Chapter 13 Developing Strategies for Recall Math and

Chapter 13 Developing Strategies for Recall, Math, and Essay Tests

Recall Questions Fill-in-the-Blank Listing Definition Short Answer Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 2

Elements of Strong Answers for Recall Questions Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 3

Elements of Strong Answers for Recall Questions (Cont) Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 4

Strategies for Fill-in-the-Blank Questions • Study from the backs of your index cards. • Use immediate response. • Use delayed response; search your memory for the category and ask questions. • Use assisted response by skimming the rest of the test. • Substitute a related synonym or phrase. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 5

Strategies for Listing Questions • Predict test questions when you study. • Underline key words and determine whether the question is closed or open ended. • Use immediate response • Use delayed response; do a memory search and ask questions. • Use assisted response. • Substitute a related synonym or phrase. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 6

Strategies for Definition Questions • Read the question carefully. Underline the term to be defined. • Use three steps for writing definitions: The category The definition One additional detail • Use delayed response and assisted response if necessary. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 7

Strategies for Answering Short-Answer Questions • Identify the direction word or underline the key words. • Make a mental plan or short list of key ideas to use in your answer. • Write a strong, focused opening sentence. • Add additional sentences with specific details. • Use delayed and assisted response if necessary. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 8

Common Direction Words Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 9

Essential Strategies for Math Tests • Read the directions carefully and thoroughly until you understand the type of answer required. • Categorize the problem. • Estimate a reasonable answer before you begin solving the problem. • Show your work all the way through to the last step of solving the problem. • Check your work one final time. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 10

Test-Taking Errors on Math Tests Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 11

RSTUV Problem-Solving Method • Read the problem, not once or twice, but until you understand it. • Select the unknown; find out what the problem asks for. • Think of a plan to solve the problem. • Use the techniques you are studying to carry out the plan. • Verify the answer. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 12

Essential Strategies for Preparing for Essay Tests • Identify major themes developed in the course. • Create summary notes that include textbook, lecture, and homework information for each theme. • Use the list of possible themes and your summary notes to predict and write practice test questions. • When the topics for the essay are announced in advance, generate detailed notes on the topic. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 13

Essential Strategies for Preparing for Essay Tests (Cont) • When the questions are announced in advance, gather and organize pertinent information, practice writing essay answers. • Organize materials for an open-book essay test. • For take-home essay tests, plan your time well. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 14

Direction Words for Essay Questions Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 15

Direction Words for Essay Questions (Cont) Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 16

Direction Words for Essay Questions (Cont) Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 17

Strategies for Answering Essay Questions • Identify and underline the direction word and other key words. • Write a strong, focused opening sentence called a thesis sentence or thesis statement. • Create an organizational plan for your answer before you begin writing: A brief outline A visual mapping A hierarchy A list of ideas to develop Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 18

Suggestions to Develop an Effective Essay • Limit each paragraph to one main idea. • Use complete sentences. • Use supporting details. • Use course-specific terminology. • Use an organizational plan for the essay. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 19

Tips to Strengthen Your Essay-Writing Skills • When you are given options, carefully consider your choice of questions to answer. • If you need to answer more than one essay question, begin with the one that is most familiar and easiest for you. • Write as neatly as possible. • Replace slang or informal language with formal language. • Reword sentences to avoid using the informal, second person word you. • Replace vague pronouns such as it with the name of the specific item. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 20

Tips to Strengthen Your Essay-Writing Skills (Cont) • Reword to avoid weak "sentence starters" such as Here or There. • Consider writing on every other line so you have space to revise. • If you turn out of time, turn in your organizational plan. • Be sure to write something for every essay question that requires an answer. • Weigh the value of different questions. • Ask if you can writing your essay on a computer. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 21