PRACTICE EXERCISES FOR PROBLEM SOLVING TEST
This is provided to help you understand the rules for answering the Problem Solving Test by:
1. Telling you about important features of the test.
2. Giving you suggestions and strategies that can help when you answer it.
3. Giving you practice on questions similar to the actual test.
FEATURES OF PROBLEM SOLVING TEST
There are three types of questions which require critical thinking and analytical skills:
Number of Questions
Understanding data presented in tables or graphs 23
Understanding written paragraphs 16
Solving math problems 11
50 Total
You will have 65 minutes to answer the 50 questions. You are allowed to use a calculator, although one is not required. You should use a pencil so you can erase to change an answer.
Every question has five possible answers from which you must choose the most correct answer. You will not have to write any essays. You will simply mark ONE of the five answers which will be labeled A, B, C, D, E.
During the actual test, you will mark your answers on a special answer sheet separate from the questions.
If you mark more than one answer to a question, it will NOT be counted as correct.
If you change an answer, it is important to erase your first answer so it does not appear that you have marked more than one answer.
Each correct answer adds one point to your score. Points are NOT taken off if you mark an incorrect answer.
You should try to score as many points as you can.
Recent research has indicated that the following practices can lead to better scores on Problem Solving Tests, including some you should do, and some you should not do.
Things you should do to score well on a Problem Solving
– Determine clearly the nature of the question before looking at the answer choices.
– Work as fast as possible with reasonable assurance of accuracy: do not lose time on a question you do not understand.
– Eliminate answers from consideration that you know are incorrect and choose from among the remaining answers.
– Mark an answer to every question, even if you have to guess.
– Use time remaining after completion of the test to reconsider answers.
Things you should not do in answering a Problem Solving Test:
– Do not read slowly and carefully through the entire test before you start working.
– Do not spend time verifying questions you have already answered until you have answered every question.
– Do not spend time considering an answer that is not one of the five answer choices.
Here is an example question with the correct answer marked as it should be on the answer sheet:
1. A truck travels at the rate of 80 kilometers per hour. How much distance will it travel in 30 minutes?
A. 80 kilometers
B. 240 kilometers
C. 40 kilometers
D. 30 kilometers
E. None of the above EXAMPLE EXPLANATION
30 minutes is one half of an hour, so a truck going 80 kilometers per hour will travel 40 kilometers in half an hour.