Things to remember in taking tests

A. 

In taking a True-False test, consider the following:

Look for extreme modifiers that tend to make the question false. Modifiers, such as always, all, never, or only make it more likely that the question is false. They are called extreme modifiers. Here is a more complete list:

• all 
• none 
• best 
• absolutely 
• always
• never 
• worst 
• absolutely not 
• only 
• nobody 
• everybody
• certainly 
• invariably
• no one 
• everyone 
• certainly not

Qualifying words tend to make a question true. Qualifiers (seldom, often, many) increase the likelihood that the statement is true. Here is a more complete list of QUALIFIERS.

• usually 
• frequently 
• often 
• sometimes 
• some 
• seldom 
• many 
• much 
• probably 
• a majority 
• apt to 
• most 
• might 
• a few
• may 
• unlikely 

B. In writing essays, look for the clues in the direction. 

Be careful with the WORDS that gives direction for answering the question.

1. Verbs that ask you to show differences in several ideas or situations: 

• contrast
• compare
• distinguish
• differentiate

2. Direction verbs that ask for a set of items or ideas that were presented in lecture or reading. These action words generally require more precise wording of items by giving numbers or steps:

• trace
• outline
• list
• diagram
• solve

3. Direction adjectives that ask for specific information considered to be important:

• significant
• critical
• key
• important
• major
• principal
• essential
• vital

4. Directions verbs that ask for a specific meaning or picture of a concept:

• define
• clarify
• describe
• depict
• illustrate

5. Direction verbs that ask you to review an idea or concept in your own words:

• summarize
• survey
• discuss
• explain

6. Directions verbs that ask you to speak in favor of a concept or give the reasons why it should be accepted as valid:

• defend
• argue
• debate
• contend
• justify