# Exam questions

**Source**: https://learningessentials.auckland.ac.nz/exams-and-tests/exam-questions/
**Parent**: https://learningessentials.auckland.ac.nz/learning-at-university/

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# Exam questions

- [Preparing for exams and tests](https://learningessentials.auckland.ac.nz/exams-and-tests/preparing-for-exams-and-tests/)
- [On exam day](https://learningessentials.auckland.ac.nz/exams-and-tests/on-exam-day/)
- [Exam questions](https://learningessentials.auckland.ac.nz/exams-and-tests/exam-questions/)

Learn how to revise for different question types and strategies for answering them.

## Multiple-choice questions

For multiple-choice questions, you need to choose the correct or most appropriate answer from several options.

For example:

Which of the following is NOT a primary colour:

a. Red\
b. Green\
c. Blue\
d. Yellow

### How to revise

Have a look at some general [revision techniques](https://learningessentials.auckland.ac.nz/test-and-exams/preparing/) to help you revise for multiple-choice questions.

### In the exam

**Pay attention to the questions**

- Quickly read all the questions and their answers before you try answering any.
- Note any qualifying words such as “choose the most correct answer”. You may be asked to choose more than one correct answer.
- Watch out for negatives, e.g. “which of the following is not an example.”

**How to choose the best answer**

- Try to answer the question before looking at the answers.
- Delete obvious non-answers first, then make a choice.
- If two options seem correct, look for subtle differences, and then compare them to the question to see which fits best.
- Answer the questions you’re sure of first, then try the others.
- If you really don’t know the answer, make an educated guess.

## Short-answer questions

For short-answer questions, you normally need to write a few sentences or a paragraph. The allocated marks and time available for each question will indicate how much you should write.

### How to revise

Have a look at some general [revision techniques](https://learningessentials.auckland.ac.nz/test-and-exams/preparing/) to help you revise for short-answer questions. In addition:

- Prepare examples or other supporting evidence (e.g. statistics) for each concept where possible.
- Organise key concepts by theme or topic headings and revise them one topic at a time. This will help you remember them better.

### In the exam

- [Analyse the question](https://learningessentials.auckland.ac.nz/essential-study-skills/analysing-questions/) carefully and identify keywords, instructions and any limits (words that restrict or narrow the topic, e.g. date, geographical location, number of examples required).
- Focus on keywords, phrases and ideas the examiner is expecting.
- Consider the marks the question is worth.
- Consider how much space you have to write.
- Organise your ideas logically.
- Keep to the point and leave out extra, irrelevant information.
- Leave one or two lines after each answer in case you remember something important later.

## Essay questions

Writing in exams is limited by time constraints, but the fundamentals of essay writing still apply. You should structure your essay in the usual way – introduction, body paragraphs and conclusion. You don’t have to include a reference list, but you should acknowledge your sources. Have a look at [Writing effectively](https://learningessentials.auckland.ac.nz/writing-effectively/) for more information.

### How to revise

Have a look at some general [revision techniques](https://learningessentials.auckland.ac.nz/test-and-exams/preparing/) to help you revise for essay questions. In addition:

- Prepare for one or two more topics than you need as a back-up.
- Gather information to cover these topics from different perspectives. For example, summarise key points from your lecture notes.
- Use memory techniques to help remember the main points effectively. [Preparing for exams](https://learningessentials.auckland.ac.nz/test-and-exams/preparing/) has some techniques you can try.
- Practise writing essays under timed exam conditions.

### In the exam

- Choose questions during the exam reading time.
- Read all the questions before you begin to work on any of them.
- Start with the questions you know best.
- Plan your time – check the number of points for each question and allocate your time accordingly.
- Read the question carefully and identify keywords, instructions, and limits (words that restrict or narrow the topic, e.g. date, location, number of examples required).
- Plan your answer. Spend a few minutes identifying the main points, writing relevant points on the question, and structuring your main points logically.
- If you have time, review your answers and make corrections.
- If you run out of time, write brief notes.

## Problem-based questions

Usually these types of questions target formulae, steps in a process, or rules and require you to solve a problem using calculations.

### How to revise

Have a look at some general [revision techniques](https://learningessentials.auckland.ac.nz/test-and-exams/preparing/) to help you revise for problem-based questions. In addition:

- Learn the facts, formulae, and methods that you will need to know, including how and when to apply them.
- Go through problems that have been done in lectures, tutorials, tests, assignments or study guides.  Make sure you understand how they were solved.
- Practise as many problems as you can find. Ask your tutor or lecturer for more if you need to.

### In the exam

- Answer the questions you are sure of first; then try the others.
- Write down the relevant formulae, equations and rules.
- Clearly show the steps you have taken in working out the answers.
- If necessary (and appropriate) write some notes to explain your answers.
- For numerical problems involving computation, make sure you include the appropriate units (e.g. ml, cm, N, m/sec) in your final answers.
- If appropriate, underline your final answer to help clarify your answers.

### Related topics

- [Essay writing](https://learningessentials.auckland.ac.nz/writing-effectively/assignment-types/essay-writing/)
- [Analysing questions](https://learningessentials.auckland.ac.nz/essential-study-skills/analysing-questions/)

### Workshops

- [Academic Skills: Exam preparation](https://auckland.campuslabs.com/engage/events?categories=19070)

See all [available workshops](https://auckland.campuslabs.com/engage/organization/tetumuherenga).

**Short on time? Watch a video on:**

- [Exam preparation](https://canvas.auckland.ac.nz/courses/99789/pages/exam-preparation) – 7:25

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