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Hi there! Today we will build a strategy you can use on any test, from multiple-choice items to short answers and extended written responses.
Taking a test is like solving a mystery. You need a solid plan to look at the clues, find a path, and check your work.
First, analyze the question. Mark the command verb, such as explain, compare, or justify, and any conditions attached to it, because those words decide what a full-credit answer has to contain.
Next, make a plan and solve it. Once you have your answer, always justify it and evaluate if your answer makes sense.
✏️ Worked example
Solve this test question using our problem-solving model: 'Sam scored 15 points in game one and 20 points in game two. How many total points did Sam score?'
- Analyze: Find the given facts. Game one is 15 points. Game two is 20 points. The question asks for the 'total points'.
- Plan: The word 'total' means we need to add. Our strategy is to use addition: 15 + 20.
- Solve: Add the numbers. 15 + 20 = 35.
- Justify: Explain why this is correct. Since we are combining two whole groups of points, addition is the correct operation to find the combined total.
- Evaluate: Check if 35 is reasonable. Since 35 is larger than both starting numbers, it makes perfect sense.
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