10 test-taking tricks for tough questions you can’t answer

Tough questions on a test can feel like roadblocks, but with the right strategies, you can navigate them effectively.

Whether you’re tackling standardized tests, midterms, or a final exam, these test-taking tricks will help you make educated guesses, save time, and maintain confidence.

Below, we’ll explore 10 methods, providing examples, tips, and actionable steps for each.

1. Eliminate obviously wrong answers

The first step in narrowing down tough multiple-choice questions is to eliminate answers you know are incorrect. This increases the odds of guessing correctly and lets you focus on plausible options.

How to spot wrong answers:

• Look for extreme language like “always,” “never,” or “completely,” which are often incorrect.
• Identify outliers—answers that don’t align with the topic or sound too vague.

Example:

A question asks: What is the primary cause of deforestation in the Amazon rainforest?

• Options:
  A. Commercial agriculture
  B. Space exploration
  C. Renewable energy development
  D. Logging

Clearly, B and C are outliers. By focusing on A and D, you improve your chances of picking the correct answer.

Pro tip: When unsure, compare the remaining options for nuances. For instance, A (“Commercial agriculture”) might be broader than D, hinting at its likelihood.

2. Use context clues within the test

Sometimes, answers to tough questions are hidden in other parts of the test. Reviewing related questions can provide subtle hints.

Steps to find context clues:

1. Skim the test for recurring themes: Similar terms, topics, or phrases often appear in different questions. These repetitions can provide hints about correct answers.
2. Check for definitions and examples: Definitions provided in earlier sections or diagrams can be directly referenced in later questions.
3. Match related concepts: Questions covering similar topics may align in their logic, helping you confirm or infer answers.

Example of using context clues

Imagine Question 5 asks: What is the definition of osmosis?
Later, Question 12 includes a diagram of water moving through a membrane labeled “osmosis.” This visual reinforces the definition, confirming the process involves water movement through a semi-permeable membrane.

Tips for success

• Underline recurring phrases: Highlighting terms like “osmosis,” “diffusion,” or “equilibrium” can help you spot patterns.
• Review diagrams or charts carefully: Visual aids often summarize concepts or directly provide answers.
• Flag related questions: Mark questions with overlapping topics and return to them if new insights arise.

3. Trust your gut instinct

Your first instinct is often correct, especially if the topic is one you’ve studied. Overthinking can lead to self-doubt and incorrect changes.

Why instincts work:

• Your brain subconsciously processes patterns and learned material.
• Changing answers is more likely to result in mistakes than improvements.

Tips for trusting your instincts:

• Write down your initial thoughts next to the question if allowed.
• Avoid second-guessing unless you realize a specific error.

4. Decode the question for hidden hints

Tough questions often contain clues in their wording. Pay close attention to phrasing, grammar, and keywords to uncover hints.

Strategies for decoding tough questions

1. Match grammatical structure:
   The phrasing of the question often mirrors the correct answer. For example:
   • If the question asks, “Which process requires energy?” the answer may include an active phrase like “pumping ions” rather than a passive one like “diffusion occurs.”
2. Focus on qualifiers:
   Words like “most likely,” “best,” “primary,” or “first” narrow the scope of acceptable answers. They signal that you’re not necessarily looking for an absolute truth but the most relevant or important response.
3. Watch for negative phrasing:
   Phrases like “Which of the following is NOT true?” or “Which is least likely to occur?” require a different approach. Pay close attention to eliminate answers that align with the main concept.

Tips for effective decoding

• Simplify the question: If it’s too complicated, rephrase it in your own words. For instance, “What’s the primary cause of this event?” could become, “What caused this to happen first?”
• Spot familiar keywords: Technical terms or concepts you’ve studied often align with correct answers.
• Ignore distractions: Eliminate extra details or jargon that don’t align with the core of the question.

5. Skip and return later

Getting stuck on a single tough question can waste precious time. Instead, mark it for review and return once you’ve answered the easier ones.

Why this works:

• Easing through simpler questions builds confidence and momentum.
• Future questions may trigger your memory or provide hints.

How to manage skipped questions:

• Use test markings (like stars or symbols) to identify skipped questions.
• Leave enough time at the end to revisit them with fresh focus.

Strategy example: On a 50-question test, allocate 5-10 minutes at the end to review tough questions.

6. Analyze all answer choices critically

Sometimes, tough questions aren’t about finding the right answer but identifying why others are wrong. Analyzing all choices can help you zero in on the most logical option.

