ANSWERS
The following are answers to the various questions posed in:
AN IMPERFECT DIAMOND; One Teacher’s Guide to the Psychology of Test Taking
It is assumed that if you found your way to this location, you have read the book.
Accordingly, you will note that after viewing the instruction for each Self-Quiz, which was
taken from the book, the answers are identified by number only. Your task is to match the
answers to the questions as they are written within your copy of the guide.
Self-Quiz p.11 Victim
Instruction in the Book
Answer the following questions. They are designed to urge you to be honest in your self-
assessment. If you cannot, you will deceive only yourself, and likely underperform. Is
that what you want?
When a question asks you to respond with a short paragraph or analysis, use the IRAC
method (see pages 51-54).
1. If you answered “No,” you are already ahead in the game. If, however, you
answered “Yes,” you may need to do write a paragraph to indicate why you feel this
way. This question is subjective and therefore pushes you to be honest with yourself.
2. If you answered “Yes,” write a paragraph to indicate why you feel this way. This
question is also subjective and therefore pushes you to be honest with yourself.
Think about the circumstances in your life that cause you to feel this way. As
yourself whether you are really subjected to these hardships or whether there is
something else going on.
3. If you answered “Yes,” write a paragraph to indicate what the word “exploit”
means to you and why you feel this way.
4. “All of the above.” Now, write a short statement to yourself describing why each
answer offered as a possible solution is correct.
5. Were you honest or were you merely deluding yourself? If you were truthful in your
self-assessment, think about why and write it down on a piece of paper.
Self-Quiz p.21-22 Intelligent
Instruction in the Book
Complete every quiz in this guide as though you are going to submit it to your teacher to
demonstrate your grasp of the material in the facet discussion.
When a question asks you to respond with a short paragraph or analysis, or asks “WHY,”
use the IRAC method (see pages 51-54). Remember; every task begins by identifying the
Issue. Perfecting IRAC for paragraph responses will enhance your ability to write as
clearly as possible about ANY issue.
When you have completed each quiz, set your answers aside for one day and read them
again to see if your responses make sense.
1. Intelligence Quotient (I.Q)
2. It does not change. Our I.Q. remains the same throughout our lives.
3. False. Studying does not increase intelligence. Proper use of our inborn Intelligence
may, however, result in increased knowledge.
4. a. Diet
b. Mental well-being
c. Physical health
5. True. Sugar has been shown to act as a stimulant but rapidly dissipates after a
relatively short period of time.
6. True. Exercising at least three times a week may greatly reduce anxiety and allow
you to clear your mind of anxiety related thoughts and bad habits.
7. True: Clarity of thinking is extremely important. When your mind is at peace
(happy), you are likely to perform better. In contrast, when your thoughts are
impaired by such emotions as anger, frustration, fear, or unhappiness, it often
becomes more difficult to study.
8. This answer is up to you to do. Here, if you are not honest with your responses, you
are wasting your time and, accordingly, will likely not obtain a positive result. If,
however, you are completely honest, you may derive benefits beyond your
expectations.
After you feel certain you have listed everything, make a list of changes you can
make to improve your environment and your ability