PREPARATION GUIDE FOR WRITTEN TESTS
Prepared by:
The Department of Administrative Services
Human Resources Management
August 2004
GENERAL INFORMATION ON WRITTEN TESTS
Two types of questions are often used in written tests: (1) multiple-choice questions and
(2) essay questions. Written tests may be all multiple-choice questions, all essay
questions or a combination of these. For multiple-choice questions, candidates are
given a number of answers to choose from for each question and must record the
answer they select for the questions on a “fill-in-the-bubble” answer sheet. For written
exercises, candidates must write out their answers in a special answer booklet.
Additional information on multiple-choice questions and written exercises is provided in
the pages that follow.
Written tests are designed to test the knowledge, skills and abilities that are important
for success in a job. Such tests are not intended to test whether candidates can learn
job related knowledge quickly. For this reason, test questions are not developed from
specific reading materials, and we do not provide candidates with specific information
about what to study in order to prepare for written tests. However, there are several
things candidates can do to put themselves at ease when faced with a written test.
(1) Read the job announcement carefully. Job announcements normally include a
description of the purpose of the job class and a list of the knowledge, skills and abilities
that are used in the job class. Use this to determine the subject areas that are likely to
be represented in the written test.
(2) Read the job specification for the job class. (This is available on DAS web site).
Job specifications include a list of the duties performed by employees in a job class.
This may also be useful in suggesting areas that are likely to be represented in the
written test.
(3) You may also want to visit your local library for test preparation materials related to
individual jobs or professions. Please keep in mind that these materials are not
designed to prepare you for any one state employment examination.
Please note that this booklet does not include any example questions or suggestions on
what to study for the test. This preparation guide is intended to provide you with some
general guidance in preparing for and taking written tests. It is not meant to provide
absolute procedures that will apply to all situations and to all applicants. It is suggested
that you read the information in this guide carefully and incorporate this with any test
taking strategies that you have found to be successful in the past.
MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
A multiple-choice question is usually designed in one of three forms: (1) it states a
question for you to answer, (2) it asks you to choose the correct answer from a list of
statements, or (3) it asks you to complete an incomplete statement. For each question,
several possible answer choices will be listed. You are to select the one choice that
best answers the question, is most nearly correct or best completes the statement.
Your score on the multiple-choice test will be based on the total number of questions
that you answer correctly. Therefore, it is to your advantage to record an answer for
every question, even if you are not sure which is the correct answer. However, be sure
that you mark only one answer for each question; if you mark more than one answer,
that question will be recorded as incorrect.
Tips on Answering Multiple-Choice Questions:
1) The test booklet will indicate if the multiple-choice questions are of equal value or if
the questions are weighted differently. In a test with differently weighted questions,
the weights (point values) for the questions will be presented in the test outline.
Refer to the test outline to identify the questions in the test that have the highest
weight. If you may not have time to answer all of the questions in the test, you
should make sure that you answer the questions with the highest weight before you
answer other questions.
2) Read the entire question carefully and try to answer it without referring to the
answer choices. This way, you may be less confused than if you read the possible
answer choices first. If the question does not seem to provide sufficient information
about what is being asked, or if the question requires that you choose the answer
that best completes a statement, read over the alternatives first to see what
answers are offered and which can be eliminated.
3) Look for any key words in the question that may help you select the correct answer
from among the choices. Some common key words are: some, none, many, most,
all, least, less, more, worst, poor, good, best, advantage, disadvantage, smallest,
smaller, larger, largest, first, last, never, always, any, only, usually, seldom,
frequently, generally, often, not, except, false and true.
4) Always read all of the possible answer alternatives carefully before jumping to the
conclusion that a particular one must be the best.
5) Use the process of elimination if the correct answer does not immediately occur to
you. Eliminate obviously wrong answers and narrow your choice to the ones that
directly answer the question. Then select the answer that most exactly answers the
question.
6) Don’t be influenced by the length of the answer choices. The longest answer is not
necessarily the correct one.