What to look for when analyzing choices

1. Contradictions to known facts or concepts:
   • Eliminate answers that directly oppose what you know to be true.
   • For example, if you know water boils at 100°C, any answer suggesting it boils at 200°C is clearly wrong.
2. Repetition or redundancy:
   • Options that restate part of the question or repeat irrelevant details are often distractors.
   • Be wary of overly verbose answers—they’re usually there to confuse you.
3. Overgeneralizations:
   • Broad statements like “all,” “none,” or “always” are less likely to be correct unless the question explicitly supports them.

Pro Tip: Watch for “least wrong” answers

In some cases, none of the options seem perfect. Focus on finding the answer that’s least incorrect or most aligned with the question’s intent.

By mastering the art of critically analyzing answer choices, you’ll improve your ability to make informed decisions and approach tough questions with confidence.

7. Use educated guesses strategically

When you have no idea, guessing intelligently can still increase your chances of success.

How to guess smarter

1. Choose answers with moderate wording:
   Extreme options like “always,” “never,” or “completely” are often incorrect. Moderate answers tend to be more reasonable and statistically accurate.
   • Example: For a question on environmental science, an answer like “fossil fuels will never be replaced” is less likely than “fossil fuels are gradually being replaced.”
2. Match phrasing in the question:
   If one answer echoes specific terms or phrasing used in the question, it’s often correct. This occurs because test writers aim for consistency between the question and answer.

Pro Tip: When to skip guessing

If a test penalizes incorrect answers (e.g., SAT-style exams), it’s better to leave a question blank than to guess recklessly. In such cases, guess only if you’ve been able to eliminate at least one or two wrong options.

8. Break the question into parts

Long or complex questions can be overwhelming. Simplify them by breaking them down into smaller, manageable parts.

Steps to break down a question:

1. Identify the main idea or concept.
2. Separate known information from unknowns.
3. Rephrase the question to make it easier to process.

Example:

Question: What is the significance of the 1787 Constitutional Convention in shaping U.S. government structure?

• Break it down:
  • Event: Constitutional Convention
  • Year: 1787
  • Focus: U.S. government structure

From here, focus on answers related to forming the Constitution or government principles.

9. Stay calm under pressure

Stress can impair logical thinking and make tough questions seem more difficult. Staying calm allows you to focus and think clearly.

Why staying calm matters

• Improved clarity: A calm mind processes information more effectively.
• Reduced errors: Panic can lead to rushed or careless mistakes.
• Increased confidence: A composed approach helps you feel in control, even when faced with uncertainty.

Quick relaxation techniques

1. Deep breathing:
   This simple technique helps regulate your nervous system and refocus your energy.
   • Inhale deeply for 4 seconds, hold your breath for 4 seconds, and exhale slowly for 4 seconds.
   • Repeat this cycle 3-5 times to lower your heart rate and reduce tension.
2. Positive self-talk:
   Replace negative thoughts like “I’ll fail” with affirming ones such as:
   • “I’ve studied and can tackle this.”
   • “This is one question; it doesn’t define my success.”
3. Grounding technique:
   • Use the “5-4-3-2-1” method: Identify five things you can see, four you can touch, three you can hear, two you can smell, and one you can taste.
   • This practice anchors you in the present and minimizes stress.

10. Double-check your interpretations

Misreading or misunderstanding a question can lead to preventable mistakes. Take time to re-read tricky questions carefully.

Tips for accurate interpretation:

• Focus on action words like “describe,” “compare,” or “explain.”
• Ensure you understand technical terms or phrasing.

Example:

Question: Describe two causes of World War I.

• Misinterpretation: Writing only one cause or discussing outcomes instead of causes.
• Correct approach: Focus on root causes like alliances and militarism.

Pro Tip: If time permits, review flagged questions to ensure your responses align with what’s being asked.

Bonus: Visualize your test-taking strategies

Here’s a quick table summarizing the approaches:

Strategy	When to use	Key benefit
Eliminate wrong answers	Multiple-choice questions	Narrows down options, improves guessing odds
Use context clues	Tests with related questions or themes	Provides hints and confirmation
Skip and return	Questions taking too much time	Saves time for easier questions
Break down questions	Long, complex, or multi-part questions	Simplifies and clarifies the question

Final thoughts

Tough questions can be intimidating, but with these strategies, you’ll be prepared to tackle them effectively.

Practice these tricks during mock tests or study sessions to build your confidence.

Remember, every question is an opportunity to showcase your skills—and even if you can’t answer perfectly, these strategies ensure you give your best shot.