DOW CORNING CHEMICAL PROCESS OPERATOR TEST PREPARATION PACKET INTRODUCTION TO THE TESTING PROGRAM This packet contains information about the testing program used at Dow Corning for hiring Chemical Process Operators. Because of the large number of applications received, it is not possible for Dow Corning to interview everyone who is interested in a position. Tests are therefore used to narrow down the number of applicants to be interviewed. These tests are intended to help identify those applicants who will be the most likely to be successful during training and ultimately be able to perform the necessary job duties. This packet provides materials to assist applicants in preparing for the selection tests. Included are a description of the testing program, test-taking tips and strategies, and a list of resources to use in order to increase knowledge in the subject areas covered by the tests. In addition, three practice tests that are similar to the actual tests are included to help potential applicants prepare for the test. HOW TO USE THIS PACKET Read the sections that discuss the three tests and the description of the questions on each test. Review the test taking tips and strategies in the next section. Following these tips will help ensure that you give your best performance on the day of the testing. Take the practice tests. These practice test are designed to acquaint you with the types of questions found on the actual tests and to provide feedback about how well prepared you are for the testing. You can then decide if you need further preparation and in which areas. Consult the developmental plan in the last section of this packet to determine how you can improve in areas where you may not have performed as well as you would like. Included in this development plan are books that can be purchased and websites that provide useful information about each of the tests. A more intensive way to increase scores is to take a community college class; information on relevant classes are also provided in the development section. DESCRIPTION OF TESTS The testing program used for hiring for the Chemical Process Operators is based on a comprehensive analysis of the requirements needed for the positions. Three of the key knowledge areas that have been identified as important at the time of hire are reading comprehension, numerical ability, and mechanical ability. Based on the results of this job analysis, the testing program includes a verbal ability test, a mathematical skills test, and a mechanical reasoning test. Only those applicants whose scores pass the minimum requirements are considered further for a position. Re-testing at a later date is possible if your scores do not meet the minimums in one or more areas. Verbal Ability Test Description It is important that applicants are able to understand written sentences, comprehend paragraphs in work-related documents, and communicate information to others. The verbal ability test is designed to evaluate one’s reading comprehension and aspects of general mental ability, which were identified by the job analysis of chemical process operators. This test has been found to predict of job performance for chemical process operators in other companies. The verbal ability test is comprised of five different types of items: 2 Type of problem 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Percentage of Test Understanding of visual information Word definitions Reading comprehension Sentence completion Basic grammar 15% 20% 20% 20% 25% Mathematical Skills Test Description The mathematical skills test is designed to evaluate one’s understanding of basic math and geometry. This mathematical skills test is designed to assess numerical ability, problem solving, and aspects of general mental ability. This mathematical skills test has been found to be predictive of job performance for chemical process operators in other companies. The mathematical skills test is comprised of six different types of math items: Type of problem 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Understanding of graphs and charts Geometry Basic Algebra Fractions Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division Word Problems Percentage of Test 7% 7% 7% 19% 20% 40% Mechanical Reasoning Test Description The mechanical reasoning test uses figures and drawings to assess test takers’ understanding of basic mechanical principals, mechanical devices, and comprehension of everyday physics. This test evaluates an applicant’s knowledge of machines and tools. Individuals who score high on this test are more likely to be more efficient at operating machines that are relevant to the job of chemical process operator. The test is comprised of four different types of mechanical ability items: Type of problem 1. 2. 3. 