TRUE/FALSE EXAM QUICK TIPS
- If one part of the statement is false the whole statement is false: All you are looking for is one word or one piece of information to make the statement false.
- Assume all statements are true: This type of mindset going into a true/false exam will help because now you are just looking for that one item to make the statement false.
- Reason statements tend to be false: There can be many factors other than the one mentioned to make it false.
- “Always” and “never” tend to indicate that the statement is false: These types of words are called absolutes and there are very few absolutes that are true.
- Words such as “some,” “most,” “rarely,” and “usually” are often true: Words that do not give specific meanings are usually true. This is due to the fact that these words are not absolutes and refer to more of a “gray area” of meanings.
- Cross-out double negatives: A question may contain double negatives to confuse you. In cases in which you may see a double negative, cross out the negative and the prefix.
Statement Cross-out Meaning
Not untruthful Not untruthful truthful
Not indirect Not indirect direct
Not untrustworthy Not untrustworthy trustworthy
Not impossible Not impossible possible
True Or False Examples:
1. July is never a winter month.
2. As a general rule, it is important to study two hours for every one hour of class.
3. Most students would not be dissatisfied by having a 1.00 cumulative grade
point average.
Answers:
1. False-“Never” is an absolute; July is a winter month in the Southern Hemisphere.
2. True-The word you focus on is “general” because it is not giving a specific meaning.
3. False-Cross out the double negative and then re-read the statement.
For additional strategies on true/false exams you may want to visit these websites:
http://www.studygs.net/tsttak2.htm
http://www.uscg.mil/hq/capemay/test-taking.htm