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Exam Strategies

Student Success CenterGannon University

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Exam StrategiesPre-test

Preparation starts when you begin the courseWhat kind of exam?What can you bring/not bring to exam?Start reviewing early – good study habits

Lecture notes, readings, charts, graphs, problemsGO to ALL classes – take notes Try to get a good nights sleep before the exam

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Study Habits

AttitudeGood time management - PrioritizeThe right environmentLearning styles

AuditoryVisualTactileKinesthetic

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Study Techniques

Note cardsRewriting notesSelf tests or quizzesTalking out loudHighlightingMind mappingRereadingMnemonics

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Exam Strategies

Test TimeRelax and have confidenceReview exam – Read directionsLook at point value of questionsLeave nothing blankIf confused about question – skip and see if there are clues in other

areas of examCircle key words in difficult questionsGO with you first answer!!!

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Exam Strategies

True/FalseWatch for limited terms/qualifiers

All, none, never, always, etc…with these qualifiers is must be true all the time, many times this will lead to false answers

Usually, sometimes, and generally…if the statement can be considered true or false depending on circumstances, usually lead to a true answer.

If any part of the question is false, the answer is falseIf there is a long sentence set off by punctuation, make sure that all

parts are “true” or “false”Make your best guess – if there is no penalty

50-50 shot

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Exam Strategies

Multiple Choice Read the question before you look at the answer

Come up with own answer firstEliminate wrong answersRead all choicesKnow if you are penalized for guessingAnswer easiest questions firstCircle key words i.e. “false”Budget the amount of time you have with the number of questionsReread exam if time allowsStick with your first answer!

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Exam Strategies

EssayRead directions carefully (i.e. answer 1 of 3)

Understand what is being asked• Compare, contrast, list, criticize

Write down key words or an outlineBudget your time (weighted questions)

Proofread if time permitsFocus on main ideasHave a strong opening/conclusion sentences & clear transitionsIf unsure about question check with instructor before answering

questionBe neat

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Exam Strategies

Essay key wordsAnalyzeCompareContrastDefineDescribeEvaluateExamplesExplainInterpret

Essay key wordsJustifyListOutlineProveRelateReviewSummarizeTrace

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Exam Strategies

MatchingLook at both columns firstObserve how they relateMatch the items you are positive about first then go back and make

the best educated choices

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Exam Strategies

Online ExamsTake exam where there will be no distractionsFind out ahead of time if there are any constraints (i.e. time limit)Have paper available next to youBe careful about browsing back and forthSAVE ANSWERS!

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Exam Strategies

Post testReview exam before you hand it in

Look for careless mistakes Fill in all the blanks

Review exam when you receive it back Check points What questions did you miss and why Read over professors feedback Check where questions came from Review how you studied and if changes need to be made Keep tests if allowed Talk with professor

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Stress

StressNaturalWithout stress individuals would not be motivated, alert or drivenBad reaction

Distressed Overreact Physical problems

• Nausea• Insomnia• Bad habits – drinking, drugs, overeating

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Stress

Managing StressRelaxIf you believe you are stressed----you areGet organized and prioritizeThink positively – don’t panicAvoid excusesTake “you” timeSurround yourself with positive peopleIf stress persists get help

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Summary

Test Taking HintsEat WellNO CrammingRelaxArrive to class earlyRead and follow directionsSkim over questionsCircle key wordsUse memory devicesRecheck answersKnow ALL material

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Resources

Study Skills Assessment

http://www.studygs.net/attmot4.htm