4. Understanding of wheels and pulley systems Knowledge of gears and shafts Knowledge of structural support Motion or movement of objects Percentage of Test 25% 20% 25% 30% 3 TEST TAKING STRATEGIES AND TIPS Preparing for the Exam Understand the structure of the exam – Be aware of the type of exam you will be taking and the type of material that will be covered on this exam. The practice tests included in this packet should give you an idea the structure of the tests Dow Corning uses. Each test has a time limit. It is important that you refer to the test description section to gain an understanding of the test content. Balance your review time – After determining what material will be covered on the test, it is important to determine what you feel you already know and the material that must be reviewed. Prioritize the material based on how much or little you know of the subject matter and focus on the material you know the least. After taking the practice tests in this packet, determine what areas need review and refer to the development plan. Night and day – Get a good night sleep and have a relaxing evening with friends or family. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can impair sleep quality. The morning of the examination eat a sensible breakfast and drink plenty of fluids. In addition, limit sugar intake due to the instant rise and fall of blood sugar levels that may leave you feeling lethargic. Prepare for the unexpected – Depart early to prevent being late due to a traffic jam or a last minute run in with a co-worker. Arrive early to adjust to the room and the testing environment. Be confident – Do whatever it takes to feel confident going into the test. Review the practice test materials and information provided in this packet before leaving for the testing session. Begin to formulate possible questions on the exam and determine if you are prepared to answer those types of questions. This type of proper preparation will ease any test anxiety you might have. Minimize discomfort – Visit the room where the test will be located. Examine the environment in which you will be in for any potential distractions, temperature changes, or outside disturbances to your testing conditions. Being prepared for any distractions will give you an advantage when the time comes to take the test. Taking the Exam Leave everything else behind – Walk into the test prepared to leave behind all outside issues. Practice letting go of anger, frustration, or stressful work conditions because those situations are not worth losing points over. Take a deep breath and give the test your full concentration. Realize the test does count – Accepting the fact that tests are made to classify individuals and the scores you obtain reflect differences between you and your co-workers will help you realize that this test really does matter. Put forth your best effort and you will be rewarded. Bring a watch – By having your own watch, you will not have the potential to get distracted by something in the line of sight between you and the clock. This will also help you keep your own pace and make sure that you are completing the testing materials in the allotted time. Read all questions and directions – The largest difference between those who test well and those who do not is how well they read the instructions and the questions. The people who read carefully know what to look for and therefore score higher on the exams. Read all questions and directions of the exam as slowly and carefully as necessary. If anything is unclear ask the test administer to clarify before making any response choices. Look over the entire exam before marking answers. On multiple-choice tests – Work quickly and if all else fails guess. Do not spend too much time on one question. Save the difficult questions for last. On difficult questions, try to eliminate impossible answers and look for clue words or numbers. For further information on test taking strategies and preparation, refer to the following books: 1. 2. Hamilton, D. Passing Exams. Cassell. Available at amazon.com for $16.50. Kesselman-Turkel, J. & Peterson, F. Test Taking Strategies. Contemporary Books. Available at amazon.com for $4.00. 3. Gilbert, S. D. How to do your best on tests. Beech Tree Books. Available at amazon.com for $4.99. 4 Verbal Ability Practice Test Directions: The purpose of this practice test is to familiarize you with the content and structure of the actual test. It is self-administered test. This test contains 10 items that are similar to the actual test items. There are four choices for each question on the practice test. The options are either A, B, C, or D. The following is an example question. Please answer these questions before proceeding to the practice test. Example Question #1 Since Nathan wakes up late, he normally has to __________ to school every day. A. run B. ran Answer is A C. running D. runs Example Question #2 Ecstatic means: A. depressed B. thoughtful C. excited D. escalate Answer is C Directions: Please circle the correct answer for each test item. Choose the verb that correctly completes the sentence for question 1. 1) Cindy’s boss _____ aggravated when she arrived late for work last week. A. is B. were C. was D. has Choose the answer that most nearly has the same meaning as the underlined word in question 2. 2) Modest means: A. virtuous B. excessive C. reserved D. loud Choose the answer that most nearly has the same meaning as the underlined word in question 3. 