Openbook Test Preparation Tips

• A lot students think that just because a test is open book that they don't need to prepare as much as they would for a closed book test. This couldn't be further from the truth. Believe it or not, open book exams are typically more difficult than closed book exams. You should spend as much time, if not more time, preparing for open book tests as you would for closed book tests.
  
  
• A big mistake that students make is to assume that since a test is open book they don't need to become really familiar with test material and topics before the test. They think that they'll just look up the answer in their book if they can't produce it from memory. Most open book tests are longer and more involved than closed book tests and consequently time is of the essence. If you have to look up the answer to each question in your book you'll never get done with your test in the time alloted. Make sure you are intimately familiar with the book, relevant materials as well as the subject mater before you take an open book test.
  
  
• As with a math test, it is highly recommendable that you write down all important dates, formulas and key information on a separate sheet of paper or in the margin of your test so that you don't have to search through your book for these items. Again, if you rely 100% on your book to figure out and answer each test question there is a very high likelihood that you won't have time to finish the test.
  
  
• When preparing for an open book test focus on familiarizing yourself with the main ideas and concepts covered in your class AND make sure you know where each is located in your book. At first, don't get too caught up in learning all the details -- you can do this later.
  
  
• If you're allowed to write in your book then make sure to (1) mark the pages in your book where major concepts and ideas are addressed, (2) highly important points in each major section so that you can find them again easily during your test, (3) make notes in your book that will help you to recall information and concepts during your test and (4) use post-it notes to help book mark important pages and information.
  
  
• A very useful strategy for taking open book tests is to answer all the questions you know the answer to first. Once you've answer all the questions you know the answer too go back and start answering the questions that require you to look in your book. This will ensure that you're able to complete as many questions as possible before the test is over.
  
  
• It is a common tendency for students taking an open book test to take information directly from the book and put it on the test. Remember, your teacher or instructor wants to see what you've learned and test your understanding of the subject matter covered during the course. You can use quotations and information from the book to support your views but make sure that your answers include your own personal insight, analysis and commentary.