READ THIS FIRST: These questions appeared on GEOL-1030 exams in the recent past. They should give you some idea of the types of questions used, typical wording of questions, and a few of the topics that often appear on exams. Note, however, that the number of sample questions may not be the same as on your exam. Exams 1, 2, and 3 usually have only 30 questions, while Exam 4 has 40 questions.

No answer keys are available! Instead I suggest that you take the appropriate sample exam several days before your lecture exam is to be administered. Then skim the lecture guide or textbook material and determine the correct answers. If you do well, you should probably have no trouble with your upcoming exam. But, of course, this is no guarantee. If you don't do well, you should spend more time studying, rather than just focusing on memorizing the answers to these sample questions.

Some sample questions may, in fact, be on the exam. Nonetheless, further studying would probably be more productive than simply memorizing the answers to these questions. Under no circumstances would I use this as a study guide -- that is, I wouldn't study only these questions assuming that if you know them, you will do well on the exam.

Sample exams 1, 2, and 3 include questions over material that we will not cover in lecture. That is because they cover independent study material (outside readings) available only on the Internet. Your exams will also include these materials.

Should you have trouble finding the answers, schedule an appointment with me to discuss the questions during my office hours. I don't mind answering a question or two during class either, but I don't intend to devote much lecture time to this activity.

NOTICE: These sample exam questions and answers are provided without any guarantees.

(a) Should there be errors on any sample exam, it is the responsiblity of students in the class to bring them to my attention. Misleading questions on the sample exam have no bearing on lecture exam questions and I will not accept responsibility for any conflict or confusion arising out of the use of sample exams for study purposes.

(b) If you believe there is a conflict between a sample exam question and the textbook, the lecture guide, or my lectures, let me know as soon as possible. After the test is over it is too late -- I will not make corrections to exam scores as a result of misinformation presented on a sample exam. Use these questions at your own risk.

(c) I make no guarantees as to the availability of these web pages during the days before the exam. The fact they may be unavailable does not create any responsibility on my part to take action. However, feel free to alert me to the problem via e-mail or in class.

    Exam 1 sample

    Exam 2 sample

    Exam 3 sample

    Exam 4 sample

If you find any problems with this page or the sample exam, please e-mail me: