ETS Standardized Test Design 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the most effective study technique according to research?
- Active recall with spaced repetition (Correct answer)
- Re-reading notes multiple times
- Highlighting text
- Listening to music while studying
Correct answer: Active recall with spaced repetition
Active recall (testing yourself) combined with spaced repetition (reviewing at intervals) is the most effective study method per cognitive science research.
Question 2: What is the process of elimination in multiple-choice testing?
- Ruling out obviously incorrect answers to improve odds (Correct answer)
- Eliminating questions you don't know
- Removing your first answer
- Skipping every other question
Correct answer: Ruling out obviously incorrect answers to improve odds
Process of elimination involves identifying and removing clearly wrong answers, increasing the probability of selecting the correct answer from remaining options.
Question 3: How should you manage time during a timed test?
- Divide total time by questions and pace yourself, spending less on easy ones (Correct answer)
- Spend equal time on every question
- Only work on hard questions
- Rush through the entire test
Correct answer: Divide total time by questions and pace yourself, spending less on easy ones
Calculate time per question, spend less on easy questions to bank time for harder ones, and check your pace periodically.
Question 4: When should you change an answer on a test?
- Only when you have a clear reason the new answer is better (Correct answer)
- Always change your first answer
- Never change answers
- Change every answer you doubt
Correct answer: Only when you have a clear reason the new answer is better
Research shows changing answers is beneficial only when you have a specific reason, such as recalling new information or catching a misread question.
Question 5: What should you do when encountering a difficult question?
- Mark it, move on, and return to it later (Correct answer)
- Stare at it until you figure it out
- Skip it permanently
- Guess immediately without reading
Correct answer: Mark it, move on, and return to it later
Mark difficult questions and move on to avoid wasting time. After completing easier questions, return with fresh perspective and remaining time.
Question 6: Why is reading the question carefully important?
- To avoid misinterpreting what is being asked (Correct answer)
- To waste time
- To memorize the question
- It doesn't matter
Correct answer: To avoid misinterpreting what is being asked
Many wrong answers result from misreading questions. Key words like 'NOT,' 'EXCEPT,' 'BEST,' or 'MOST' can completely change what's being asked.
ETS Standardized Test Design 1
What is the most effective study technique according to research?