7) Don’t select an answer choice just because it includes technical language. Answer
choices using technical terminology may be included in order to see whether you
know the difference between what "looks right" and what "is right".
8) The following clues may help you select the correct answer:
a) Use key words in the question to eliminate obviously wrong answer choices.
b) Be alert to the presence of negative words in the question stem. Negative
words (such as not, except, never, least place limitations on an answer and
may make an answer choice incorrect.
c) Be alert to the presence of hedging words in the question stem. Hedging words
(such words as probably, may, might, most likely, sometimes) reduce limitations
on an answer and often make an answer choice more acceptable.
d) Try not to read too much into the question. Avoid imagining detailed scenarios
in which the answer could be true. In most cases, questions that appear to be
"trick questions" are usually only tricky because they're not taken at face value.
Determine the best answer using only the information supplied in the question,
without making unwarranted assumptions. The correct answer is the one that
works best for the situation described.
e) If more than one choice seems to answer the question correctly, see if one of
the answer choices is "all of the above". Since there can only be one right
answer, if two answers seem to be equally correct then the right answer may be
"all of the above".
f) Be sure to choose an answer that is directly related to the question being
asked. Do not select an answer choice even if it is a true or correct statement
by itself, unless it specifically answers the question being asked.
g) Some multiple-choice questions ask how you would handle a situation that may
happen on the job. Answer the question as if you were the employee
responsible for handling the situation. Use your judgment when choosing the
answer that you feel would work best on the job.
h) The correct answer is the choice that contains the most exact or most complete
information in response to the question. Some answer choices may be correct
or true in part, but less exact or less complete than the “best” choice. An
answer choice that is only partially correct, partially true or true only under
certain conditions should be considered an incorrect choice.
9) Don’t skip around. Skipping around in the test wastes time since you will have to
spend time searching for the skipped questions later. A better approach is to try
your best to answer each question in order. If you cannot decide on an answer to a
question in a minute or two, mark the answer you believe to be the most correct on
your answer sheet, record the number of the question somewhere in the test
booklet (or on the scratch paper that was provided to you), and go on to the next
question. You can come back to these questions later if you have time.
10) Generally, first answer choices are more often correct than not. There is evidence
to suggest that test-takers more frequently change right answers to wrong ones
than wrong answers to right ones. Don't race through the questions. If you take
time to think through each question, your initial answer will usually be the correct
one. Although there are always exceptions to this rule, the best approach is to
carefully answer each question the first time you go through the test and change
only those answers that are clearly incorrect if you have time later.
11) Don’t let more difficult questions affect your attitude and steal valuable time. Don’t
linger over questions you cannot answer. If you cannot decide on an answer
choice, make your best guess and move on. However, if you must guess, try to
eliminate as many clearly wrong choices as you can in order to make your guess
from as few alternatives as possible. If there are four answer choices from which to
choose, your chances of guessing the correct answer are one in four, or 25%. If you
can eliminate even one answer choice, your chances of guessing correctly rise to
one in three, or 33%. Elimination of additional answer choices further increases
your chances of guessing the correct answer.
12) Rely on your knowledge and don't look for patterns. Choosing answer "C" for 3
questions in succession is not a good reason to avoid answer “C” for the next
question. It is best to trust only your knowledge in answering the questions.
ESSAY QUESTIONS
There are two types of essay questions that may be used in a written test: (1) the
Content Essay Question and (2) the Writing task question.
Content Essay Questions. In a content essay question you are given (a) a brief
description of a situation or issue and (b) a question for you to respond to. The situation
or issue will be one that a newly appointed worker might be expected to encounter or
handle in his/her new job. You may also be given some simulated work documents and
asked to answer one or more questions concerning the problem situation or issue that is
presented. The specific question may be one or more of the following types of
questions: (1) describe the steps you would take to properly handle the situation or
issue, (2) list the problems or mistakes you find in the simulated work documents and/or
the actions you would take in response to the documents, (3) indicate whether the
action taken by subordinate workers in the situation was proper or improper and explain
why. Content essay questions are usually graded only on the content of the response
(the amount of correct and complete information provided in the response) and not on
written communication skills. However, candidates' responses on content essay
questions can also be evaluated on writing skills in addition to content. And, depending
on the question, there may be cases where the order of the information included in the
response will be considered in the scoring of the question. The instructions for the
essay question will clearly describe what your response will be graded on.
