I’m sure that your math teacher does not randomly choose test questions. Most tests are a review of the chapter/chapters you have just completed. I think rather than pointing your finger at the teacher, you should take a long hard look at your study habits. If you know that each question is going to be worth 8 points, you should be reviewing your quizzes and homework to prepare for the test. As well as making up some problems of your own relating to the chapter you are covering. Do all of your homework without looking at the back of the book. All too often kids tend to look at the back of the book, and think that they know how to figure math problems correctly. When in reality, students have the answers first, so they make their figures reflect the answers in the back of the book, without going the true process of arriving at the correct answer. It all boils down to you, and only you are responsible for your grades, not your teacher.

You can do one of two things: 1. Get enough students together and complain to the administration that the tests do not accurately reflect the knowledge you have of the subject. 2. Study smarter. Math is all about the details. Make sure you can do every type of problem on the test without refering to notes or the back of the book. Then summarize the steps you took to solve it so that you can reproduce those steps for the test. Once you’ve mastered the techniques behind solving certain problems it will be a breeze to answer any test question.

Face it: tests are NEVER fair. I’ve taken hundreds of exams through college, and in the post-test analysis, which often takes place just outside the exam room, NOBODY ever proclaimed, “wow, that was the fairest test I ever took! What a smart instructor!” Often, it was just the opposite, with many colorful words thrown in.

The answer above is spot-on: learn how to take tests.

Suggestion: ask another question so you can get pointers to resources and test-taking techniques.