Open-Book and Open-Notes Tests

Although you may like the idea of being able to refer to your book or notes during an exam, open-book and open-note tests are usually harder than other tests, not easier. You won’t really have time to read whole passages during an open-book exam. Study as completely as you would for any other test, and do not be fooled into thinking that you don’t need to know the material. The best way to prepare for an open-book test is to study as you would for any other test. But as you prepare, you can develop a list of topics and the page numbers where they are covered in your text or in your lecture notes. Type a three-column grid (or use an Excel spreadsheet) with your list of topics in alphabetical order in the first column and corresponding pages from your textbook and lecture notebook in the second and third columns so that you can refer to them quickly when necessary.

During the test, keep an eye on the time. Don’t waste time looking up information in your text or notes if you are sure of your answers. Instead, wait until you have finished the test, and then, if you have extra time, go back and look up answers and make any necessary changes.