Writing Task Questions. In a writing task question you are given a brief description of
some situation or issue, and often some simulated documentation, to which a newly
appointed worker would be expected to prepare a written response. You may be asked
to write a response letter or memorandum, or to prepare a brief summary or narrative.
For this type of essay question, candidates are often graded only on their written
communication skills and not directly on the content of the letter or summary. However,
candidates' responses on writing task questions can also be evaluated on content in
addition to writing skills. The instructions for a writing task question will clearly describe
what form your response should be in and what dimensions your response will be
graded on.
Tips on Answering Essay questions
1) If more than one essay question is included in the test, refer to the test outline in the
test booklet to identify the questions that have the highest point value. Then quickly
read through all of the questions to evaluate their difficulty. Make short notes of any
pertinent ideas that occur to you as you read them but don’t spend a lot of time
writing at this point. It is more important for you to first determine the amount of
time you will spend on each question based on its difficulty and value. This will help
you avoid spending too much time on any one question, especially those that have
a low value.
2) Start with the easiest question. Beginning to work by choosing something you can
handle is the best way to reduce test anxiety.
3) Answer the questions that are worth the most points first. If you begin to run out of
time and have to rush through your answer, it would be best if the question is not
worth too much.
4) Even though you may feel that you should tackle the most difficult essay questions
first, you should avoid doing so. Often, a test-taker who answers the more difficult
questions first will not leave enough time to completely answer other questions that
would easily have earned points. If you encounter a question that you think you
cannot answer, leave it for last. By the time you get back to it you may have come
up with some ideas.
5) Read each essay question and any instructions carefully and completely. Look for
specific detailed directions on how to proceed. As you read the instructions for a
question, underline or circle key words that identify exactly what information you are
to provide in your answer and the format in which you are required to present your
response. Also write down any thoughts, words or ideas that immediately come to
mind that may help you address the subject of the essay and help you organize
your answer.
6) Some key verbs that are often found in instructions for essay questions and which
are used to identify the format in which you should respond are listed below:
a) Compare - emphasize similarities but also present differences.
b) Contrast - give differences only.
c) Evaluate or Critique - give your opinion of both the values and limitations of the
situation supported by evidence.
d) Define – provide meaning or purpose but with no details.
e) Discuss – present detailed reasons, both pro and con.
f) Explain - give reasons for happenings or situations.
g) Identify - list and describe.
h) Summarize - give main points from beginning to end of event.
i) Solve - come up with a solution based on given facts or your knowledge.
7) Before you start writing, identify the pieces of information you want to include in
your answer and the order in which you will present it. Review the key words and
any notes you have made specifically addressing the information asked for in the
question. Prepare a brief, logical outline of your response to insure that it is well
organized and that you have not carelessly overlooked any important information.
This need not be a detailed outline but simply a list of words or phrases which will
help to remind you of the important points you want to include in your answer. You
will be provided with space in the test booklet (or with scratch paper) for you to use
for this purpose.
8) Try not to read too much into the essay questions. Determine the best response
using only the information supplied in the question, without making unwarranted
assumptions. The correct answer is the one that addresses the situation or problem
as described.
9) Be detailed, but concise. Provide all of the information requested in the specific
question. Answer each question thoroughly, concentrating details on the specifics
asked in the question, but without going off into irrelevant topics or providing an
excess of unnecessary detail.
10) Don’t ignore any part of a question. Pay careful attention to questions that have
more than one part for you to address. Respond to each of the parts separately in
your response.
11) Don’t skip over an important point or step because you assume that the graders
must already know it. In order for the graders to give you credit for knowledge of
the subject, you must thoroughly present and explain it in your answer. Many
candidates loose points by giving short or incomplete answers. Most essay
questions that present a problem for you to solve or a situation for you to handle will
require that you address several steps in the solution. It is your task to provide
enough sufficient and relevant information to convince the raters to determine that
you are qualified to perform the job.
