These exams usually call for short answers or may contain multiple-choice questions. Because your answers to objective and short-answer exams must be concise and "factual," focus your study time on major concepts, significant historical developments, names of important individuals, as well as crucial dates, places, and events. To receive credit for your answers, you must be precise.

How to prepare:

• Be sure you know what course material will be covered on the exam.
• Make certain you know the format of the exam and the exact types of questions that will be asked. It is important to be prepared for the kind of questions that will appear on the exam.
• If your textbook or your instructor has provided sample questions, study them.
• Reread all relevant material, and go over your notes. See Reading a Textbook and Taking Notes in Class.
• Make a list of the most important people, events, and historical developments for the time period covered on the exam. Be sure that you can correctly identify them and explain (briefly) their significance.
• If a short-answer exam covers visual material, go over your notes on the slides or videos. If your notes are unclear, ask your instructor if you may view the material again.