Test Format

Our tests for this year will follow a standard format. Depending on which class you are in, there will be also be a different standard format.

In Class Test

Periods 2, 4, and 9 will take an in class test at the end of every chapter. We will be working on Chapters 1 – 12 this year, which means you will take 12 tests. You’ll take approximately three every semester.

The standard format of the test is as follows:

• 12 Multiple Choice Questions. This is worth about half of your test grade. It tests your basic comprehension of the reading and assignments that we’ve done. Study your homework assignments and notes.
• 4 Short Answer Questions. These questions require a written response – one to two sentences will suffice. They usually test a more in depth understanding of an idea, while the multiple choice questions are more knowledge oriented or surface level. These are worth about 25% of your grade. Leaving them blank is a sure way to do poorly on the test.
• 1 Essay Question. You will have to write a 5 paragraph essay for each test. Leaving the essay blank is not an option. You can always have more time to complete your essay. However, if you do not complete a satisfactory essay, you will not receive a grade for the test. It will remain a zero until you finish the essay.

A final note about the test. You will never be allowed to use the book for a test. You will also never be allowed to use your notes for the multiple choice or short answer. Don’t ask.

However, you can always use your notes for the essay. You are encouraged to create an outline for the essay before each test. In the future, this may be made a mandatory requirement. However, we will talk about that before it happens.

Take Home Test

If you are in Period 5, you will instead complete a take home test. For the first chapter, you’ll take the in class test described above. After that, you will start taking the take home tests…

The take home tests consists of:

• 3 Short Answer questions. Your answers to these questions should be two to three paragraphs in length. Be sure to completely answer each question. Each question is worth 20 points. In total, this makes up 60% of your test grade.
• 1 Essay question. You will write a well organized essay that responds to the prompt. This is worth up to 40 points.

Skipping questions is not acceptable. If you don’t attempt a short answer question, you will have to revise the test before I grade it. Also, if your essay is not satisfactory, you will have to revise the essay before you receive a grade.

You will always have the opportunity to revise your work and improve it. The flip side to this is that I will not accept sub-par work. Eventually, you’re going to have to do it well – so you might as well put in the time and do it right the first time.