answer may be correct)
Matching
Matching is an exercise in recalling memorized information. The tests are divided into two columns. Items on the left side are usually matched with responses on the right side.
- Ask if you can use alternatives more than once
- Take each entry in turn in the left column and try to think of the answer before reading the choices
- Choose the best answer and mark the answer sheet according to the directions
- Narrow down the field by completing those answers you know are correct
- Avoid changing answers
Fill-in-the-Blank
Unlike the multiple choice and matching question, you must supply the appropriate word or number to complete the entry.
- Look for clues (i.e., grammar, tenses)
- Use common sense
- Choose the best word
- Pay attention to the length or number of lines provided for your response
- Read through your answer to make sure it sounds right
Essay
- Read directions carefully (i.e., Do you have to answer every question or just three out of five?)
- Re-read questions. Pay attention and know the meaning of key words (i.e., explain, contrast, compare)
- Outline your answer
- Include an introduction, middle, and conclusion to your essay
- Include details
- Be general when you aren't sure of the exact detail (i.e., It is better to write “late fourteen hundreds” rather than 1493 if the true date is 1492)
Short Answer
- Pay attention to grammar
- Answer within the context of the subject matter
- Use terms related to the subject matter
- If you are having a problem, answer by giving an example
- "Beef up" your answers if you have time
True/False
- Pay attention to qualifying words (i.e., always, never)
- The answer is false if any part is false
- Do not look for patterns
- Stick with your first answer unless you are sure you are wrong
Problem-Solving
- Read the question carefully
- Re-read the question to identify important information
- If there is a multiple option, estimate your answer
- Work backwards (i.e., 2 + 3 = 5, 5 - 2 = 3)
- Watch for careless error
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