Tips for Short Answer Exams

By Natalie Umberger

A teacher's primary purpose in giving a short-answer test is to test whether you have a foundation of knowing the material, usually factual.

Prepare for the test

• Develop summary sheets of the course material information.
• Focus on key words, events, vocabulary, concepts.
• Organize and categorize the material, then review.

When taking the test

• Respond directly to the question or directive. Focus on keywords and ideas called for and eliminate those that do not directly address the information requested in the test item.
• Respond and write concise answers. Connect key facts into short sentences according to the test instructions.
• If you can think of several answers let the instructor know. The instructor may give you a clue to the correct answer he/she's looking for.
• A guess made with common sense could get you more test points than if you leave an answer blank.

Resource: www.studygs.net

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