Types of Exams

Before beginning any exam there are steps you can take to help your self succeed. Make sure you are as relaxed as possible. Next make sure you are sitting the right exam and have been given the proper paper. Once you have established that you are in fact taking the correct exam, be sure to read all the instructions carefully. Often these instructions involve key terms. You can find examples of these terms and their meanings in the Glossary of Exam Terms. Other ways to ensure your success also vary by exam type.

• Essay Exams

Essay Exams are given for various subjects. These often require detailed knowledge to be well explained about the particular subject. Essay exams should be phrased in full sentences with good grammar. This requires a great deal of focus and is accomplished best through proper preparation. The following tips will help you with that preparation.

Often essay exams allow you to pick your subjects from multiple topics. The best way to do this is to comb through each question and mark the questions that you feel you are capable of answering quickly. If you do not find enough questions do not worry. Answering the questions you have picked may trigger additional knowledge and open more possibilities. If you still do not find you are confident in completing enough remaining topics select the required number anyway and make an attempt. Partial credit is better than no credit.
Make sure you understand exactly what is expected of you for each question. You may find it helpful to mark the keywords or even rewrite the question in your own words. Clarify the expectations with the exam monitor if possible. Answer the question you are most comfortable with first. After you have completed the easiest question move on to the question you believe to be the most difficult. This will prevent you from being to worn out to answer completely and ensures you have time to earn maximum points on both questions.

Be sure to have a brief plan for how you will answer each question. It is a good idea to write this plan down. Be careful not to spend too much time on this step or you may run out of time. This will stop you from rushing your essay and help you earn more points.

Use the same format for your essay exam that you would use for an individual paper. Begin with an introduction which includes your thesis and touches on the main points of the essay. Next will be the body of the essay. Discuss each major point thoroughly. Summarize your essay with a conclusion and never introduce new information in this section. This is your chance to impress through your writing skills while pointing out the factual information you have provided. Make the conclusion memorable but brief.

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•  Take Home Tests and Other Forms of Open Book Exams

Some instructors feel that open book exams are better for testing the application of knowledge. This is because it tests application rather than memorization. To successfully complete an open book exam you must familiarize yourself with the material thoroughly as well as its location in the book. These tests are often more difficult than other forms of tests because since you are using your book instructors expect more in depth answers. Also when these tests are taken in the classroom you are often given less time to complete the exam.

• Multiple Choice Tests

Multiple Choice exams offer an array of selections, one or more of which must be used to answer the questions. When taking a multiple choice test be sure to read the instructions, questions, and answers completely before making your selection. Answer the questions that you are confidant in first and save more difficult questions for the end.

You will usually be penalized for wrong answers. One way to avoid these are through process of elimination. While you may not know the correct answer immediately, you may be able to evaluate the given choices and eliminate enough to find the correct choice. Understanding the instructions is especially important if you intend to use this method. For some tests more than one answer may be correct. Do not confuse yourself by eliminating a correct answer.

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• Oral Exams

Oral exams are most common for foreign language classes. This is meant to examine you’re your knowledge and your ability to apply that knowledge. Oral exams differ by instructor, so if you will be taking an oral exam verify the requirements with your instructor. After you know what will be expected you can prepare through practice.