Quiz Tips

These tips are based on suggestions from students who have taken my classes in the past. I've also included additional online resources at the bottom of the page.

Preparing for a Quiz

Schedule specific times to work on the class, including reading the chapters, using the study aids on the textbook's website, reading the discussion posts, and taking the quiz.

Read through each chapter twice. The first time, read for enjoyment, highlighting what you find interesting. The second time, record main ideas along with page numbers (if you type them into a Word document, then you can search for key words as you take the quiz). Also, develop a "scholar" sheet - record the names of key scholars and their contributions to the field of organizational communication. Note: I often use the names of scholars in quiz questions to help you recall the material; looking up the scholar in the index can help you find the answer to a question more quickly.

Write notes in the margin or use post-its to identify key concepts as you read through each chapter.

Visualize key terms by drawing pictures you associate with the words. For example, "boundary spanners" are organization members with direct contact to the public (p. 18). A small bridge or similar icon drawn in the margin of the text can help you recall the term and its meaning.

When you post in the discussions, try to find a clear link between your own experiences and the material in the book. As you read, ask yourself if what the book is saying relates to any of your experiences and in what way. That may help you remember the material better.

Taking a Quiz

Before you take a quiz, get ready. Have the book with you and the chapters for the quiz bookmarked. Have your notes available as well. If you don't know the answer to a question, check your notes. If the information isn't there, use the index in the back of the book.

Have a sheet or form where you keep track of the questions as you answer them. For each question, note if you're definitely sure of the answer, somewhat sure, or have no idea. This way, you'll know which ones you need to look up.

Answer the questions you know first. Skip the ones you are not sure of, you can come back to those later.

Set a timer at home to go off 10 minutes before the quiz time ends. That 10-minute warning is your time to finish up. If you don't know the answer, and you cannot find the answer in the book or your notes, this is the time to take your best guess. Eliminate the choices that you know are wrong; you may find the correct answer is the one that's left.

Additional Resources

Taking Multiple Choice Exams Links to an external site.

from Study Skills in College, Penn State U Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

A Student Guide to Multiple Choice Exams Links to an external site.
from University of Wisconsin-Eau Clair, Geography and Anthropology Dept.

Fast Facts - Multiple Choice Exams Links to an external site.
from University of Guelph Library, Guelph, Ontario, Canada

How to Take a Multiple Choice Test Links to an external site.
from eHow