TEST TAKING TIPS

Multiple Choice

Essay Format

Free Response Essay

DBQ

Multiple-Choice Test Taking Skills

1. If you encounter a question where you have absolutely no knowledge and cannot limit the choices between two, leave it blank.  There are 1.25 points deducted for every wrong answer and only 1 for blank.
   
2. When two out four choices are opposites, pick one of those two as the best guess.

3. B, C, and D answers are best in five answer (A-E) multiple-choice questions.

4. Non-answers (“Zero”, “None of the above”) are usually poor guesses.

5. In questions asking for the most or the least, pick the answer next to the most or the least. (Most 5, 8, 9, 15, 30)

6. “All of the above” is generally a good guess.

7. Longest multiple choice answers are good guesses.

8. If two out of four choices are identical, pick the longer of the two.

9. If a question asks for a plural or singular answer, make sure you pick the plural or singular.

10. When limiting words are used (all, never, always, must, etc.), “false” is usually the better answer.

11. When general terms are used (most, some, usually, could, might, etc.) “true” is usually the better answer.

12. Identify those questions you’re not sure of with a mark.  Review these on a second pass.

13. Reread directions before turning in an exam.  Use the entire period to double-check.

14. First impressions (initial guesses) are often best.  If an answer comes to your from out of the blue, it’s probably your right brain at work.  Don’t fight this intuition unless you’re sure it’s wrong.

15. When a question is difficult to visualize, draw it. 

Essay Writing Format

General Rules

1.       Essays should consist of five paragraphs.

(1 introduction, 3 body & 1 conclusion)

2.       General length should be two typed or three handwritten pages.

Steps in writing an Essay

1.    Analyze the Question

A)  Without a clear understanding of the question, you cannot write an adequate answer.

B)  Understand key terms: assess, explain and define.

2.    Develop a Thesis

A)  Thesis: your opinion on the given topic.

B)  Thesis must be in the opening paragraph. The reader must immediately know your position on the question.

3.    Writing the Introduction

A)  Restate question: do not recopy the question word for word.

B)  State your thesis.

C)  Indicate major points to be discussed in body paragraphs.

   4.Writing the Body Paragraphs

A)  Provide factual information to prove your thesis.

B)  Facts should be organized in logical sequence.

C)  Each set of facts should be in a separate paragraph.

D)  Refute arguments contrary to your thesis.

   5.Writing the Conclusion

A)     Conclusion should bring the reader back to your thesis and the question.

B)     DO NOT introduce new evidence.

Free Response Essay

1.          Read the questions carefully and analytically.

2.          Chose the question you feel most competent to answer.  There is no time to change questions one you have begun.

3.          The free response essay should be a minimum of 3 pages. 

4.          Write legibly.

5.          Marking questions may be helpful:

A.  Underline operative words: define, assess, compose, etc.

B.  Circle time frame specified. I.e. since 1790 or prior to 1880.

6.          One or two specific, focused and relevant examples are better than a laundry list of names or cases without comment.

7.          Be sure your thesis is consistent with your conclusion.

8.          Use correct terminology and vocabulary.

9.          Do not preach or moralize in your essay.  This is an essay, not an editorial. 

10.     Using an author’s name is not an advantage unless you can adequately state the gist of his or her position.

11.     Underline key names and phrases so they stand out to the AP reader.

12.     Your introductory paragraph is the most important.  You do not get a second chance to make a good first impression.  Your opening paragraph should contain:

A.  A restatement of the question.

B.  Your thesis.

C.  Outline of supporting points. 

DBQ Tips

1)      Read the instruction carefully.  Know what the question implies.  You will probably have to put the given information into a larger historical context than the data provides.  The College Board expects students to bring outside information into their essays.  Using the documents alone will not result in a top grade.

2)      Read the provided data as fast as possible.  Do not become interested in what is being said, but read to find out the pertinent information.

3)      Use the document to draw conclusions.  Advance Placement Readers are looking for the application of the data, not summaries of paraphrases. 

4)      Use ten to fifteen minutes to organize the data into the form the question is asking (i.e., compare and contrast, analyze, etc.)

5)      After organizing the data, develop a thesis for your essay.  A good thesis must involve both the topic and an attitude towards the topic.

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