Objective tests measure your ability to remember many facts and figures as well as your understanding of the course materials. These tests are often designed to make you think independently - do not count on recognizing the right answer ; instead prepare yourself for high level critical reasoning and making fine discriminations to determine the best answer.

Distinguish the ways in which ideas, facts, theories, or other observations differ from each other and categorize ideas, facts, theories or other observations according to the ways these are similar.
Answer the questions and solve the problems in the text and create your own questions or problems.

• Review notes and text(s) - list the major concepts that have been covered
• Highlight those topics that were stressed. Note why they were stressed.
• Think vocabulary. Every field of study has its own vocabulary. Identify words/terms used to represent specific concepts and try to use these words whenever you work with course-related materials.
• Compare and contrast. Sometimes objective questions can be used to test your ability to distinguish concepts, ideas, theories, events, facts from each other. Construct diagrams, charts, tables, or lists to summarize relationships.
• Recite for precision. Review your retention of the information by recalling it often. Use odd moments, in addition to 15-20 minute review sessions, to say or write out complete ideas, facts. It is very important to verbalize the recalled information completely and in a detailed manner so that you will have a precise idea of your mastery of the material.

HOW TO TAKE OBJECTIVE TESTS (General tips)

Plan your time. Allow more time for high point value questions; reserve time at the end to review your work, and for emergencies.

Look the whole test over skimming the quesitons and developing a general plan for your work. If any immediate thoughts come to you, jot them down in the rough area.

Read the directions very carefully. Look for time limits, specific answering procedures (i.e., answer 3 out of the 4 questions below), how questions will be graded.

Start with the section of the test that will yield the most points, but begin working with the easiest questions to gain time for the more difficult ones and to warm up.

Work quickly, check your timing regularly and adjust your speed when necessary.