3) The onset of a mentally deteriorating illness can change an individual’s ability to function normally. A. inability B. forgetful C. failing D. strengthening 5 4) Which of the following is a complete sentence? A. Got off work early and came home. B. The man drove away. C. The office manager from the downtown branch. D. Went to the post office. For question 5, choose the answer that best joins the sentences into one clear sentence without changing their meaning. 5) Billy had the flu. He went to the doctor. The doctor wrote him a prescription A. B. C. D. Billy got a prescription, so he went to the doctor to see if he had the flu. Billy’s doctor wrote him a prescription; he had gone to the doctor because he has the flu. Billy went to the doctor when he had the flu and got a prescription. Billy’s doctor wrote him a prescription when he went there because he had the flu. Use the passage below to answer questions 6 and 7. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6) Wha t chan ge, if any, is need ed in All employees and visitors are required to wear identification badges, while in the facility. Your badge is issued on your first day of work. Wear it on the upper left quadrant of the body with the identification information facing outward; It must be visible at all times. This is you’re security pass. Keep it in a safe place when you are not wearing it. If it is lost or misplaced, report it immediately. lines 1 and 2? A. Change employees to employee’s. B. Remove the comma after badges. C. Change badges to bages. D. Make no change. 7) What change, if any, is needed in lines 4 and 5? A. Remove the comma after misplaced. B. Change you’re to your. C. Change are to were. D. Make no change. 6 Use the diagram below to answer question 8. Class Schedule for Spring 2003 Time Course Subject Weight Training Level Beginner Date June 10 – July 2 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Location Central Hall Weight Training Biking Biking Wall Climbing Wall Climbing Wall Climbing Intermediate Intermediate Advanced Beginner Intermediate Advanced June 10 – July 6 June 14 – July 9 June 14 – July 9 July 7 – August 1 July 7 – August 1 July 9 – August 11 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. Central Hall Diego Tower Diego Tower Fox Building Robinson Hall Fox Building 8) The Beginner Wall Climbing classes are held at: A. Central Hall B. Diego Tower C. Fox Building D. Robinson Hall Use the passage below to answer questions 9 and 10. The Pinnacle Group is looking forward to kicking off the following series of brainstorming sessions with you. These sessions are intended to initiate the process of defining and redefining their policies and procedures surrounding the human resources, benefits and payroll processes. The Pinnacle group will begin with a large group on October 14 to define the goals and objectives of their focus group sessions. On October 15, they will begin the focus group sessions and will continue through October 24. If the weather does not permit due to the expected hurricane, the focus group will begin the following day and end a day later than scheduled. Please come prepared with your goals and objectives. 9) What is the purpose of the upcoming brainstorming sessions? A. To create and change policies and procedures. B. To set objectives and goals of the focus group. C. To brainstorm ideas for the upcoming hurricane. D. To warn the managers of the hurricane. 10) What is this memorandum used for? A. To be used as a formal channel to communicate and upcoming brainstorming session. B. To let the managers know the dates of the brainstorming session. C. To explain the purpose of the upcoming brainstorming session. D. All of the above. 7 Mathematical Skills Practice Test Directions: The purpose of this practice test is to familiarize you with the content and structure of the actual test. It is self-administered test. This test contains 10 items that are similar to the actual test items. There are four choices for each question on the practice test. The options are either A, B, C, or D. The following is an example question. Please answer these questions before proceeding to the practice test. Example Question #1 Solve for x: 2x – 12 = 4 A. 5 B. 10 C. 8 D. 4 Answer is C Example Question #2 Use the diagram to answer the question. A 8 B 4 4 D What is the perimeter of rectangle ABCD? A. 20 B. 24 Answer is B C. 28 D. 32 8 C 8 Directions: Please circle the correct answer for each test item. 1) 184 + 43 = A. B. C. D. 127 226 227 228 2) 365 x 8 = A. B. C. D. 220 890 2880 2920 3) 108 9 = A. B. C. D. 12 13 11 15 4) Marcy traded her old car in and received $4,199 of credit. She then bought a new car for $11,000. How much did she end up paying for her new car? A. B. C. D. $7199 $6801 $7801 $6199 5) Alexandra uses 1/5 pound of cheese in each of her famous enchiladas. How many pounds of cheese is used to make 13 enchiladas? A. B. C. D. 3 2 1/2 2 1/5 2 3/5 6) Michael bought a shirt for $16.95, pants for $42.50, and a tie for $20.00. His total plus 7.5% sales tax is equal to what amount? A. B. C. D. $89.40 $85.40 $85.50 $89.00 7) 1/6 + 1/3 = A. B. C. D. 2/9 1/2 1 2/18 In question 8, please solve for x: 8) x2 – 25 = 11 A. 9 B. 4 C. 8 D. 6 Use the chart on the next page to answer question 9. 