COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL
Absolutes. A true/false statement containing an absolute is suspicious. Absolutes often indicate a false statement.
Tips for avoiding marking errors on a scannable answer form Although many schools are incorporating online testing, the scannable answer form isn’t going away any time soon. On a scannable answer form, answers are either “bubbled-in” ( ) or indicated by filling in a small horizontal rectangle ( ). Scannable answer forms can be confusing. (Check out the sample scan form on page 194) So many rows of numbers! So many tiny bubbles! Here are some tips for successfully marking your answers on a scannable answer form: Preview the Scan Form. Take a minute before the test to familiarize yourself with the scan form sheet and how you’ll move through it to mark your answers. If there 50 questions on the test, find answer line number 1. Put your index finger on line 1, then slide down the column through the rows of numbers (and over to the next column if you need to) until you get to answer line 50. You will move through the answer sheet in that direction. Use a #2 pencil. Most scannable answer sheets require number two pencils for an accurate scan. You need a good, clean eraser because dirty erasers can leave smears on the form. Thoroughly erase changed answers. Scanners are sensitive to rogue pencil marks. PRODUCT PREVIEW Q&A Match Up. With so many columns, rows, numbers and letters, it takes concentration to stay on the answer line that corresponds to the question number. It’s common for students to inadvertently skip or double- bubble a row, only to discover their mistake at the end of the test when the marked answers exceed or fall short of the number of questions . If you miss or double-bubble a row on a scan form, all subsequent answers will be incorrect. Ouch! Here’s how to avoid this disaster: Place the index finger of your free (non-writing) hand on the scan form, on the number of the question you’re answering. Before bubbling-in your answer, look back at the question sheet. Make sure the question number and the “finger number” match . Bubble-in your answer, then scan the row to make sure there’s only one answer bubbled-in. No double-bubbles! Slide your finger to the next number. If the finger sliding/tracking method isn’t for you, try pausing about every five answers to make a quick check to confirm that the number of the question you’re answering matches the scan form row you’re on . If they don’t match up, you have a problem, but at least you won’t have to go far to find the error. Use a piece of blank binder paper or index card to cover up the filled rows as you work through the test. Each time you answer a question, move the paper down a row, so you do not inadvertently double- bubble a row . (Warning: Some test situations bar the use of any paper that could contain notes or answers. Get your teacher or proctor’s permission before you use this method.) If you’re struggling with an answer and want to leave a row blank and return to it later, make a light pencil mark dash “–” on the scan form to the left of the question number . That tells you that it was intentionally left blank, and alerts you to return to that question later. Erase the dash after you bubble-in your answer.
Chapter 21 | So Many Choices, So Little Time… 190
Made with FlippingBook Digital Publishing Software