Preparing for Finals--Exam Types

Problem-Solving Exams:

Go through past homework assignments, lecture notes, and your textbook

• Copy out problems
• Mix them up
• Solve as many as possible
• Check your answers
• For any you do not answer correctly, try to find similar problems and keep working on them

Short Answer Exams:

After reviewing your lecture notes and textbook…

• Make a list of important terms.
• Write down a definition of each term as it was used in the course.
• Think of examples or illustrations of each term.
• Figure out the term or concept's relevance to the course.

Essay Exams:

Review old essay assignments and exams and select a number of topics that seem central to the course.

• Write thesis statements containing the subject and three main points.
• Write an outline for each essay (the more detail - facts, figures, illustrations, and quotations - the better).
• Write out complete essays in the same time frame you have for the exam.
• Review your trial essays - paying attention to areas that could be improved.

Objective Exams:

• Study concepts and examples, as well as facts.
• Study your texts and notes by actively looking for the kind of material that can be answered objectively (i.e. dates, names, and precise details).
• Get old copies of exams in the same format. Look for patterns in questions and answers throughout certain disciplines.