Some students don’t like multiple-choice tests and would much rather answer essay questions. But like at any university, some exams at the Mount will be multiple choice, so the best plan is to figure out how to approach them.
Sometimes it seems like the questions on the test are totally different from what was in the book or covered in class. Multiple-choice tests also have many myths surrounding them, such as if you don’t know the answer, you should always pick “C” (it’s not true).
The following section offers tips on how to do better on multiple-choice exams:
1. Be prepared
Multiple choice is like any other exam in that in order to succeed, you need to study correctly. For more information on exam preparation, click here.
Often students mistakenly think that multiple-choice exams are recognition only (meaning you’ll recognize the correct answer as soon as you read it), but unfortunately that isn’t always the case. Many questions are complicated and require you to understand material on higher levels. This might mean you need to memorize information, compare different ideas or understand an overall concept.
2. Read the instructions
Many students make mistakes simply because they haven’t read their exam properly. In some cases, you’ll be asked to choose more than one alternative or pick the “most correct” answer. If there isn’t a penalty for guessing, you should make sure that you answer all of the questions.
3. Pace yourself and read over the test
Take a minute to get an idea of what you’re up against, then figure out how many questions there are so you can pace yourself. If you race through the exam, you’re more likely to make mistakes. You should also avoid spending too much time on difficult questions. Make sure that you leave enough time to check over your exam at the end. A good rule is to allow yourself one minute per question.
4. Avoid skipping around
Answer the questions in order, because skipping around can waste time. If you find a question difficult, put a question mark by it and return to it if you have time at the end. If you’re really running out of time, make an educated guess—it’s better than leaving it blank.
5. Trust your first response
Your initial response is often the correct one. Students seem to make more right-to-wrong answer changes than wrong-to-right. However, if you’re quite certain your first answer was incorrect—for example, because you remembered another piece of information or you realized you misunderstood the question when you first read it—go ahead and change your answer.
6. Process of elimination
If you don’t know the answer, try crossing out the options you’re sure are wrong. Through the process of elimination, you may arrive at the right one.
7. Read the entire question
In some cases more than one alternative is correct, and you’ll be asked to choose the alternative that is “most correct.”
8. Cover up the alternatives
Use your hand or a sheet of paper to cover up all of the alternatives, then read the stem of the question first. Try to recall the answer, then process each alternative one at a time. Look for the alternative that best resembles the answer that first came to mind.
9. Notice absolutes and qualifiers
Be cautious of alternatives that use absolutes such as “always,” “only” and “never.” This would indicate that the answer would have to be true all of the time.
10. “All of the above” is a good option
If you’re sure that two or three alternatives are correct, “All of the above” is a good choice. The same is true for “None of the above” if you’re certain that more than one alternative is incorrect.
11. Not “too obvious”
Some questions are giveaways. If you study a lot for an exam, some questions will seem simple. Don’t pass over an alternative because it seems too easy; it may be a giveaway question.
12. Ignore previous responses
Just because you choose the same letter a few times in a row doesn’t mean it’s wrong to pick it again. There isn’t always a set pattern in multiple choice.
13. Make an educated guess
If you’re unsure about an answer, don’t just pick “C.” Think about the course and all you’ve learned so far, then make an educated guess.