12) If the question poses a problem you must solve, analyze the problem thoroughly.
Clearly explain how you would investigate the problem and how and why you came
to the conclusions you reached. Describe the things you considered and how this
led to your conclusions. Describe and explain what you would do, why you would
do it, and what results you would expect.
13) Watch for special words or phrases that give you information about the situation and
your role in it. For example: “You are a new supervisor…”; “Your supervisor is gone
for today and you are in charge…”; What would be most important for you to do
first…”; etc. Use this information to identify the level of authority you would have in
the situation and what you think you would be expected to do.
14) If you are responding to a writing task question, make certain you write your
response in the format required. Most applicants find it beneficial to draft their
response first on scratch paper or to at least make a very detailed outline before
writing their final response. Make certain your response is clear and well organized.
Good paragraph and sentence structure as well as proper English grammar and
punctuation are critical in a writing task question.
15) Make certain your final responses are written on the appropriate pages in the
answer booklet provided for the essay questions. If you make notes or write out a
draft response in the test booklet, make certain you leave yourself enough time to
write your complete responses in the answer booklet.
16) Write your answers legibly. If you can do so, print your answers so that they can be
read easily and clearly understood by the graders.
GENERAL TIPS FOR MAKING THE BEST USE OF TEST TIME
1. The test instructions will tell you how much time you will have to complete the
entire written test. Although every effort is made to ensure that applicants have
sufficient time to read, absorb and answer each question, it is still important for
you to keep track of the time so that you will complete the entire test within the
allotted time.
2. You will be told how much time you have to complete the test before the test
starts. Typically, candidates are given about 1.5 minutes to read and answer
each multiple-choice question and 20 to 45 minutes to read and answer each
essay question. If you find that you are taking too much time, try to read and
answer the questions a little more quickly.
3. Try not to spend too much time on difficult multiple-choice questions. Instead,
choose what you think is the best answer as quickly as you can, and come back
to the question later if you have time. If you skip a multiple-choice question, be
sure that you also skip the corresponding number on the answer sheet. Check
often to be sure that you have not lost your place and that you are marking the
correct answer bubble on your answer sheet.
4. If the written test includes one or more essay questions, make sure that you plan
your time to answer these. Try to allocate more time to the essay questions that
are worth the most
5. Leave yourself a few minutes at the end to go over your paperwork. Make sure
you have answered all of the questions and that your responses are clearly
marked.
ON THE DAY OF THE TEST
1. Arrive at the testing location early enough so that you can (try to) get relaxed before the
start of the test. But don't arrive so early that you have time to become anxious.
2. Do not bring family or friends to the examination site. Space is arranged only for
applicants and the monitoring staff.
3. You are not permitted to bring books, manuals, notes or pads into the test room.
Calculators and watches with memory capability, electronic paging devices, recording or
filming devices, radios, computers, cellular phones, and other mechanical and electronic
devices are not permitted in the test room.
4. Be sure to bring two sharpened No. 2 pencils with you.
5. Be sure to read and follow the instructions given in your scheduling letter about what you
need to bring to the test site. If you should bring any additional materials with you, such
as a calculator, a pen, etc., this will be mentioned in your scheduling letter.
6. Be sure to bring your scheduling letter and a photo ID that includes your signature with
you.
IN CONCLUSION: SOME COMMON SENSE SUGGESTIONS
It is important to use common sense when facing a written test.
· Get plenty of sleep the night before and be sure to dress
comfortably and eat breakfast.
· If you are not sure where the test site is, take a drive to
the site before the test date.
· Leave yourself plenty of time to get to the test site just in
case there is traffic or you have car problems.
Keep in mind that the Department of Administrative Services wants you to succeed
when taking state examinations. We do not utilize “trick” questions, tolerate biased
grading or develop examinations that favor a particular racial, ethnic or gender group.
The intent of our examinations is to identify the best qualified candidates for state
positions based on the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the duties of
the job.
