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Strategies of Multiple Choice Exams

Before the Test:

  1. Work at understanding the material, not just memorizing it (as in high school). The wording of the question may be different from the way you originally learned the material.
  2. To practice your test-taking, ask the professor for old tests and/or use questions in review books. Analyze the reasons for your mistakes.
  3. Try to predict test questions. Ask other students what they think will be tested.
  4. Studying for the exam is very serious, but think of the test itself as a game for which you must use good strategies to get maximum mileage out of your knowledge.

During the Test:

  1. Before reading the questions, jot down formulas and memory devices.
  2. Survey the test completely and read directions carefully.
  3. To build your confidence, start with the easiest questions.
  4. Underline or circle key words in both the question stem and the choices. (Writing on the test sheet will help your performance tremendously!)
  5. Paraphrase the stem by saying to yourself, "I see, I'm looking for...." You may want to anticipate the answer and then look for it.
  6. Always read all of the choices, even when the first or second choice looks correct.
  7. Think of multiple choice as a series of true/false statements.
  8. If the answer is not readily apparent, use the process of elimination. Cross off all choices which are clearly false and then re-read the choices which remain "open."
  9. Re-read stems containing negative words (not, except, etc.). To avoid careless errors with these confusing questions, mark each option with a T or F and remind yourself that you are looking for a false statement (usually you are looking for a true statement).
  10. Answer every question. Even if you have forgotten some of the material, you will probably be able to eliminate some choices, thereby increasing your odds of getting a correct answer.
  11. Read very slowly, running a pencil under the words as you read to avoid mistakes. Re-read the stem when necessary.
  12. Don't read into a question qualifications or interpretations not intended by the test maker.
  13. If two choices overlap or mean essentially the same thing, both are probably incorrect (unless there is a choice of all of the above or both B & C).
  14. Be alert for grammatical inconsistencies between the stem and the choices (read the stem with the choice to see if the two "fit together."
  15. Watch for absolutes such as all, none, always, never, only. Circle these words and realize that they usually indicate a false choice, unless you recall the professor emphasizing an absolute statement during a lecture (ie. all cells are ___).
  16. Look for key words in the stem which you can relate to key words in the choice.
  17. If there are "partner choices," usually the correct answer will be one of them. (Partner choices are opposites or have a difference of one or two words.)
  18. Don't worry about the following choices: all of the above, none of the above, both B & C. Use the process of elimination and simply look at what you've crossed off in the previous choices. Sometimes these final options are correct (especially "all of the above"), but sometimes they are "filler."
  19. Professors want you to read the test questions carefully, but they are very rarely trying to trick you. Students who believe in test trickery almost always lose points because they over analyze.
  20. Be on the lookout for questions which may answer other questions.
  21. Don't try to be the first to leave. Use all of the available time to look for careless errors. Double check the Scantron.
  22. Change an answer only when you have a concrete reason. Never change an answer because of a feeling. This feeling is often simply nervousness!

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