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 Note the base map page of this syllabus; a similar North America map (without the labels) will appear on all exams. I recommend that you annotate photocopies of such a map as part of your note-taking. You will need to know the location of all fifty states and Canada's provinces. Furthermore, you should note, and take the time to learn before exams, all world places that I mention in lecture or lab.    [BACK]

Some tips to avoid seven common test-taking mistakes (a mistake is an error that shouldn't have happened):

1) READ EVERY ANSWER OPTION before selecting one. Sometimes a choice later in the list is better than the one you've tentatively selected. Your task is to select the best answer.

2) PAY ATTENTION TO EMPHASIZED TERMS (italic, CAPITALIZED, and/or boldface). I emphasize to draw your attention to key details. If a key term throws you, check related questions for clues.

3) CORRECTLY BUBBLE IN YOUR CHOICE on your scan sheet. Do not assume that the last scan sheet circle corresponds with the last answer option letter; Mr. Machine scores you wrong if you bubble "E" for the last of only four answer options. 

4) AVOID CHANGING ANSWERS. Your first guess is usually your best. Trust your "hunches", because your subconscious often holds answers that you can't recall directly. The guiding rule is change no answer unless you can clearly justify it to yourself.

5) DO NOT ASSUME THAT THERE IS A PATTERN to the sequence of answers-there isn't one! Whether or not the same letter already was correct for several consecutive past questions has absolutely no bearing on the answer to the next question.

6) TREAT EVERY MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION FIRST AS THOUGH IT IS A FILL-IN-THE-BLANK; physically block the answer list from view to avoid tempation. Only after you've thought of an answer should you compare it with the choices offered.   [BACK]

7) IF THERE IS A "MULTIPLE-OPTION" ANSWER CHOICE (e.g, "A and B"), EVALUATE EACH ANSWER CHOICE AS THOUGH IT IS TRUE/FALSE.

CURVES: I curve each exam and lab quiz by my "70% Rule"; if over 70% of you miss a particular question, I return all but one point to those who missed it. Also, I weight your course score relative to that of the highest performer for this class over the past decade [yes, I have taught Geography 101 since 1984]. Study carefully for exams & quizzes; I will assign NO extra credit projects.

MAKE-UPS: You may make up exams and quizzes only if you provide me with a verified, legitimate reason for missing the announced date. Be forewarned: the make-up format will NOT be multiple choice, nor does the 70% curve apply to it. You must make up missed grades within one week of your return to classes.   [BACK]

N. C. Heywood maintains this page, last updated 27AUG07.