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Test-Taking Tips for the
Written Qualifying Exam (WQE)
The following tips are offered by the American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO) as suggestions for taking the Written Qualifying Exam (WQE):
- Be familiar with the test format so that you will know the type of questions that will appear on the test and how to answer them. Before taking the exam, make sure that you have taken the WQE Tutorial and Practice Test.
- When starting the testing session, read the tutorial slowly and carefully. This portion of the test is not timed. If you do not understand the tutorial, ask the proctor to assist you.
- When you begin your test, note how many items will appear in each section so that you will know how to pace yourself and budget your time efficiently.
- Do the easiest questions first. If you get stuck on an item, move on to another item in that section, especially when time is a factor. Come back to the difficult questions later, if you have time.
- Read each question carefully and briefly contemplate the answer. Then, read all of the answer choices provided. Discard answer choices you know are not correct before selecting the best answer.
- Since there is no penalty for guessing the answer to a question you don’t know, take an educated guess and select the best answer of the choices given.
- You will do your best work on the exam if you stay focused and calm. If you start to feel anxious, take a moment to relax before resuming work on the test.
- Work at a pace that is comfortable for you, and don’t be distracted by other test takers or those finishing before you.
- If you have time left after you have finished the test, you may wish to go back and make sure that you have answered all of the questions. Although you should be on the lookout for carelessness, it is best not to change answers unless you feel you misunderstood the question or accidently marked the wrong answer. Research shows that second guessing your first response and then changing the answer to a question is not in your best interest.
References:
Fisher, M.R., Herrmann, S., Kopp, C. Answering Multiple-
Choice Questions in High-Stakes Medical Examination. Medical
Education: Sep 2005, 39.9, pp. 890-94.
Flippo, R.F., Preparing Students for Testing and Doing Better in School. Corwin Press, CA., 2008, pp. 10-11.
Zbornik, J. Strategies, Structure Can Improve Test Scores. What
Works in Teaching & Learning: Apr 2006, 36.4, p. 9.
Smith, L. The Effects of Confidence and Perception of Test-
Taking Skills on Performance. North American Journal of
Psychology: 2002, 4.1, pp. 37-51.
Stricker, L., Wilder, G.Z. Why Don’t Test Takers Prepare for
the Pre-Professional Skills Tests? Educational Assessment: Aug
2002, 8.3, pp. 259-77.
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