Breaking down the questions part 2: Recall questions
Recall questions test route knowledge on a subject. Despite how much you study and prepare, there still may be some recall questions that you do not fully know on test day. That is okay. Here are some strategies to address recall questions well, even if the correct answer is not instantly apparent to you. We have developed 5 easy steps to addressing recall questions, whether you know the correct answer, write off the bat or not.
Follow these steps to address a recall question:
Read the question and only the question first.
Remind yourself what you know about the content area that is being tested
Make an initial guess if you can. If that answer is a part of the test answers provided there is a good chance you are correct.
Look at the answers individually- Ask yourself what you know about each question option as well as the context that you may have seen or heard the caption used in or associated with.
Eliminate choices that are not associated with the question content being asked. Think critically about the answers that are left based on what you know.
Read the question and only the question first: Take your time to read through it thoroughly and understand exactly what it's asking. Look out for keywords or phrases that give you hints about what information you need to recall. Once you've got a good grasp of what the question is after, you'll be in a better position to pick out the right answer.
Remind yourself what you know: Take a moment to jog your memory about the content area being tested. Think about what you’ve learned or experienced related to that topic. Reminding yourself of what you know can help trigger the recall of relevant information and guide your decision-making process.
Make an initial guess: Don’t be afraid to take a shot in the dark if you have a gut feeling about the answer. Sometimes, your initial guess can be surprisingly accurate, especially if it aligns with the options provided in the test. Trusting your intuition can lead you in the right direction and increase your chances of selecting the correct answer.
Look at each answer individually: Now it’s time to scrutinize each answer option individually. Ask yourself what you know about each option and whether it makes sense in the context of the question. Consider any associations or contexts you’ve encountered that relate to the terms or concepts mentioned in the options. By evaluating each option independently, you can identify the most plausible answer based on your knowledge and understanding.
Eliminate choices that are not associated with the question content being asked: Now it's time to put on your critical thinking cap. Take a close look at each answer option and ask yourself if it really fits with what the question is asking. Does it align with the key terms you identified earlier? Does it make sense in the context of the question? By carefully evaluating each option, you can weed out the ones that don't quite hit the mark.
Mastering recall questions on the ASWB exam is not just about memorization—it's about strategic thinking and effective analysis. By employing the strategies outlined in this blog, you can approach recall questions with confidence and clarity. Remember to carefully analyze the question, identify key terms, and leverage your existing knowledge of the content area. Don't hesitate to make an educated guess if you're unsure, and always evaluate each answer option individually. With practice and persistence, you can sharpen your recall skills and increase your chances of success on the ASWB exam. So, next time you encounter a recall question, take a deep breath, trust your instincts, and tackle it with the strategies you've learned here. Good luck!