Best of luck!
The Department of Administrative Services
Human Resources Management
August 2004
GENERAL INFORMATION ON WRITTEN TESTS
Two types of questions are often used in written tests: (1) multiple-choice questions and
(2) essay questions. Written tests may be all multiple-choice questions, all essay
questions or a combination of these. For multiple-choice questions, candidates are
given a number of answers to choose from for each question and must record the
answer they select for the questions on a “fill-in-the-bubble” answer sheet. For written
exercises, candidates must write out their answers in a special answer booklet.
Additional information on multiple-choice questions and written exercises is provided in
the pages that follow.
Written tests are designed to test the knowledge, skills and abilities that are important
for success in a job. Such tests are not intended to test whether candidates can learn
job related knowledge quickly. For this reason, test questions are not developed from
specific reading materials, and we do not provide candidates with specific information
about what to study in order to prepare for written tests. However, there are several
things candidates can do to put themselves at ease when faced with a written test.
(1) Read the job announcement carefully. Job announcements normally include a
description of the purpose of the job class and a list of the knowledge, skills and abilities
that are used in the job class. Use this to determine the subject areas that are likely to
be represented in the written test.
(2) Read the job specification for the job class. (This is available on DAS web site).
Job specifications include a list of the duties performed by employees in a job class.
This may also be useful in suggesting areas that are likely to be represented in the
written test.
(3) You may also want to visit your local library for test preparation materials related to
individual jobs or professions. Please keep in mind that these materials are not
designed to prepare you for any one state employment examination.
Please note that this booklet does not include any example questions or suggestions on
what to study for the test. This preparation guide is intended to provide you with some
general guidance in preparing for and taking written tests. It is not meant to provide
absolute procedures that will apply to all situations and to all applicants. It is suggested
that you read the information in this guide carefully and incorporate this with any test
taking strategies that you have found to be successful in the past.
MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
A multiple-choice question is usually designed in one of three forms: (1) it states a
question for you to answer, (2) it asks you to choose the correct answer from a list of
statements, or (3) it asks you to complete an incomplete statement. For each question,
several possible answer choices will be listed. You are to select the one choice that
best answers the question, is most nearly correct or best completes the statement.
Your score on the multiple-choice test will be based on the total number of questions
that you answer correctly. Therefore, it is to your advantage to record an answer for
every question, even if you are not sure which is the correct answer. However, be sure
that you mark only one answer for each question; if you mark more than one answer,
that question will be recorded as incorrect.
Tips on Answering Multiple-Choice Questions:
1) The test booklet will indicate if the multiple-choice questions are of equal value or if
the questions are weighted differently. In a test with differently weighted questions,
the weights (point values) for the questions will be presented in the test outline.
Refer to the test outline to identify the questions in the test that have the highest
weight. If you may not have time to answer all of the questions in the test, you
should make sure that you answer the questions with the highest weight before you
answer other questions.
2) Read the entire question carefully and try to answer it without referring to the
answer choices. This way, you may be less confused than if you read the possible
answer choices first. If the question does not seem to provide sufficient information
about what is being asked, or if the question requires that you choose the answer
that best completes a statement, read over the alternatives first to see what
answers are offered and which can be eliminated.
3) Look for any key words in the question that may help you select the correct answer
from among the choices. Some common key words are: some, none, many, most,
all, least, less, more, worst, poor, good, best, advantage, disadvantage, smallest,
smaller, larger, largest, first, last, never, always, any, only, usually, seldom,
frequently, generally, often, not, except, false and true.
4) Always read all of the possible answer alternatives carefully before jumping to the
conclusion that a particular one must be the best.
5) Use the process of elimination if the correct answer does not immediately occur to
you. Eliminate obviously wrong answers and narrow your choice to the ones that
directly answer the question. Then select the answer that most exactly answers the
question.
6) Don’t be influenced by the length of the answer choices. The longest answer is not
necessarily the correct one.
7) Don’t select an answer choice just because it includes technical language. Answer
choices using technical terminology may be included in order to see whether you
know the difference between what "looks right" and what "is right".
