Suggestions for Taking Physics Tests

Taking the following suggestions will result in your doing better in this course. Moreover, a benefit you can get beyond credit, a better grade, and some knowledge of physics is a methodical, organized approach, which can be applied to any and all subject matter (story of my ability to write and organize that got me a few best-book awards).

• Keep the unknown on the left side of the equation.

• Leave 1-inch margins on all four edges of the page.

• Draw large diagrams.

• Space work—don’t squeeze work into a small space.

• Write formula, then substitute.

• Box answers after your work-not somewhere else.

• Don't do calculations in your head—write everything out.

• Expect the test to reflect what the teacher making up the test emphasized in class.

• Don’t write down intermediate results and then re-key them into your calculator.

• Answers must have units.

• Do problems using methods shown in class—I’m looking more for your approach than for your numerical answers.

• Don’t limit your ability in this course and beyond by disregarding the above admonitions!