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Keys to exam success
BY Chantal Adlam Observer TEENage writer Alpha Academy
Tuesday, May 06, 2008

As there are many ways to test people on knowledge, there are equally as many ways to prepare for an exam. People are different and thrive using different preparatory methods. Individuals have designed many ways that help them and others to ace their exams.

1 Essay Exams
Essays can be some people's favourite or least favourite type of exam. The good part of the essay exam is that you can truly explain your knowledge of the subject matter in many ways.
If you forgot a single word, it does not necessarily translate to a severe loss of points, as it would in a multiple-choice test. Usually, essay exams are difficult to grade because they can be subjective. Therefore, people with better writing skills tend to favour this type of exam, as they know how to structure an essay.

2 Multiple Choice
Multiple-choice exams are easy for some and death for others. Some people can sail through them without studying at all. Others think too hard on each question and miss the obvious answer sitting before them.

The beauty of a multiple-choice test is that all the information you will need is given to you. The drawback of a multiple choice test is that the additional information given to you is designed to confuse you.

It takes a specific mindset to excel in this type of testing. Look below for tips on how to prepare for a multiple-choice exam. These exams are like sports; they take a lot of practice, but you can master them. True or False questions may also fall into this category, where you will be given a statement and have to decide whether it's factual or not.

3 Matching
Matching exams are rather student-friendly exams. They are generally given in high school, infrequently in university, and almost never afterwards. They come in two formats: equal questions and answers, and trick questions and answers.

When there are equal sets of facts to match up, then you will more than likely excel. However, many tests are designed to truly test your knowledge and will place a few extra categories on one side of the matching plane. When this occurs, you must rely on your factual knowledge and not simply your ability to filter out bad answers.
Of these six basic testing procedures, here is an outline of different ways to prepare, depending on your time schedule, your patience, and of course your type.

1 Essay Exams
. Ask your teacher for a few practice questions.
. Time yourself and write a sample essay or two a couple days ahead of time.
. Look over old essay questions (if available).

2 Multiple Choice
. Practise, practise, practise.
. Go over several old exams to get used to the format.
. Memorise facts using flashcards or group questionnaires.
. Do not cram (for you will inevitably forget information).

3 Matching
. Memorise facts using flashcards.
. Group question-answer studying.
. Try your own matching tests, test yourself.

Hopefully, this information provided will help you to achieve more.


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