Taking Open Book Exams
Supplemental Instruction by Ms. Andrea Haymond-Tang
The information available through this site is inteded to assist students in becoming effective and efficient learners. The pages were adapted from material presetned at two websites: www.academictips.org and www.studygs.net. If you are interested in obtaining additional help, you might visit either of those two sites or perhaps two others:www.studyguidezone.com/resource_tips.htm and www.studytips.org.
General Exam Tips
Answering Multiple Choice Questions
Answering True-False Questions
Answering Essay Questions
Answering Short Answer Questions
Taking Open Book Exams
Preparing for Emergency Exams
Coping with Test Anxiety
Note Taking Strategies
Active Listening
Taking Open Book Exams
These kind of exams measure your level of understanding opposed to your recall and memorization abilities. Several things are generally expected of you:- to be able to apply course material to new situations.
- to be able to analyze elements and relationships.
- to be able to synthesize information.
- to be able to evaluate information using your course materials (textbook, notes) at evidence.
Strategies:
X1. Access to course materials is determined by the instructor, so it will vary. Make sure you know what is allowed and what is not.
2. Do not underestimate the amount of preparation needed for an open book exam. Time is usually limited, so it is crucial that you have your notes organized properly. Having good organization allows you to quickly find date, quotes, examples, or arguments that can be used in your answer. Not being able to find what you're looking for because of disorganization will increase your stress level.
1. Stay on top of your assigned readings for class, and any other assignments required.
2. Prepare summary notes for the concepts being tested over.
3. Decide carefully what you will and won't bring with you - is there any significant about what you won't take?
4. Add your own comments on the information that will add to your arguments. When doing this, you'll need to demonstrate that you have thought it through.
5. Use model questions to anticipate what might be on the exam. Use them to challenge yourself on how you might answer questions, as well as what resources you might need to take into account.
6. Organize your reference materials. Make them as user-friendly as possible. This will help you avoid losing time flipping through trying to locate something.
- make yourself familiar with the format, layout, and structure of the textbook and other source material.
- organize your class notes for quick retrieval.
- create a system of highlighting, color coding, mapping, sticky tabs, or whatever you need to indicate important ideas, sections, etc.
- write short and manageable summaries for the content in each grouping.
- list dates and formulas on separate sheets of paper for easy access and less confusion.
Taking the Exam:
1. Read the instructions and questions carefully so you understand what is expected of you.
2. Make wise use of your time. Do a quick run-through of the number of questions and how much time you think each one could take. Answer the questions you feel confident about or require less time. Leave the more difficult and involved questions for later.
3. Quotations:
- use them to illustrate a point, or as a point for discussion.
- use them to demonstrate the authority of a source.
- use them when you cannot say something any better.
- they can be short and still be very effective if they are worked into the body of your sentence.
- sometimes simply referencing a quote can be as effective as stating the quote itself.
- avoid using too many quotes. Remember that this is about your words and argument. Using too many quotes might take away from the focus of your argument. It can also be a sign to the instructor that you do not have a good enough understanding of the material to put in into your own words.