How to Answer Hard Questions on a Test

How to Answer Hard Questions on a Test

Tests can be scary, especially when you get to a question that makes your brain feel like it's going to explode. But don't panic! There are lots of things you can do to make answering those tough questions a little less stressful. I'm going to share my best tips, which helped me improve my test scores a lot.

Reading & Understanding

The first step is to understand what the question is actually asking. This sounds simple, but it's easy to miss key parts when you're nervous.

• Preview the test: Before you start, quickly look over the whole test. This gives you an idea of what you're dealing with and how much time you have.
• Read the question carefully: Underline important words and phrases to make sure you understand what's being asked.
• Break it down: If the question is long and confusing, try splitting it into smaller parts.
• Identify the question type: Is it asking you to remember something (recall), apply knowledge to a situation (application), analyze something (analysis), or put ideas together (synthesis)?
• Find the main idea: Summarize the text or concept in your own words. This helps you see the big picture.
• Use clues in the text: Look for hints and details that might help you understand difficult concepts.
• Eliminate wrong answers: If you're stuck between choices, try crossing off any options that are definitely wrong.
• Visualize: If it helps, create a picture in your mind or draw a diagram to understand the concept better.
• Connect to what you know: Can you link the question to something you already understand? This helps make it less confusing.
• Ask "why": Ask yourself why a particular answer makes sense and if it supports the main idea.

Active Reading Strategies

How you read the material before the test is important too! Active reading helps you learn and remember information better.

• Annotate: Underline key points, write notes in the margins, and highlight important terms.
• Summarize: Write a short summary of the main idea for each paragraph.
• Create visuals: Make concept maps or flowcharts to show how ideas are connected.
• Use sticky notes: Stick notes with key terms or questions on the relevant parts of your notes.
• Read aloud: Recording yourself reading helps you identify areas where you're struggling.
• Read multiple times: Each time you read, you'll understand the material a little better.
• Teach it: Try explaining the material to someone else. This forces you to really understand the concepts.
• Study groups: Discussing the material with others can clear up any confusion.

Answering Techniques

Now that you've understood the question, it's time to answer! Here are some strategies to help you get the most out of your knowledge.

• Start with the easy ones: This builds confidence and lets you use your time wisely.
• Don't get stuck: If you're struggling with a question, move on and come back to it later.
• Write down everything: Include any relevant information you can remember, even if you don't know the exact answer.
• Use elimination: Eliminating wrong answers increases your chances of picking the right one.
• Guess wisely: If you have to guess, choose the answer that seems most likely based on what you know.
• Use complete sentences: Structure your answers clearly and thoughtfully.
• Avoid slang: Stick to formal language and avoid casual words.
• Proofread: Check your answers for spelling, grammar, and clarity.
• Give examples: Support your answers with concrete evidence and real-world examples.
• Multiple perspectives: Show you understand the topic by exploring different viewpoints.
• Connect to the big picture: Explain how your answer fits into the overall context.
• Use a timer: Keep track of your time to avoid rushing at the end.

Remember, even if you get stuck on a hard question, don't give up! Use these tips and keep practicing, and you'll see your test scores improve.