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STRATEGIES FOR Multiple Choice Tests


Reading the Test:

    • Read the directions carefully.  Pay attention to words like “which answer is NOT correct” and so on.

    • Know if each question has one or more correct option

    • FIRST READ: Preview the test—answer questions you are sure about first.

    • SECOND READ:  Read through the test a second time and answer more difficult questions

    • REMEMBER:  You may pick up cues for answers from the first reading, or become more comfortable in the testing situation

Your test:

Most questions are critical thinking questions that require you know basic reading strategies:  Title, Expostion/Rising Action, Character Conflict, etc.


Some questions may be “best answer.”  Treat each option as a true-false question, and choose the "most true"

SEVEN Strategies for answering difficult questions:

  1. Eliminate options you know to be incorrect. 
  2. Eliminate options that are completely unfamiliar. 
  3. Give each option of a question the "true-false test"
  4. Question options that contain negative or absolute words.
    Try substituting a qualified term for the absolute one.
    For example,  frequently for always; or typical for every to see if you can eliminate an option
  5. "All of the above:"
    If you know two of three options seem correct, "all of the above" is a strong possibility
  6. "Look alike options": probably one is correct; choose the best but eliminate choices that mean basically the same thing, and thus cancel each other out
  7. If two alternatives seem correct,
    compare them for differences,
    then refer to the stem to find your best answer

Guessing:

    • Always guess when there is no penalty
      for guessing or you can eliminate options
    • Don't guess if you are penalized for guessing
      and if you have no basis for your choice
    • Use hints from questions you know
      to answer questions you do not.
    • Change your first answers
      when you are sure of the correction, or other cues in the test cue you to change.

Remember that you are often looking for the best answer,
not only a correct one, and not one which must be true all of the time.