Predicting+the+Test

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Predicting test questions will help you to focus on the most important information to know going into the test. The key to predic ting test questions, is **to identify the most likely sources of information **from which your teacher will construct test questions. From Dr. Mangrum and Dr. Strichert at [|HowToStudy.com]
 * Any sections in your textbook that your teacher covers in class.
 * Information provided by your teacher that is not in your textbook.
 * Questions that your teacher asks in class.
 * Information that your teacher writes on the chalkboard.
 * Information that your teacher provides in a PowerPoint presentation.
 * Anything that your teacher reads aloud.
 * Verbal cues such as information that your teacher repeats.
 * Visual cues such as information that your teacher provides after checking his or her notes.


 * How to get started? Look at your notes and determine what kinds of questions they could answer . . . . **


 * SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS **

If your notes list a group of people or things, the kind of essay question to predict is //a short answer question.// <span style="color: #252525; font-family: Candara,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Short answer questions usually include one of the following command terms: **//list, name,define, or identify.//**


 * <span style="color: #252525; font-family: Candara,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">TRACE QUESTIONS **

<span style="color: #252525; font-family: Candara,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">If your notes show the steps in a process of the listing and development of something, you should predict a trace question. <span style="color: #252525; font-family: Candara,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Some key words or phrases usually found in trace questions are: "Describe the steps in..."; "Outline the history or..."; "Trace the events leading up to..."; "Trace and development of...."


 * <span style="color: #252525; font-family: Candara,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">COMPARE AND CONTRAST QUESTIONS **

<span style="color: #252525; font-family: Candara,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">If your notes describe two or more things that have some features which are similar and others which are different, predict a compare and contrast question. <span style="color: #252525; font-family: Candara,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Words or phrases found in these questions might be: "Compare and contrast..."; "Show the similarities and differences..."; "Tell how two things are alike and different...";"Weigh the advantages and disadvantages..."


 * <span style="color: #252525; font-family: Candara,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">DISCUSSION QUESTIONS **

<span style="color: #252525; font-family: Candara,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">If your notes describe the effects of one thing on another, or the significance of a particular event, or the role of a specific individual or institution, predict a discussion question. <span style="color: #252525; font-family: Candara,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">These questions often begin: "Discuss the significance of..."; "Discuss the role of..."; "Discuss the effect of..."; "Discuss the relationship between...."

⇨ <span style="color: #1d1d1d; font-family: Candara,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"> PLAN YOUR APPROACH TO ANSWERING THE ACTUAL TEST QUESTIONS.
<span style="color: #252525; font-family: Candara,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Notice how many points are assigned to each question and allot your time accordingly. <span style="color: #252525; font-family: Candara,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">If you have a problem with a question, go on to the next one and come back to the first one later, if possible. Make brief, concise notes for each essay question. <span style="color: #252525; font-family: Candara,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">From [|St. John's University: Test Taking Skills] <span style="font-family: Candara,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">