Multiple Choice Test-Taking Techniques
Multiple-choice tests are often a major part of standardized, benchmark and job-application tests required by many states and companies. Success at taking this type of test, which offers more than one option to choose the correct answer, will aid students in many subjects and grades throughout their academic careers and help job seekers pass a first step on the way to a new job. Learning techniques to determine the correct answer when it is not obvious is an obtainable skill.
Other People Are Reading
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Determine an Answer
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Cover up the bank of possible answers prior to reading the question. Decide the correct answer before ever looking at the choices. After reading and deciding on the answer, look at the available answers. If one of the answers matches the one previously decided upon, it is probably the correct one.
This test-taking technique helps the reader understand the question before deciding on any of the given answers and results in a more thorough understanding of the problem.
Absolutes
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"Never," "none," "always" and "none of the above" are absolutes that are usually not correct on a multiple-choice test. "All of the above" is a good choice if more than one answer given is correct. Conditional words, on the other hand, are typically a good choice for an answer. "Sometimes," "at times," "usually" and "probably" are choices that are correct many times, according to instructors at the University of Wisconsin.
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Reread the Question
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If, after reading the question, the predetermined answer is not available, reread the question. Ensure that you have interpreted every word correctly. If the answer is still not clear, try to eliminate all but two answers. Find the choice which answers the question most completely.
B or C Works
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"A" is the least likely answer on multiple choice tests, according to instructors at the University of Wisconsin. If none of the above steps reveal the proper answer, choose "B" or "C." Most test makers display the proper answer as one of these selections, according to instructors at the University of Wisconsin. Choose the same letter, "B" or "C," each time you guess on a particular test. This will increase the probability that at least one answer will be correct.
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References
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