Back to School #2

Sixty Third Post: Back to School #2

Sometimes at school it is rare but sometimes there are open book tests. The first time the student encounters one of these test, they are excited. All the information other than lecture is contained in the book, so it makes sense that this test is going to be easy. But assuming a test will be easy just because you have a book, is a trap that might just catch the student.

The second back to school tip is to avoid open book tests at all costs. The explanation is simple: just because you have a book of theory and problems doesn’t mean that the answers are given simply by looking in the book. This hold true especially with math and science or any critical thinking exam.

Secondly, even if the answers are in the book there isn’t enough time to look them up or read through the chapter to get a better description. There are some test, like the test used from engineers to get there license, that allow the test taker to bring any reference book that they want. Test givers know the secret about open book tests which is a book is a reference only and the test taker has to apply that knowledge to answer the questions on the exam. Simply put: avoid open book tests whenever possible, because the level of difficult is usually greater than a regular exam.