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Strategies for short answer tests In high school and college, short answer questions (also called prompts ) are almost always on an exam. There are specific strategies for these types of tests. Confirm the test section. Tests often have many different sections, including an essay, short answer and multiple choice section. In the jangle of nerves and rush to answer, students can get confused and mix up sections, answering the essay question with a short answer, and the short answer with an essay. Oops! Don’t start writing until you’ve confirmed the test section.
Read the question. Read the question carefully, then read it again. Resist the urge to assume you know what it asks, or you may read what you assume, instead of what it actually asks.
Underline key words. Search the question for key words and underline them. Key words tell you what you will write about—usually a name, date or concept you studied. (More about key words below.) PRODUCT PREVIEW Circle action words. While key words tell you what you will write about, action words tell you how you will write about the key words. Questions will ask you to present information in a particular way like “ define ”, “ state ”, “ list ”, “ compare ”, or “ name .” Questions often have more than one action word. For example, “ Name the author of the following passage, and list three other works by that author.” Circle each action word and address each in your response. (More about action words below.) Write 3-6 sentences. How short is too short? How long is too long? Some teachers tell you up front how many sentences are too many and how many are too few, but generally 3-6 content rich sentences is about the norm. Short answer questions generally ask for factual information, not a lengthy analysis. A short answer test may ask you to list items, dates, names or steps. Concise answers are best. Action Words List
No blanks! If you can’t answer a question, try scanning other questions and parts of the test. Something you see there may activate your schema and trigger enough recall for an answer. Write down whatever you know that’s relevant to the question: a name, date, fact, place, related vocabulary word or event, and hope for partial credit.
analyze contrast evaluate explain summarize defend
refute discuss
compare critique illustrate identify
Strategies for essay tests
Action words tell you how to write about the key word, concept or idea.
Confirm the test section. (See above)
Read the question. Read the question carefully, then read it again. Do not assume you know what the question’s asking.
Chapter 20 | Short Answer & Essay Test Tips 176
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