MC writes, "As it relates to
taking the exam, would you recommend reading the answers first,
then read the question?"
Thanks for the question, MC. What
seems to work best for most people is to read the question
first--stop and think what the answer might be--then read the
answers and find the one closest to what you'd been thinking.
On a long, timed test like the
social work licensing exam, reading the answers first may be a
risky strategy since you'd be adding to the amount of time you're
taking on each item. That said, you may have seen
research that shows that you can come close to passing the social
work exam without ever reading the question
stems. So either way,
maybe you're okay.
If you've discovered with
practice exams that you're a quick test-taker, then the
answers-first approach might be worth a try--just to see what
happens. If you do get better results that way, let us know!
Most tips on test-taking focus on
careful reading and deliberation on each item. Here are few select
pieces of advice about multiple-choice exams from studygs.net:
Eliminate options you know to be incorrect
If allowed, mark
words or alternatives in questions that eliminate the option
Give each option of a
question the "true-false test"
This may reduce your selection to
the best answer.
Question
options that are totally unfamiliar to you.
Question options that
contain negative or absolute words.
Find more on the site and also on a
similar page at
about.com.
For a researched-based approach to
test preparation, take a look at this article from
Psych Central. In short: practice tests are a good idea. So,
good thing you've found SWTP!
For more links to test-taking
strategies, including reducing test anxiety, take a look at our Study Tips page.
However you choose to tackle the
test, wishing you the best of luck! Congratulations in advance on
getting licensed!
If you have a question you'd
like to see covered here, write ask@socialworktestprep.com.