How to Take a Multiple Choice Exam

A multiple-choice test is nothing more than a modified version of a true-false test. Instead of looking at absolutes and lower-level thinking skills like a true-false test does, a multiple-choice test requires a student to test his higher-level thinking abilities by analyzing and synthesizing material.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Read all material that might be on the exam. As you read and study, you are better prepared to choose the correct answer on the multiple-choice test because it simply "makes sense."

2. Review old copies of course exams, if possible. Look for obvious ways to know the correct answer.

3. Listen carefully to any instructions the teacher gives. Students often rush to start and frequently don't hear the teacher.

4. Evaluate the test questions. As you read through the questions, mark the answers you know are correct.

5. Check the test thoroughly. Only change an answer if you have found the correct statement somewhere else in the test, or if you know you marked it incorrectly the first time. If you have studied the test material, usually your first answer is the correct one.

6. Learn from your successes and mistakes when your teacher returns your marked exam to you. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask in a respectful manner.

Tips & Warnings

• If the test has a variety of questions, do the multiple-choice section first. It may contain answers to other parts of the test, especially essay questions.
• Sometimes a multiple-choice test involves process of elimination. If multiple answers are a possibility, only choose "all of the above" if you are absolutely sure all the alternatives make the statement true. If you are in doubt about one, then there is a better answer. The same thing goes for "none of the above" alternatives. Only guess if you are not penalized for it.

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