When asked, students often say that they prefer true-false tests. However, the true-false format makes it very difficult to earn a high test score. Learning how to maximize scores on true-false tests will significantly increase test scores. True-false sections remain the staple of many teacher-constructed tests. Here are the tips to “ace” any true-false section on your next test.
1. Read the true-false statement twice before choosing an answer. Test-takers frequently say that this strategy helps eliminate rushing though a test and answering impulsively.
2. True-false tests can be very tricky. Look first at the statement as being true, then if any part of that statement is false, then the whole statement must be false.
3. True-false tests tend to have slightly more true statements than false. Therefore, if you must guess, guess “true.”
4. The longer the true-false statement, the greater is the chance that it is false because it only takes one part of the statement to be false to make the whole statement false.
Example
The moon orbits an average of 240,000 miles away from the earth, has craters and mountains, and is made of cheese.
5. Statements that show cause-effect tend to be false, unless an Exception Word is used. Words or phrases such as the following:
Examples
- because
- caused
- resulted in
- is the reason that
indicate cause-effect relationships.
Example
Only one U.S. president has been elected four times, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and this caused financial chaos.
6. Extreme statements tend to be false.
Example
Japanese automobiles are all more reliable and cost less than American automobiles.
7. If an Absolute Word such as the following:
- all
- only
- every
- completely
- none
- always
- never
- best
- worst
- absolutely
is found in an answer choice, the answer choice tends to be false because these words do not allow for exceptions.
8. If an Exception Word such as the following:
- some
- most
- sometimes,
- frequently
- often, usually
- maybe
- many
- generally
- partially
is found in an answer choice, the answer choice tends to be true because these words do allow for exceptions.
9. Finally, make sure to guess, if not sure of your answer choice.
Check out these five FREE test prep resources from the author’s Essential Study Skillscurriculum:
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The author’s Essential Study Skillsis the study skill curriculum that teaches what students need to know to succeed and thrive in school. Often, the reason why students fail to achieve their academic potential is not because of laziness or lack of effort, but because they have never learned the basic study skills necessary for success. The 56 lessonsin Essential Study Skills will teach your students to “work smarter, not harder.” Students who master these skills will spend less time, and accomplish more during homework and study time. Their test study will be more productive and they will get better grades. Reading comprehension and vocabulary will improve. Their writing will make more sense and essays will be easier to plan and complete. They will memorize better and forget less. Their schoolwork will seem easier and will be much more enjoyable. Lastly, students will feel better about themselves as learners and will be more motivated to succeed. em>Essential Study Skills is the ideal curriculum for study skill, life skill, Advocacy/Advisory, Opportunity Program classes. The easy-to-follow lesson format of 1. Personal Assessment 2. Study Skill Tips and 3. Reflection is ideal for self-guided learning and practice. Contact the publisher for affordable site licenses.
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Diagnostic reading and ELA assessments, each with its recording matrix.
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Essential Study Skills
Self-guided lessons on motivation, organization, memory and test preparation that students can run without you. $29.99, licensed per teacher.
Questions teachers ask
Is there a free study-skills assessment?
Yes. The executive function and study skills assessment is part of the free toolkit and comes with its recording matrix.
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No. Every diagnostic assessment on this site is free. Enter your email on the Free Assessment Toolkit page and the diagnostic assessments arrive as downloads, each with its recording matrix.
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Every program is a digital download licensed for one teacher. School and district purchase orders are accepted through the store.
Mark Pennington, M.A. Reading Specialist
Thirty-six years teaching ELA and reading, elementary through community college, plus district reading specialist. He wrote every program on this site.
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