Test-Taking Strategies

6: True-False Exam Strategies

6 True-False Exam Strategies True-false questions trap the sorts of students who find deeper meanings in everything they read and analyze every problem they encounter. If you have that kind of mind, make yourself work quickly; don't give yourself the luxury of pausing to analyze. In general, true-false questions test your recognition, not your recall. And they concentrate on facts and detailsmostly simple facts and minor details. STRATEGY 1: READ CAREFULLY Read every word. Each one is included for a reason, even if it's only to throw you off the track. If you find a phrase that doesn't seem to belong, figure out why the test-maker threw it in. Break down every complex sentence into smaller phrases or sentences that state everyone of the thoughts in the longer statement. Each thought has to be true, without exception, or the entire statement is false. 44 True-False Exam Strategies 45 STRATEGY 2: WATCH FOR CLUE WORDS Look for those little words that can turn an otherwis.e true statement into one that is false, or vice versa. Researchers have found that statements containing certain words, such as the following, are generally false: • all • only • always • because Statements containing certain other words, such as those below, are generally true: • none • generally • usually STRATEGY 3: DON'T QUIBBLE Keep in mind that a true statement may be only approximately true. Don't quibble. Remember, you are not the one who's going to grade the test. So if you think you have an interpretation of the question that the test-preparer didn't have in mind, forget it! True-false tests are a good place to practice conformity. Watch out for deliberate traps, but don't search for hidden meanings. Most true-false statements are straightforward and based on key words or phrases you have encountered in the textbook or lectures. On the other hand, if you feel there is a poorly worded statement that could be right or wrong depending on point of view, explain your choice on the answer sheet if it's a hand-scored test. If it's machine-scored, talk to your teacher about the question before you get your grade back. 46 TEST-TAKING STRATEGIES STRATEGY 4: GUESS If you don't know an answer, always guess-unless the scoring formula is "rights minus wrongs:' In that case, never guess. Hint: There are usually more trues than falses on a test; they are easier to write. In fact, most true sentences come right out of a textbook or a lecture, so if a statement looks familiar, play your hunch. STRATEGY 5: DON'T CHANGE ANSWERS In true-false tests, your first hunch is usually correct. So don't change an answer unless you are very sure of the change. ...