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Preface
Introduction
1. The Big Picture
2. Techniques of Studying
3. Examinations
4. Thinking Process
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1. The Big Picture
2. Techniques of Studying
3. Examinations
4. Thinking Process
Resources
Exam Help ArticlesAdd URL
Contact us
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3. Examinations
A station stop not a destination | Just before taking exams | Your mental radar | Making use of your radar | The conditioned reflex | Memory training | Serendipity | Essay exams | Objective exams | Federal civil service examinations | Getting information about other exams | Interviews and oral examinations | After the examination
Federal Civil Service Examinations
The government has recognized the fine features of objective exams which were mentioned at the beginning of the previous section. Since many of those who obtain this book will be preparing for such exams, a section for them is given here. At the same time, all who take objective exams for any purpose will benefit by reading this section for its additional hints.
Examinations constructed for Civil Service examinees are of various types. Some measure aptitude, others measure a particular kind of skill, and still others measure a knowledge of a particular field. Personally preparing for exams of the latter type requires advice beyond the scope of this book. The writer once took an examination to be a field entomologist, a specialization calling for intimate knowledge of a small field of information. The questions dealt with details of insect life, methods of killing insect pests of various kinds, and much factual material only learned after reading several books, taking courses in entomology, and having actual field experience. The same is true of other specialist exams.
Stenographers and typists are tested on dictation, word meanings (vocabulary), reading ability, spelling, grammar, transcriptions, filing, simple arithmetic, and speed and accuracy in a timed test of typing ability. Clerks and carriers are tested on their accuracy of identifying addresses when slightly different from others, on following instructions given for sorting letters to be routed through certain stations for specific destinations, on adjusting to changes in these sorting schedules, on the spelling of city names, on word-meanings, relationships [such as, "speedometer is related to pointer, as watch is related to ... (hands")] simple addition, simple proportions (involving, for example, how long it would take to distribute 17,500 letters if it took two men two hours to distribute 7,000), and reading ability (to get the sense out of a few lines of printed material, and to answer questions about it). The answers to questions are to be marked on a prepared answer sheet (Fig. 8).
Make only ONE mark for each answer. Additional and stray marks may be
counted as mistakes. In making corrections, erase errors COMPLETELY.
Fig. 8. A portion of an answer sheet for a Civil Service objective examination. The pencil referred to is a soft, graphite pencil which conducts electric current in mechanical grading. Each paper is also inspected front and back for stray marks. Sample provided by U. S. Civil Service Commission.
What are some things to keep in mind for this type of examination?
A. Reading directions and listening to comments about the directions,
when given verbally, are vital to answering correctly.
ADDITIONAL SAMPLE QUESTIONS FOR STENOGRAPHERS AND TYPISTS
The samples are like those that have been added to the above examinations. Answer the questions and compare answers with those given at the bottom of the sheet.
A sentence with a blank is shown below. From the words given, select the one best suited to complete the sentence. 6. The man spoke __________. Compute answer and compare it with sug-gested answers. If your answer does not agree with any of these blacken space E. 7. Add: Answers |
Below is a name in a box, followed by names in alphabetic order. Spaces between names are lettered A, B, C, etc. Decide in which space the boxed name fits; blacken the Sample Answer Sheet accordingly.
Kessler, Neilson
A)→ Answers to sample questions: 6-E; 7-C; |
Fig. 9. A portion of a sample Civil Service exam provided for examinees on some, but not all, categories. Sample provided
by U. S. Civil Service Commission.
C. The government does not authorize anyone to operate a school expressly for learning about its Civil Service examinations. There are no federal agencies or agents allowed to accept fees or commissions for securing application forms for you. Applications are obtainable free through the local Post Office authorities. It is unnecessary to take a "course" before taking an exam. Everything you need to know can be self-learned from existing books or from personal experience. No school has "inside information" about federal Civil Service exams. The examinations themselves are kept secret by people who are sin cerely interested in maintaining high standards in the profession of which they are a part.
D. When reporting for an examination, pay very close attention every
minute of the time you are present. Listen very closely to directions. Ask questions if at all in doubt. Be absolutely clear about what is expected of you. Step up the keenness of your mind.
Civil Service examinations are timed. If the time limit is quite short and the test directions indicate that you will not be able to finish the test, work as fast as you can. Do not stop to go back and correct your errors. Do not attempt to glance around to see how others are doing. Work the way an expert distance-runner operates — on your own, knowing your own ability, stepped up to the highest peak of performance.
F. Re-read the entire section on "Objective Exams" given previously, just before going to the exam (pages 61 to 64).
G. Do not be panicked by observing someone who seems to move along faster than you do. If someone leaves early, he may have given up. The exams are constructed to last longer than the time available, as a rule.
