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| | [[American History Lecture Three|Lecture]] - [[American_History_Homework_Three|Questions]] - [[American History Homework Three Answers|Student Answers]] | | [[American History Lecture Three|Lecture]] - [[American_History_Homework_Three|Questions]] - [[American History Homework Three Answers|Student Answers]] |
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| | + | A few more tips on test-taking in multiple-choice exams: |
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| − | As we move into our third week, here is another set of tips on multiple-choice history questions. These tips are valuable for this class and for all multiple choice exams:
| + | 1. '''Disqualify answer choices that contain language that is too sweeping''', such as "everyone" or "only". Here is an example. Question: "Why was George Washington elected president?" Possible answer choice: "Because everyone wanted him. Nope, not "everyone" liked George Washington. Here is another example. Question: "Why was slavery used?" Answer: "Solely because of greed." Nope. Not "solely" (or "purely" or "only”) because of greed. Some common "sweeping" words that signal an incorrect answer choice are: everyone, always, never, only, solely, purely, all and every. When there are such broad words in an answer, it's probably not the correct answer choice. |
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| − | 1. '''Disqualify answer choices that contain language that is too sweeping''', such as "everyone" or "only". Here is an example. Question: "Why was George Washington elected president?" Possible answer choice: "Because everyone wanted him. Nope, not "everyone" liked George Washington. Here is another example. Question: "Why was slavery used?" Answer: "Solely because of greed." Nope. Not "solely" (or "purely" or "only”) because of greed. Some common "sweeping" words that signal an incorrect answer choice are: everyone, always, never, only, solely, purely, all and every.
| + | 2. '''Look for the answer choice that is the best fit to the question'''. The question is like a "lock" or "key hole," and you are looking for the answer (or the "key") that is the best fit. Matching the verb or concept behind the question with the best fitting verb or concept in the answer can help. For example, when a question asks about "exploration", the answer choice that fits the question best might contain a verb like "to find" rather than |
| | + | "to settle." |
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| − | 2. '''Look for the answer choice that is the best fit to the question'''. The question is like a "lock" or "key hole," and you are looking for the answer (or the "key") that is the best fit. Matching the verb or concept behind the question with the best fitting verb or concept in the answer can help. For example, when a question asks about "exploration", the answer choice that contains the verb "to find" the best route would be a good fit, and correct.
| + | 3. When a question completely baffles you, such as a question asking for a motive or reason for something, look to money as the answer. Historical events and politics are motivated more by money than most students realize. When you're lost and can't explain why people did something, think of how money would have influenced people. |
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| − | 3. When a question completely baffles you, such as a question asking for a hidden political motive behind the "Wizard of Oz" movie, '''consider a possible economic (money-based) answer'''. Historical events and politics are motivated more by money than most students realize. When you're lost and can't explain why people did something, like have slaves, then think if there was an economic or financial motivation for owning slaves. There was: slaves were virtually free labor, and were more profitable to use than paying someone to do the job. Slave-owners became richer than many people who opposed slavery. | |
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| | 4. Finally, '''view multiple choice questions like a puzzle'''. Learn to enjoy solving them. Don't let any test or question intimidate you. Multiple choice questions become much easier when you find a way to enjoy figuring out their puzzles. | | 4. Finally, '''view multiple choice questions like a puzzle'''. Learn to enjoy solving them. Don't let any test or question intimidate you. Multiple choice questions become much easier when you find a way to enjoy figuring out their puzzles. |