Taking the Test
- Quickly survey the test once you receive it.
- Focus on answering what you know first. Then, go back later and spend the time on those questions that you weren’t sure of. Other parts of the test may actually offer assistance with these questions.
- Read each question carefully. A single word can change the whole question that is asked and determine which answer is correct.
- When selecting an answer for a question, determine the answers that you are sure are not correct. This reduces the choices you have and can help in determining what answer is correct.
- If you have no idea of the answer on a test, try the “five dollar method.” If you eliminate those answers you know are definitely not correct, then, of the remaining answers, ask yourself if you are willing to give up your five dollars for a particular answer if it is not correct.
- Take time to review your test before turning it in.
- Only change answers if during review you find that the question was misread or misinterpreted. As a rule of thumb, the first answer usually selected on a test is the correct one.
For further assistance with Study Skills and test preparation at OCCC, visit the following websites:
Writing Center
Student Support Services Learning Support
Study Skills, Being a Successful Student, and Cognitive and learning styles
