Multiple choice
Which of the following is the best strategy for multiple choice exams
a. pick the longest answer because it is more likely to be the most detailed
b. Use the process of elimination
c. choose "C" every time
b. Use the process of elimination and make an educated guess
Tip: Using the process of elimination can help narrow down the answer choices. Even eliminating one answer choice can increase your chance of choosing the correct answer from 25% to 33%.
On a free response question, is it better to free write or plan out your response?
It is better to plan your response prior to writing
Tip: Taking a few minutes to plan out your response prior to writing can help you stay organized and save time.
Passage: Before beginning a test with an unknown format what is the first thing students should do?
a. skim the exam
b. Find the easiest question and start there
c. find the hardest question and start there
a. skim the exam prior to starting
Tip: On an exam where the format and type of questions is unknown skimming the entire test can help with allocating time.
What is the Pomodoro Technique?
Studying in sessions of 25-minute focused minutes followed by a 5-minute break
Tip: This technique helps increases focus and reduce burnout during long stretches of studying
What is the average attention span for focused study before the brain needs a break?
a. 35-40 minutes
b. 50-60 minutes
c. 25-30 minutes
d. 2 hours
C. 25-30 minutes
Tip: Most people focus best in short, focused bursts of 25-30 minutes which is why the Pomodoro Technique is popular
You have 60 minutes to answer 50 questions. How much time should you spend on each question?
about 1-1.2 minutes.
Tip: Strategizing time to spend on each question can help with pacing and ensuring that you complete the exam on time. This does NOT mean you can't spend a single extra second on a question or that you NEED to spend 1 minutes on each question.
When reading the question or passage of a free response or short answer question, what can you do to help answer?
Underline or circle important words
Tip: Highlighting important words or phrases can ensure that you answer the question completely and also help recall the relevant parts of the question while writing your response.
What should you do the night before an exam?
Get a good night of sleep
Tip: Sleep improves memory, so getting a good night of sleep before an exam can help with retention and recalling information.
What is the method of actively testing yourself on material from memory called?
Active recall
Tip: Active recall forces your brain to actively engage with the material which improves long term memory and deeper understanding. It can also help pinpoint weak areas in your knowledge.
What is the truth about multitasking while studying?
a. It helps you finish tasks faster
b. it improves your memory by switching tasks
c. It boosts creativity and understanding
d. It reduces focus and leads to lower retention of information
d. It reduces focus and leads to lower retention of information
Tip: Multitasking is not the brain doing two things at once but rather rapidly switching between tasks which reduces efficiency, increases mistakes and negatively impacts learning and memory
Which of these is true?
a. It always rains in Florida
b. Razor the Shark is the mascot of NSU
c. Textbooks are mandatory for all classes
b. Razor the Shark is the mascot of NSU
Tip: When choosing an answers, pay attention to key words such as always, only, etc.
If you have extra time after completing your free response questions what should you do?
Re-read the question and response
Tip: This will help ensure you have captured all the elements of the questions and that your response is accurate.
When should you start studying for an exam you have coming up?
5-8 days before an exam.
Tip: The optimal time to start studying for an exam is anywhere between 5-8 days prior as it allows you to space out the material and retain information better.
True or False: Studying in bed helps you learn better because your brain associate learning with relaxation
False
Tip: Designate a space for learning that is separate from your bed as studying in bed can reduce focus and make it harder to sleep later because it blurs the line between rest and work.
How much (%) of new information is typically forgotten within 24 hours without review?
a. 90%
b. 70%
c. 50%
d. 30%
b. 70%
Tip: About 70% of information that is not reviewed or rehearsed is lost within 24 hours which is why frequently reviewing course content is important and beneficial
If you are stuck on a question what should you do?
a. Think about it till the answer comes to you
b. Skip it and come back after answering the other questions
c. Skip it
b. Skip it and come back after answering the other questions
Tip: Don't waste too much time on questions that you can't remember. Completing the rest of the questions might jog your memory so come back to it after and if you still don't know the answer make an educated guess.
What is the difference between a free response and short answer?
A free response is usually a couple paragraphs long and more detailed while a short answer can be anywhere from a sentence to a paragraph long.
Tip: Most professors will specify the desired length of the response so try to fit your answer to that.
Which of these helps ease anxiety?
a. square breathing
b. correlate your self-worth to your performance on the exam
c. Talk to others about all the mistakes you made
a. square breathing
Tip: square breathing is a technique of inhaling for 4 sec, holding your breath for 4 sec, exhaling for sec and then holding your breath again for 4 sec. This helps calm the nervous system and focus better.
What is the method that helps remember information by creating connections with memorable clues?
Mnemonics
Tips: Mnemonics help link new and unfamiliar information to something you already know and create cutes that when recalled will help retrieve larger pieces of information you're trying to remember.
Name a resource on campus that can help with individualized guidance in different subject areas and state its location
The tutoring and testing center - Alvin Sherman Library 4th floor
When reviewing you answers, is it better to change an answer you think is wrong or leave the original answer?
a. Leave the original answer
b. Change the answer
c. Keep debating whether to change the answer or not until the time runs out and then submit it without making a change.
b. Change the answer
Tip: It is a myth that changing an answer often results in a wrong answer. If you have valid reasoning to change the answer then you should change it as reviewing questions a second time can lead to better understanding of what the question is asking and therefore a better answer.
You are taking an exam that is 90 minutes long and has 3 free response questions. List the strategies in order.
1. Write a conclusion highlighting your main points
2. Outline the answer to the first response
3. Skim all three prompts quickly to decide where to start
4. Review your response
5. Determine the time you want to spend on each response
3 -> 5 -> 2 -> 1 -> 4
Name 3 things you can do to reduce testing anxiety prior to the exam
a. start studying early
b. get enough sleep
c. Positive self talk
d. exercise
e. practice relaxation techniques
f. Practice under similar testing conditions
g. Create a pre-test routine
What technique organizes complex information and ideas into a hierarchical diagram that incorporates main topics and subtopics with various visual elements?
Mind mapping
Tip: Mind mapping provides a clear and structured overview of complex topic with a visual approach that makes the information more memorable and easier to retain.
Where on campus can you go if you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed and need guidance? (Name and location)
Center for Student Counseling and Well-being - Student Affairs Building 3rd floor