We’ve all had that moment during a test. You stare at the question, and your mind goes blank. Panic starts to creep in, and every answer option suddenly looks wrong. Sound familiar?
We’ve all been there: staring at a test question, completely unsure of the answer.
Time is ticking, your mind feels blank, and panic starts to creep in.
Sounds familiar?
Well, being stuck on a test question doesn’t have to spell disaster. With the right strategies, you can work your way through tough questions and stay in control.
These 8 strategies are designed to help you regain focus, tap into your knowledge, and increase your chances of answering correctly — even when the answer isn’t immediately obvious.
1. Take a breather
When you freeze on a question, your first instinct might be to panic.
Fight that urge. A few deep breaths can work wonders to clear your head.
Stress clouds your thinking and makes it harder to recall information you already know.
How to do it:
Close your eyes for a moment. Inhale deeply, count to four, hold it, then exhale slowly. Repeat this twice. Then, read the question again.
Studies show that deep breathing reduces anxiety and improves cognitive performance by increasing oxygen flow to the brain (Nature).
This simple reset can help you think more clearly and approach the question logically.
2. Re-read the question
Did you catch every detail the first time?
Sometimes, the answer is hiding in plain sight.
Test questions can be tricky, with phrasing or keywords that are easy to overlook in a rush.
Re-reading the question slowly and carefully ensures you understand exactly what’s being asked.
What to look for:
- Pay attention to tricky words like “not,” “always,” or “except.”
- Underline key details like dates, measurements, or specific terms.
Example: If a math question asks, “What is the total cost, including tax?” double-check that you’ve included the tax in your calculation.
It’s easy to miss small details that can lead to the wrong answer.
3. Eliminate wrong answers
If it’s a multiple-choice question, you don’t need to know the answer right away — just know what it isn’t.
Narrowing down your options boosts your odds of picking the right one.
How to do it:
- Cross out answers that don’t fit the question.
- Look for answers that seem extreme or irrelevant.
Here’s a quick example:
| Question | Possible Answers | Process of Elimination |
|---|---|---|
| What is the capital of Canada? | a) Toronto, b) Ottawa, c) Vancouver, d) Montreal | Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal are major cities but not the capital. The answer is b) Ottawa. |
Pro tip: When you’re left with two choices, go with your gut. Research suggests that your first instinct is often correct.
4. Skip and come back
Not every question needs to be solved immediately.
If a question feels impossible, move on and come back to it later. Often, your brain will work on the problem in the background as you answer other questions.
How to do it:
- Mark the question to remind yourself to revisit it.
- Answer the easier questions first to build confidence.
Skipping gives your brain time to process information without the pressure. Sometimes, the answer will click when you look at it with fresh eyes later.
5. Break it down
Big questions can feel overwhelming. That’s why you should break them into smaller pieces to make them more manageable.
Solve one part at a time instead of tackling it all at once.
Here’s what this usually looks like:
- Identify key elements of the question.
- Solve the easiest part first, then move to the harder sections.
Example: For a math question asking for the volume of a complex shape, start by calculating the volume of each individual part. Add those results together at the end.
Breaking things down helps you make progress instead of freezing up.
6. Look for context clues
Sometimes, other parts of the test can provide hints or jog your memory. P
revious questions, diagrams, or even the wording of unrelated sections might contain information that helps you answer the question you’re stuck on.
What to do:
- Look for similar questions that might offer hints.
- Check diagrams, charts, or notes included in the test.
Example: On a science test, if a diagram shows the water cycle and another question asks about evaporation, referring to the diagram could help you remember the process.
This strategy works because tests often include subtle clues to guide you.
7. Use association
If a question refers to a concept or term you recognize but don’t fully remember, try associating it with what you do know.
Sometimes, connecting the question to related ideas or examples can help jog your memory and guide you to the answer.
How to do it:
- Think about where you’ve seen the concept before — in-class notes, lectures, or assignments.
- Ask yourself, “What does this remind me of?”
For instance, if a question asks about the function of mitochondria but you can’t recall the exact answer, you might remember that they’re associated with energy production.
That’s when you should use that association to select the answer related to generating energy.
This strategy works because our brains are wired to store information in networks, so connecting concepts can help retrieve buried memories.
8. Make an educated guess
When all else fails, take your best shot.
Leaving a question blank gives you no chance at points, but a thoughtful guess might just save the day.
How to guess smartly:
- Go with the most detailed or specific option. Why? Because test writers often make correct answers more thorough.
- Avoid answers with extreme language like “always” or “never.”
On most standardized tests, there’s no penalty for guessing. Even on tests where wrong answers lose points, a well-reasoned guess is better than leaving it blank.
Conclusion: Don’t let one question trip you up
Getting stuck on a test question is frustrating, but it doesn’t have to derail your performance.
By staying calm, using strategies like re-reading, breaking the question into parts, and making educated guesses, you can work through challenges and keep moving forward.
Here’s a quick recap of what to do:
- Take a breath and reset your focus.
- Read the question carefully to catch key details.
- Eliminate wrong answers to narrow your choices.
- Look for context clues elsewhere on the test.
- Break the question into smaller, manageable steps.
- Make your best guess if you’re unsure.
- Skip it and come back later if needed.
- Use associations to jog your memory.
The key is to stay confident and keep momentum—even when faced with tough questions.
With practice, these strategies can help you tackle any test with clarity and composure. You’ve got this!