Multiple choice tests are a common assessment tool used in schools, universities, and professional exams because they efficiently evaluate a broad range of knowledge.
These tests typically consist of a question, or “stem,” followed by several possible answers, including one correct option and several distractors.
Their widespread use stems from their ability to test students on a variety of topics within a limited time, making them a critical component of many academic and professional evaluations.
However, multiple-choice questions can be tricky — they often test not only your knowledge but also your ability to think critically under pressure.
Effective test strategies
1) Read the directions carefully
Understanding the instructions is the first crucial step in taking a multiple-choice test.
Make sure to know if each question has more than one correct answer, as this will affect how you approach each item.
Additionally, check whether there is a penalty for guessing. Some tests deduct points for incorrect answers, which means guessing could harm your score.
Also, pay attention to how much time you have to complete the test. Time constraints will dictate your pacing and strategy, so knowing the time allowed can help you manage your test more effectively.
In short, don’t overlook the directions — they’re your roadmap to navigating the test successfully.
2) Preview the test
Before diving into answering questions, it’s a smart move to preview the entire test.
Quickly skim through all the questions to get a sense of their difficulty and scope.
This initial read-through allows you to identify the easiest questions, which you should answer first to secure those points.
Mark questions you think you know, so you can easily return to them later.
This strategy not only boosts your confidence by getting some quick wins but also allows your brain to start working on the harder questions in the background.
After this preview, you’ll be in a better position to tackle the more challenging parts of the test with a clear mind and a strategic approach.
3) Tackle the harder questions
Once you’ve answered the easier questions, go back to the ones that seemed more difficult.
By this time, you may have picked up cues from earlier questions that can help you with the tougher ones.
Additionally, you might feel more comfortable and confident in the testing environment after working through the easier material, which can improve your performance on more complex questions.
If time allows, review both the questions and your answers.
This could help you catch any mistakes or misinterpretations from the first pass.
Pro tip: Even a quick review can be crucial in ensuring you’ve interpreted the questions correctly and chosen the best possible answers.
4) Improve Your odds by thinking critically
When you’re unsure of an answer, you can improve your odds by employing critical thinking strategies.
Start by covering the options and trying to answer the question on your own.
This prevents the distractors from misleading you.
Once you’ve thought of an answer, uncover the options and select the one that most closely matches your response.
Alternatively, read the stem with each option and treat each as a true-false question, choosing the “most true” statement.
These strategies help filter out incorrect options and guide you toward the best answer, even when you’re unsure.
Strategies for answering difficult questions
Here are key strategies you should rely on when you face difficult multiple-choice questions on a test:
- Eliminate clearly incorrect options: Narrow your choices by crossing out answers you know are wrong.
- Mark keywords: Identify specific words or alternatives that help you rule out options.
- Apply the true-false test: Evaluate each option as if it were a true-false statement to find the “most true” answer.
- Watch for grammatical mismatches: Dismiss options that don’t fit grammatically with the stem.
- Be cautious of unfamiliar options: If an option is completely unfamiliar, it’s likely incorrect.
- Handle absolute terms carefully: Replace absolute words like “always” with “frequently” to test the option’s validity.
- Consider “All of the above”: If two out of three options seem correct, “All of the above” might be the best choice.
- Tackle numerical answers strategically: Disregard extreme numbers and focus on middle-range values.
- Analyze look-alike options: Choose the best answer by eliminating choices that are nearly identical.
- Simplify double negatives: Convert them into positive statements to clarify the meaning.
- Use echo options wisely: If two options are opposites, one is likely correct.
- Favor options with qualifiers: These tend to be longer and more inclusive, often pointing to the correct answer.
- Compare close alternatives: If two answers seem correct, look for subtle differences and refer back to the stem to choose the best one.
Now, let’s break down some of the most important ones from these strategies:
6. Eliminate incorrect options first
When facing a difficult question, start by eliminating any options you know are incorrect.
This simple step increases your chances of selecting the correct answer from the remaining choices.
If the test allows, mark specific words or phrases in the question that disqualify certain options. By narrowing down your choices, you can focus your attention on the most plausible answers, making it easier to make an informed decision.
Another trick is to treat each remaining option as a true-false statement. This method can often clarify which answer aligns best with the question, helping you to zero in on the correct choice.
7. Be wary of grammar, familiarity, and absolutes
Some options might not fit grammatically with the stem of the question — these are likely incorrect.
Similarly, options that seem completely unfamiliar to you or contain absolute words like “always” or “never” should be approached with caution.
Absolute statements are often incorrect because they leave no room for exceptions. Try substituting a less rigid word, like “frequently” for “always,” to see if the option still holds up. If it doesn’t, you can likely rule it out.
For questions with the “All of the above” option, if you know that two out of three choices are correct, then “All of the above” is probably the right answer.
8. Handle look-alike options and double negatives
When two or more options look very similar, it’s likely that one is correct.
Compare these options closely to spot subtle differences, and eliminate any choices that are nearly identical, as they might cancel each other out.
For numerical answers, eliminate the highest and lowest options, and consider the middle range.
Double negatives can be tricky, so convert them into positive statements to simplify the question. If two options are exact opposites, one is likely correct.
Finally, favor answers with qualifiers, as these longer, more detailed options are often designed to be correct. When in doubt between two seemingly correct answers, compare them against the stem to identify the best choice.
Guessing: When and how
Guessing can be a useful strategy, but it’s important to do it wisely.
If there is no penalty for guessing, always make an educated guess when you’re unsure of an answer.
Eliminate as many incorrect options as possible to improve your odds.
However, if the test penalizes wrong answers, you should only guess when you can confidently eliminate at least one or two options.
Use hints from questions you know to help answer those you don’t, and change your first answers only if you’re sure another option is correct or if other cues from the test suggest a change.
To sum up, when it comes to guessing, follow these instructions:
- 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.
Final thoughts
Multiple choice tests require more than just knowledge — they require strategy. By following these guidelines, you can increase your odds of selecting the correct answers and improve your overall test performance.
Remember, the goal isn’t just to find a correct answer, but to find the best answer based on the context of the question.
Stay calm, think critically, and trust in your preparation. With these strategies in hand, you’ll be better equipped to tackle multiple-choice exams with confidence.