8) The following clues may help you select the correct answer:
a) Use key words in the question to eliminate obviously wrong answer choices.
b) Be alert to the presence of negative words in the question stem. Negative
words (such as not, except, never, least place limitations on an answer and
may make an answer choice incorrect.
c) Be alert to the presence of hedging words in the question stem. Hedging words
(such words as probably, may, might, most likely, sometimes) reduce limitations
on an answer and often make an answer choice more acceptable.
d) Try not to read too much into the question. Avoid imagining detailed scenarios
in which the answer could be true. In most cases, questions that appear to be
"trick questions" are usually only tricky because they're not taken at face value.
Determine the best answer using only the information supplied in the question,
without making unwarranted assumptions. The correct answer is the one that
works best for the situation described.
e) If more than one choice seems to answer the question correctly, see if one of
the answer choices is "all of the above". Since there can only be one right
answer, if two answers seem to be equally correct then the right answer may be
"all of the above".
f) Be sure to choose an answer that is directly related to the question being
asked. Do not select an answer choice even if it is a true or correct statement
by itself, unless it specifically answers the question being asked.
g) Some multiple-choice questions ask how you would handle a situation that may
happen on the job. Answer the question as if you were the employee
responsible for handling the situation. Use your judgment when choosing the
answer that you feel would work best on the job.
h) The correct answer is the choice that contains the most exact or most complete
information in response to the question. Some answer choices may be correct
or true in part, but less exact or less complete than the “best” choice. An
answer choice that is only partially correct, partially true or true only under
certain conditions should be considered an incorrect choice.
9) Don’t skip around. Skipping around in the test wastes time since you will have to
spend time searching for the skipped questions later. A better approach is to try
your best to answer each question in order. If you cannot decide on an answer to a
question in a minute or two, mark the answer you believe to be the most correct on
your answer sheet, record the number of the question somewhere in the test
booklet (or on the scratch paper that was provided to you), and go on to the next
question. You can come back to these questions later if you have time.
10) Generally, first answer choices are more often correct than not. There is evidence
to suggest that test-takers more frequently change right answers to wrong ones
than wrong answers to right ones. Don't race through the questions. If you take
time to think through each question, your initial answer will usually be the correct
one. Although there are always exceptions to this rule, the best approach is to
carefully answer each question the first time you go through the test and change
only those answers that are clearly incorrect if you have time later.
11) Don’t let more difficult questions affect your attitude and steal valuable time. Don’t
linger over questions you cannot answer. If you cannot decide on an answer
choice, make your best guess and move on. However, if you must guess, try to
eliminate as many clearly wrong choices as you can in order to make your guess
from as few alternatives as possible. If there are four answer choices from which to
choose, your chances of guessing the correct answer are one in four, or 25%. If you
can eliminate even one answer choice, your chances of guessing correctly rise to
one in three, or 33%. Elimination of additional answer choices further increases
your chances of guessing the correct answer.
12) Rely on your knowledge and don't look for patterns. Choosing answer "C" for 3
questions in succession is not a good reason to avoid answer “C” for the next
question. It is best to trust only your knowledge in answering the questions.
ESSAY QUESTIONS
There are two types of essay questions that may be used in a written test: (1) the
Content Essay Question and (2) the Writing task question.
Content Essay Questions. In a content essay question you are given (a) a brief
description of a situation or issue and (b) a question for you to respond to. The situation
or issue will be one that a newly appointed worker might be expected to encounter or
handle in his/her new job. You may also be given some simulated work documents and
asked to answer one or more questions concerning the problem situation or issue that is
presented. The specific question may be one or more of the following types of
questions: (1) describe the steps you would take to properly handle the situation or
issue, (2) list the problems or mistakes you find in the simulated work documents and/or
the actions you would take in response to the documents, (3) indicate whether the
action taken by subordinate workers in the situation was proper or improper and explain
why. Content essay questions are usually graded only on the content of the response
(the amount of correct and complete information provided in the response) and not on
written communication skills. However, candidates' responses on content essay
questions can also be evaluated on writing skills in addition to content. And, depending
on the question, there may be cases where the order of the information included in the
response will be considered in the scoring of the question. The instructions for the
essay question will clearly describe what your response will be graded on.