9) The CEO of the company stated that the Customer Relations department would receive a 20% increase in the next couple of years. About how much of an increase will this be for the Customer Relations department? A. $4 thousand B. $6 thousand C. $8 thousand D. $10 thousand 9 Distribution of Funds by Department 140 120 Thousands of Dollars 100 80 60 40 20 0 Accounting Management Research and Development Customer Relations Employee Services Department Use the figure below to answer question 10. 10) What is the area of the shaded triangle? A. B. C. D. 4 square inches 6 square inches 8 square inches 10 square inches 60 E A B C 80 X D AB = 12 inches AE = 5 inches ED = 15 inches 10 Practice Mechanical Skills Test Directions: The purpose of this practice test is to familiarize you with the content and structure of the actual test. It is self-administered test. This test contains 10 items that are similar to the actual test items. There are three choices on this practice test. The options are either A, B, or C. The following is an example question. Please answer these questions before proceeding to the practice test. Example Question #1 If the ball is being pushed in the direction shown by the dotted arrows, in which direction is the ball most likely to roll? A B Answer is B C Example Question #2 A Which forklift is less likely to have its rear wheels come off the ground? If equal, mark C. B Answer is A 11 Directions: Please circle the correct answer for each test item. 1. Which arrow indicates the position on the board that allows the diver to achieve the most height on his dive? Answer C if it does not matter. B A 2. In what direction will the metal be pulled if the rollers move in the direction depicted by the arrows? Answer C if it does not matter. A B 3. Which gear turns the same direction as the idle wheel? (If neither, mark C.) B A 12 4 Which box weighs more? (If equal,mark C.) Weight Weight A B B A A 5. When the left gear turns in the direction the arrow depicts, which way does the right gear turn? (If either, mark C.) 6. In what direction is this windmill more likely to turn? (If either, mark C.) B 7. Which wheel will turn faster (If equal, mark C.) A B 13 8. Which 100-pound block will be easier to raise? (If no difference, mark C.) B A 9. Which tank will take longer to empty? (If equal, mark C.) B A 10. Which way would the box drop if the wind were not blowing? (If either, mark C.) A B 14 Answers to the practice test Mechanical Skills 1. B 2. A 3. C 4. B 5. A 6. B 7. A 8. B 9. A 10. A Verbal Skills 1. C 2. C 3. C 4. B 5. C 6. B 7. B 8. C 9. A 10. D Mathematical Skills 1. C 2. D 3. A 4. B 5. D 6. B 7. B 8. D 9. C 10. B Scoring For each correct answer, give yourself one point. Add up all the points that you received and refer to the test score interpretation below. Practice test score interpretation TEST SCORE* INTERPRETATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS 0–6 RED LIGHT – STOP It is unlikely that a practice test score of 0 to 6 will lead to a passing score on the actual test. Additional preparation is strongly recommended. Please refer to the developmental section of this packet for suggestions. For example, enrolling in an Introductory English, a Introductory Math, or a Elementary Physics course at a local community college may help increase knowledge in this area. 7–8 9 – 10 YELLOW LIGHT - CAUTION Although you may pass the testing session with a score of 7 or 8 on this practice test, some additional preparation would increase your chances of passing. For example, reviewing books that cover specific topic areas for each test. Books for each of the tests are listed in the developmental section at the end of this packet. GREEN LIGHT - PROCEED A score of a 9 or 10 indicates that you are prepared for the testing session. It is recommended that you set up a testing date and review the test taking tips included in this packet before taking the test. *A passing score on any of the practice tests does not guarantee a passing score on the actual tests. 15 DEVELOPMENT PLAN This development plan contains three different types of resources that can be used to increase test score. For each of the three tests, an online source, a list of books, and community college courses are listed. If a quick review is all that is needed, the website or books are resources that can be used. However, if a more in depth review is necessary, local community college courses are listed. Verbal Ability Test Online sources An English study guide is available online which might help applicants gain an understanding of these topics. Particularly, the website that is developed by Merit Software offers free English guides. Refer to the website by visiting http://www.meritsoftware.com/software/index.html. This website will assist you on getting familiar with the types of questions that may be on the verbal test. Reading comprehension and vocabulary is covered by this website. Available references There are many books that cover verbal ability specific to the selection tests. The following are recommended books: 1. Covino, W. A., & Orton, P. Z. (1986). Cliffs Verbal Review for Standardized Tests (Cliffs Test Prep). John Wiley and Sons. Available at amazon.com for $7.95 or check your local bookstore. The book contains an overview of many topics and includes example and practice items. The following sections are the most useful to review: p.9-38 (English Usage and Sentence Correction); p.225-227 and p.254-271 (Sentence Completion); p.85 (Subject Fragments); p.101-108 (Punctuation); p.301-304 and p.317-323 (Reading Comprehension-Brief Passages). 