It helps if you have studied. Be sure you answer the question. In preparing for a short-answer test, concentrate on vocabulary and key details. Often these items count for a small part of a larger test. Answer them quickly.
Absolute qualifiers like never and always often indicate a false answer.
It's important to know if the answers come out even, if there are more items in one column, or if there is more than one correct response. Mark the book for key ideas. Use post-it notes, paper clips, or other bookmarks to help quide you to key concepts and facts. Know where and how to access information quickly. Often, these tests can be tricky or require application of the material, so it's best not to be too nonchalant about an open-book test.