Test-Taking Skills & Reading Test Questions

Overview

Preparing for and taking tests can feel overwhelming, but with the right strategies, you can reduce anxiety and perform at your best. This chapter will provide key test-taking skills and techniques to help you actively engage with exam questions. It focuses on identifying what questions are really asking, understanding how to approach different types of questions, and using active reading strategies such as circling important information and marking out distracting or irrelevant words.

Read Carefully and Mark the Question

One of the most important things you can do on a test is to slow down and carefully read each question. Take your time and engage with the text. Use a pencil to:

1. Circle key words that indicate what you’re being asked to do (e.g., define, compare, choose, except, most, best).
2. Underline key facts such as dates, numbers, and names.
3. Mark out distractions, words or phrases that might mislead you or seem important but don’t affect the answer. For example, long background info that doesn’t apply to the actual question.
4. Watch out for absolutes like always, never, none, which can signal a trick question.

This practice keeps your brain focused on what matters and helps you avoid common traps.

Multiple-Choice Questions

Multiple-choice questions can test both your knowledge and your ability to read carefully. Here’s how to approach them:

1. Read the question before reading the answer choices. Know what you’re looking for.
2. Circle key terms in the question and look for qualifiers (e.g., not, most, least).
3. Try to answer the question in your head first. Then look for your answer among the choices.
4. Mark out obviously wrong answers. Narrowing down choices improves your odds.
5. Beware of distractors, which are answers that are partially true but don’t fully answer the question.

Word Problems

Word problems often include extra details meant to distract you. Here’s how to tackle them:

1. Circle the question part (e.g., “How many…” “What is the difference…”).
2. Underline important data (numbers, measurements, units).
3. Cross out irrelevant information. For example, if a problem about distance mentions what someone is wearing, that detail is probably irrelevant.
4. Rewrite the question in simpler terms to clarify what it’s asking.
5. Double-check units and conversions. Make sure you’re answering in the format asked.

Essay Questions

Essay questions require you to organize and express your ideas clearly. Use this approach:

1. Circle action words in the question, such as: compare, explain, evaluate, analyze, describe, and argue.
2. Underline keywords related to the topic or subject matter.
3. Plan before you write. Jot down a quick outline with your main points.
4. Stay focused. Use the terms from the question in your response to stay on topic.
5. Watch for compound questions. If a question asks for two things (e.g., compare and contrast), be sure to address both.

Final Tips

• Pace yourself. Budget your time and don’t spend too long on one question.
• Answer every question. Unless there’s a penalty for guessing, it’s better to try.
• Review your work. Go back and recheck answers if time allows.

Mastering these strategies takes practice, but over time, you’ll become more confident and efficient. You’ve got this!

Instructions

1. Apply what you’ve learned through choosing one question from each category below.
2. As you work through each, use the strategies outlined in the Question Type Table and Strategies:

• • Circle or underline the most important information.
  • Cross out words or phrases that are distracting or irrelevant.
  • Rephrase the question in your own words.
  • Answer the question clearly and completely.

Table 1.8.1: Question Type Table and Strategies