Reader S. writes:

I’m taking an introductory course in speech language pathology (SLP).  My professor gave us a mid-term consisting of 50 multiple choice questions and I only got 35 right. I was very disappointed and now I’m dreading the final…I don’t think my grade reflects my knowledge…I spent soo much time studying for the exam and I was certain that I knew the material.

Can you offer any sample multiple choice questions on communication disorders or suggest a study guide on communication disorders with multiple choice questions and answers so I can practise? I tend to do bad in multiple choice exams and I really need to practise.

First of all, yes – you do need to practice. See below for resources. But most importantly, if you’re certain you knew the material, than the problem isn’t really a lack of knowledge in SLP. It’s lack of specific skills for multiple choice tests. You even mentioned it yourself: “I tend to do bad in multiple choice exams.”

That indicates a problem not with the specific course, but with the MCQ test format. Use the resources below, sure, but be sure to focus specifically on the sample multiple choice questions. Before that, though, do yourself a favor and grab a copy of Mastering Multiple Choice. It’s available in print or e-book. The e-book version is guaranteed by yours truly.

Books With Sample SLP Tests or Practice Multiple Choice Questions:

Here area few speech language books focused on the Praxis examination. Check them out, and the “Customers who ordered this” section for some other possibilities:

• SLP/Praxis Study Guides

Other Resources:

• NespaExam.com has a few free resources (as well as paid material). They also offer a series of podcasts.
• How about an iphone/ipod touch app?
• Some sample questions (PDF)
• A free study guide with lots of book references

Good luck!

The Body Worker has links to a whopping pile of sample multiple choice questions for the Massage Therapy National Certification (NCE).

1. The sequences and directions of Swedish massage strokes are most adapted to which anatomical or physiological situation?

a) Muscle attachments

b) Subcutaneous adipose tissue

c) Autonomic nervous system

D) Lymph drainage and venous return

Follow the links on the page for sample test questions and free online massage tests, and a pile of print books with sample questions in them as well – all told, there are enough questions here to keep you busy for a long time.

Passing the National Certification Exam in Massage