Writing Task Questions. In a writing task question you are given a brief description of
some situation or issue, and often some simulated documentation, to which a newly
appointed worker would be expected to prepare a written response. You may be asked
to write a response letter or memorandum, or to prepare a brief summary or narrative.
For this type of essay question, candidates are often graded only on their written
communication skills and not directly on the content of the letter or summary. However,
candidates' responses on writing task questions can also be evaluated on content in
addition to writing skills. The instructions for a writing task question will clearly describe
what form your response should be in and what dimensions your response will be
graded on.
Tips on Answering Essay questions
1) If more than one essay question is included in the test, refer to the test outline in the
test booklet to identify the questions that have the highest point value. Then quickly
read through all of the questions to evaluate their difficulty. Make short notes of any
pertinent ideas that occur to you as you read them but don’t spend a lot of time
writing at this point. It is more important for you to first determine the amount of
time you will spend on each question based on its difficulty and value. This will help
you avoid spending too much time on any one question, especially those that have
a low value.
2) Start with the easiest question. Beginning to work by choosing something you can
handle is the best way to reduce test anxiety.
3) Answer the questions that are worth the most points first. If you begin to run out of
time and have to rush through your answer, it would be best if the question is not
worth too much.
4) Even though you may feel that you should tackle the most difficult essay questions
first, you should avoid doing so. Often, a test-taker who answers the more difficult
questions first will not leave enough time to completely answer other questions that
would easily have earned points. If you encounter a question that you think you
cannot answer, leave it for last. By the time you get back to it you may have come
up with some ideas.
5) Read each essay question and any instructions carefully and completely. Look for
specific detailed directions on how to proceed. As you read the instructions for a
question, underline or circle key words that identify exactly what information you are
to provide in your answer and the format in which you are required to present your
response. Also write down any thoughts, words or ideas that immediately come to
mind that may help you address the subject of the essay and help you organize
your answer.
6) Some key verbs that are often found in instructions for essay questions and which
are used to identify the format in which you should respond are listed below:
a) Compare - emphasize similarities but also present differences.
b) Contrast - give differences only.
c) Evaluate or Critique - give your opinion of both the values and limitations of the
situation supported by evidence.
d) Define – provide meaning or purpose but with no details.
e) Discuss – present detailed reasons, both pro and con.
f) Explain - give reasons for happenings or situations.
g) Identify - list and describe.
h) Summarize - give main points from beginning to end of event.
i) Solve - come up with a solution based on given facts or your knowledge.
7) Before you start writing, identify the pieces of information you want to include in
your answer and the order in which you will present it. Review the key words and
any notes you have made specifically addressing the information asked for in the
question. Prepare a brief, logical outline of your response to insure that it is well
organized and that you have not carelessly overlooked any important information.
This need not be a detailed outline but simply a list of words or phrases which will
help to remind you of the important points you want to include in your answer. You
will be provided with space in the test booklet (or with scratch paper) for you to use
for this purpose.
8) Try not to read too much into the essay questions. Determine the best response
using only the information supplied in the question, without making unwarranted
assumptions. The correct answer is the one that addresses the situation or problem
as described.
9) Be detailed, but concise. Provide all of the information requested in the specific
question. Answer each question thoroughly, concentrating details on the specifics
asked in the question, but without going off into irrelevant topics or providing an
excess of unnecessary detail.
10) Don’t ignore any part of a question. Pay careful attention to questions that have
more than one part for you to address. Respond to each of the parts separately in
your response.
11) Don’t skip over an important point or step because you assume that the graders
must already know it. In order for the graders to give you credit for knowledge of
the subject, you must thoroughly present and explain it in your answer. Many
candidates loose points by giving short or incomplete answers. Most essay
questions that present a problem for you to solve or a situation for you to handle will
require that you address several steps in the solution. It is your task to provide
enough sufficient and relevant information to convince the raters to determine that
you are qualified to perform the job.
