How to predict which elements will have a certain oxidation state?

[LogicX]

Homework Statement

I have a test coming up and some of the practice questions were things like "Name 6 elements with a maximum oxidation state of +7" or some other number like +8, +6, etc. How do I go about doing this?

The Attempt at a Solution

There is the obvious trick of counting valence electrons, but past that how do I figure stuff like this out? How do i know which noble gases have what oxidation states?

I already have to memorize the periodic table for this test, I'd hate to have to memorize all the random oxidation states of elements too.

 

[Borek]

If you know PT, valence electrons depend on the position of the element.