Chapter 13
Developing Strategies for Recall,
Math, and Essay Tests
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Recall Questions
Fill-in-the-Blank
Listing
Definition
Short Answer
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Elements of Strong Answers for Recall Questions
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Elements of Strong Answers for Recall Questions (Cont)
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Strategies for Fill-in-the-Blank Questions
• Study from the backs of your index cards.
• Use immediate response.
• Use delayed response; search your memory for the category and ask questions.
• Use assisted response by skimming the rest of the test.
• Substitute a related synonym or phrase.
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Strategies for Listing Questions
• Predict test questions when you study.
• Underline key words and determine whether the question is closed or open ended.
• Use immediate response
• Use delayed response; do a memory search and ask questions.
• Use assisted response.
• Substitute a related synonym or phrase.
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Strategies for Definition Questions
• Read the question carefully. Underline the term to be defined.
• Use the three steps for writing definitions:
The category
The definitionOne additional detail
• Use delayed response and assisted response if necessary.
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Strategies for Answering Short-Answer Questions
• Identify the direction word or underline the key words.
• Make a mental plan or short list of key ideas to use in your answer.
• Write a strong, focused opening sentence.
• Add additional sentences with specific details.
• Use delayed and assisted response if necessary.
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Common Direction Words
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Essential Strategies for Math Tests
• Read the directions carefully and thoroughly until you understand the type of answer required.
• Categorize the problem.
• Estimate a reasonable answer before you begin solving the problem.
• Show your work all the way through to the last step of solving the problem.
• Check your work one final time.
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Test-Taking Errors on Math Tests
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RSTUV Problem-Solving Method
• Read the problem, not once or twice, but until you understand it.
• Select the unknown; find out what the problem asks for.
• Think of a plan to solve the problem.
• Use the techniques you are studying to carry out the plan.
• Verify the answer.
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Essential Strategies for Preparing for Essay Tests
• Identify major themes developed in the course.
• Create summary notes that include textbook, lecture, and homework information for each theme.
• Use the list of possible themes and your summary notes to predict and write practice test questions.
• When the topics for the essay are announced in advance, generate detailed notes on the topic.
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Essential Strategies for Preparing for Essay Tests (Cont)
• When the questions are announced in advance, gather and organize pertinent information, practice writing essay answers.
• Organize materials for an open-book essay test.
• For take-home essay tests, plan your time well.
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Direction Words for Essay Questions
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Direction Words for Essay Questions (Cont)
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Direction Words for Essay Questions (Cont)
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Strategies for Answering Essay Questions
• Identify and underline the direction word and other key words.
• Write a strong, focused opening sentence called a thesis sentence or thesis statement.
• Create an organizational plan for your answer before you begin writing:
A brief outline
A visual mapping
A hierarchy
A list of ideas to develop
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Suggestions to Develop an Effective Essay
• Limit each paragraph to one main idea.
• Use complete sentences.
• Use supporting details.
• Use course-specific terminology.
• Use an organizational plan for the essay.
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Tips to Strengthen Your Essay-Writing Skills
• When you are given options, carefully consider your choice of questions to answer.
• If you need to answer more than one essay question, begin with the one that is most familiar and easiest for you.
• Write as neatly as possible.
• Replace slang or informal language with formal language.
• Reword sentences to avoid using the informal, second person word you.
• Replace vague pronouns such as it with the name of the specific item.
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Tips to Strengthen Your Essay-Writing Skills (Cont)
• Reword to avoid weak "sentence starters" such as Here or There.
• Consider writing on every other line so you have space to revise.
• If you turn out of time, turn in your organizational plan.
• Be sure to write something for every essay question that requires an answer.
• Weigh the value of different questions.
• Ask if you can writing your essay on a computer.
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