12) If the question poses a problem you must solve, analyze the problem thoroughly.
Clearly explain how you would investigate the problem and how and why you came
to the conclusions you reached. Describe the things you considered and how this
led to your conclusions. Describe and explain what you would do, why you would
do it, and what results you would expect.
13) Watch for special words or phrases that give you information about the situation and
your role in it. For example: “You are a new supervisor…”; “Your supervisor is gone
for today and you are in charge…”; What would be most important for you to do
first…”; etc. Use this information to identify the level of authority you would have in
the situation and what you think you would be expected to do.
14) If you are responding to a writing task question, make certain you write your
response in the format required. Most applicants find it beneficial to draft their
response first on scratch paper or to at least make a very detailed outline before
writing their final response. Make certain your response is clear and well organized.
Good paragraph and sentence structure as well as proper English grammar and
punctuation are critical in a writing task question.
15) Make certain your final responses are written on the appropriate pages in the
answer booklet provided for the essay questions. If you make notes or write out a
draft response in the test booklet, make certain you leave yourself enough time to
write your complete responses in the answer booklet.
16) Write your answers legibly. If you can do so, print your answers so that they can be
read easily and clearly understood by the graders.
GENERAL TIPS FOR MAKING THE BEST USE OF TEST TIME
1. The test instructions will tell you how much time you will have to complete the
entire written test. Although every effort is made to ensure that applicants have
sufficient time to read, absorb and answer each question, it is still important for
you to keep track of the time so that you will complete the entire test within the
allotted time.
2. You will be told how much time you have to complete the test before the test
starts. Typically, candidates are given about 1.5 minutes to read and answer
each multiple-choice question and 20 to 45 minutes to read and answer each
essay question. If you find that you are taking too much time, try to read and
answer the questions a little more quickly.
3. Try not to spend too much time on difficult multiple-choice questions. Instead,
choose what you think is the best answer as quickly as you can, and come back
to the question later if you have time. If you skip a multiple-choice question, be
sure that you also skip the corresponding number on the answer sheet. Check
often to be sure that you have not lost your place and that you are marking the
correct answer bubble on your answer sheet.
4. If the written test includes one or more essay questions, make sure that you plan
your time to answer these. Try to allocate more time to the essay questions that
are worth the most
5. Leave yourself a few minutes at the end to go over your paperwork. Make sure
you have answered all of the questions and that your responses are clearly
marked.
ON THE DAY OF THE TEST
1. Arrive at the testing location early enough so that you can (try to) get relaxed before the
start of the test. But don't arrive so early that you have time to become anxious.
2. Do not bring family or friends to the examination site. Space is arranged only for
applicants and the monitoring staff.
3. You are not permitted to bring books, manuals, notes or pads into the test room.
Calculators and watches with memory capability, electronic paging devices, recording or
filming devices, radios, computers, cellular phones, and other mechanical and electronic
devices are not permitted in the test room.
4. Be sure to bring two sharpened No. 2 pencils with you.
5. Be sure to read and follow the instructions given in your scheduling letter about what you
need to bring to the test site. If you should bring any additional materials with you, such
as a calculator, a pen, etc., this will be mentioned in your scheduling letter.
6. Be sure to bring your scheduling letter and a photo ID that includes your signature with
you.
IN CONCLUSION: SOME COMMON SENSE SUGGESTIONS
It is important to use common sense when facing a written test.
· Get plenty of sleep the night before and be sure to dress
comfortably and eat breakfast.
· If you are not sure where the test site is, take a drive to
the site before the test date.
· Leave yourself plenty of time to get to the test site just in
case there is traffic or you have car problems.
Keep in mind that the Department of Administrative Services wants you to succeed
when taking state examinations. We do not utilize “trick” questions, tolerate biased
grading or develop examinations that favor a particular racial, ethnic or gender group.
The intent of our examinations is to identify the best qualified candidates for state
positions based on the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the duties of
the job.
Best of luck!