2. Osborn, P. (1999). How Grammar Works: A Self-Teaching Guide. John Wiley and Sons. Available at amazon.com for $12.57 or check your local bookstore. This book is a general review of grammar rules. It is not focused on test taking, but instead on learning the basic rules of grammar. Community college courses Another possible way to prepare for the verbal test is to take a course at a local community college. For instance, MidMichigan Community College offers the English course “Basic English” that covers reading comprehension and grammar. The college offers both a traditional college course where individuals must attend class and an online version of the course. Please visit http://www.midmich.cc.mi.us/ for more information. Also, check Delta College for similar courses by visiting http://www.delta.edu. Mathematical Skills Test Online sources A mathematic study guide is available online which might help applicants gain an understanding of these topics. Particularly, the website that is developed by the Sparknotes company offers free math guides. Refer to the website by visiting http://www.sparknotes.com/math/.dir/. Another website that may help applicants is the site mentioned above, http://www.meritsoftware.com/software/index.html. The mathematics section will help applicants get familiar with the content of the test. Available references There are many books that cover the quantitative areas specific to the selection tests. The following are recommended books: 1. Slavin, S. (1999). All the Math You’ll Ever Need: A Self-Teaching Guide. Wiley Self-Teaching Guides. Available at amazon.com for $11.87 or check your local bookstore. This is a great book that covers almost all of the types of problems that can be found on the test. It contains easy to understand explanations and example problems. The following chapters provide a useful review. Chapters 2 and 3 (Multiplication), Chapter 4 (Division), Chapters 8 and 9 (Fractions), Chapter 10 (Percentages), Chapter 12 (Algebra), Chapter 15 (Geometry) and Chapter 22 (Percentage and Sales Tax Word Problems). 16 DOW CORNING 2. Bobrow, J. (1985). Cliffs Math Review for Standardized Tests. John Wiley and Sons. Available at amazon.com for $8.79 or check your local bookstore. This book has a detailed review of geometry topics. Some areas of the book that are helpful include: p.34-42 (Adding and Subtracting Fractions), p.56-60 (Percents), p.113-116 (Algebraic Equations), p.205-235 (Geometry), and p.262-266 and 277-281 (Word Problems). Community college courses Again, local community colleges offer many quantitative or math courses. For instance, Mid-Michigan Community College offers Math 101 course “Basic Mathematics” that covers arithmetic, order of operations, and fractions. The college offers both a traditional college course where individuals must attend class and an online version of the course. Please visit http://www.midmich.cc.mi.us/ for more information. Also, check Delta College for similar courses by visiting http://www.delta.edu. Mechanical Reasoning Test Online sources A physics study guide is available online which might help applicants gain an understanding of these topics. Particularly, the website that is developed by the Sparknotes company offers free physic guides. Refer to the website by visiting http://www.sparknotes.com/physics/.dir/ Available references There are many books that cover mechanical reasoning ability specific to the selection tests. The following are recommended books: 1. Kuhn, K. F. (1996). Basic Physics: A Self-Teaching Guide (Self-Teaching Guide). John Wiley and Sons. Available at amazon.com for $13.27 or check your local bookstore. This book covers multiple topics on physics. The most relevant chapters in this book are chapters 1, 2, and 3. These chapters focus on motion and movement of objects. 2. Huetinck, L., & Adams, S. (2001). Physics (Cliffs Notes Review). John Wiley and Sons. Available at amazon.com for $9.99 or check your local bookstore. The Cliff Notes Review has a great section on classical mechanics (Chapter 1). You should focus on this chapter. 3. Freeman, I. M. (1965). Physics Made Simple. Broadway Books. Available at amazon.com for $7.99 or check your local bookstore. Community college courses Another way to prepare for the mechanical reasoning test is to take a course at a local community college. For instance, Mid-Michigan Community College offers multiple physics courses that covers physic concepts (refer to the list below). The college offers both a traditional college course where individuals must attend class and an online version of the course. Please visit http://www.midmich.cc.mi.us/ for more information. Also, check Delta College for similar courses by visiting http://www.delta.edu. 1. Physics 105 (Mid Michigan Community College) 2. Physics 106 (Mid Michigan Community College) 17