Exam Cheatsheets

Read Questions First

Scan all questions before reading the text. This tells you exactly what information to look for, saving time and improving accuracy.

Match Keywords

Identify key words in questions and find their synonyms or exact matches in the text. This is where most answers are located.

Example: Question asks for the reason? Scan for weil, deshalb, aus diesem Grund, or a paraphrased cause.

Allocate Time Wisely

Spend equal time per question. If stuck after 1-2 minutes, mark it and move on. Return with fresh eyes if time allows.

Skim Before Deep Read

First pass: read the introduction, topic sentences, and conclusion. Second pass: read carefully for specific details needed for questions.

Watch for Signal Words

Words like 'however', 'therefore', 'although' indicate relationships between ideas. These often appear in inference questions.

Example: German signals: jedoch/trotzdem = contrast, deshalb/daher = result, obwohl = concession.

Eliminate Wrong Answers

Cross out obviously incorrect options first. This increases your odds even if you're unsure between remaining choices.

Check Text Order

Questions usually follow the order of the text. If question 3 is about paragraph 2, question 4 likely refers to later paragraphs.

Beware of Traps

Examiners use words from the text in wrong answers. Always verify the answer matches the question's intent, not just keywords.

Example: If the text says früher but the answer says heute, the shared nouns are a trap, not proof.

Manage Vocabulary Unknowns

Don't stop for unknown words. Use context clues or skip and return if the word is critical to answering a question.

Review Your Answers

If time permits, re-read questions and verify your answers make sense in context. First instincts are often correct, but double-check obvious errors.