Subjective Tests

The QUOTE Strategy

Q--Question

Ask the Question: What are the direction words in the essay test item?
Direction words give you instructions as to how to answer the question.
Bracket the direction words on the test question.

Practice (Identify the direction words in the following examples.)
1. What is the relationship between cognitive effort and long-term memory?
2. Trace the important events leading to the resignation of Richard Nixon as President of the United States.
3. Microsociology focuses on social interaction, whereas macrosociology focuses on social structure. Explain why both are necessary for an understanding of social life

Answers (The direction words are bracketed.)
1. What is the [relationship] between cognitive effort and long-term memory?
2. [Trace] the important events leading to the resignation of Richard Nixon as President of the United States.
3. Microsociology focuses on social interaction, whereas macrosociology focuses on social structure. [Explain] why both are necessary for an understanding of social life

U--Underline

Underline the words in the question that help you focus your answer. For example if this were the question:

1. Blood glucose levels are regulated by the pancreas. Whenever blood sugar levels are too high, the pancreas releases a hormone called insulin. Explain the mechanism by which insulin lowers the level of blood sugar in the body.

You might underline the following words:

1. Blood glucose levels are regulated by the pancreas. Whenever blood sugar levels are too high, the pancreas releases a hormone called insulin. [Explain] the mechanism by which insulin lowers the level of blood sugar in the body.

O--Organize and Write

1. List what you know about the question.
2. Organize the information using an appropriate pattern of organization. Use the pattern suggested by the direction word.
3. Write your answer. Begin your answer with an introduction that reviews the question. Then in each succeeding paragraph open with a sentence that is a main point. Write supporting statements for each main point. End with a paragraph that states your conclusion.
4. Show the instructor that you understand the material covered in class.
5. Write your answer as if you were communicating with someone who does not already know the answer.

T--Time

Before beginning the test, consider the amount of time you have been given.
Budget your time based upon the point values assigned. Decide how much time you will spend on each section of the test.
Allow time for reviewing your answers

E--Evaluate

Did I answer all parts of the item?
Did I include all the relevant facts?
Are all my facts accurate?
Did I answer the question that was asked?
Was my answer detailed and complete?
Is my answer clearly organized?
Is my handwriting legible?
Did I spell my words correctly?
Did I use correct punctuation and grammar?
How could I have improved my answer?

(Adapted from Teaching Study Skills and Strategies in College, by Iannuzzi, Strichart, & Mangrum)

Direction Words Used in Essay Questions

Analyze--break down into parts to discuss the whole

Compare--state similarities as well as differences

Contrast--emphasize differences

Criticize--express your view of the truth, faults, or merits of an issue

Define--give the meaning of a word or concept

Describe--give an account of; present a detailed picture of something

Discuss--examine, analyze, consider from various points of view

Enumerate--list, number, name

Explain--provide reasons for something

Evaluate--judge something using a set of criteria

Illustrate--provide examples

Justify--give reasons or evidence to support a position

Outline--offer a sketch of the main points, or provide a summary

Prove--offer reasons to establish the truth of something

Relate--show how two or more things are connected

Summarize--state the main points about something

Support--provide reasons that favor a point of view

Trace--state a series of things in a time sequence