General Strategy

Initial Moments

• The survey conducted before the exam does not have any bearing on test contents

• Calculate the number of questions required to pass– By extension, number of incorrect that

are allowed

Passing Score

• Microsoft exams require a 700 out of roughly 1000

700

1000=

XTotal Number of Questions

Passing Score

700

1000=

X60

60 x 700 = 42000

42000/1000 = 42 right18 wrong

Look for the Worst Answers First

• Try to eliminate the two “crack smoking” (worst) answers

• Get each question down to two plausible answers

• Select the least worst answer

General Strategy

• Read each question completely along with all answers

• Assess your gut response to the question

Easy Questions

• If your initial reaction is that you know the answer:– Select the answer and click Next.

Impossible Questions

• If your initial reaction is that you have no idea how to answer:– Just click Next.

Medium Difficulty Questions

• If your initial reaction is that think you know the answer but are not sure:– Select the answer and select Mark for Review.

Goals

• Answer easy questions before becoming tired or depressed

• Progress through all questions once as quickly as reasonable

• Make notes on difficult questions

Review Grid

Review Grid

Second Pass

• Use your best guess to answer all incomplete questions

• Then Mark for Review

Remaining Time

• Review any questions with priority to those marked

• Do not change answers unless:– You could argue for the change in a court of law or

to your mother

(Whichever would be more difficult)

Changing Answers

• 90% of the time:– Students change from a correct answer to a wrong

answer– Or from a wrong answer to another wrong answer

Do not change answers!

Unmark Answers

• When you are confident you cannot choose a better answer:– Unmark the question– Proceed until you have less marked than you can

afford to have wrong• Then end the exam

Review Period

• You will be given a review period when you can comment on questions

• After ending the exam a second time you will receive your score immediately

Score

Failed Exams

• Do not panic!• Go to your car and make notes– Be as detailed as possible

Interpreting Exam Scores

• 600s: Improve test taking techniques• 500s: Improve vocabulary and test taking• Mid to low 400s and below: focus on weak

areas, improve vocabulary and test taking

Sample Exam

Recap

• Do the easy questions first• Leave the impossible questions until last• Use the test as a study tool• Do not change answers unless you know why• Get each question down to two plausible

answers• If you don’t pass, learn from the experience