chapter 13 developing strategies for recall, math, and essay tests

Chapter 13

Developing Strategies for Recall,

Math, and Essay Tests

Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 13 - 2

Recall Questions

Fill-in-the-Blank

Listing

Definition

Short Answer


Elements of Strong Answers for Recall Questions


Elements of Strong Answers for Recall Questions (Cont)


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.


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.


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.


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.


Common Direction Words


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.


Test-Taking Errors on Math Tests


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.


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.


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.


Direction Words for Essay Questions


Direction Words for Essay Questions (Cont)


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


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.


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.


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.

chapter 13 developing strategies for recall, math, and essay tests

Documents

recall questions cont

definition questions

shortanswer questions

listing questions

assisted response

practice test questions

blank questions study

essential strategies