Multiple Choice Test-Taking Strategies
Absolute Words
Answers with Absolute words are most likely incorrect/false - all, always, must, none, never, every, entirely, best, worst, only, everyone
General Words
Answers with General words are more likely to be correct/true - some, sometimes, generally, usually, frequently, probably, most, few, many, often, seldom
Elimination
Get rid of answers you know are wrong, only partly correct, or answers that might look correct - but don't answer the question
"Jail" the Detail!
Highlight, underline, or circle the details in the questions. This helps you focus on exactly what the question is asking you to do.
Read All About It!
If the directions say read.... READ! Pay close attention to signal words in the directions, such as explain, interpret, and compare.
SKIP it!
If the question is very confusing, SKIP it and come BACK to it after you answer the questions that are easier.
No Blanks! Always check!
NEVER leave a question blank. ALWAYS double check your answers before you turn it in!
Absolute qualifiers such as "always" and "never" often indicate a false statement. a. True b. False
a. True
An outlier is an answer not like the others. In 2 3 4 or 567, the answer 567 in an Outlier. Outlier answers are less likely to be the correct answers. a. Yes b. No
a. Yes
Useful strategies for answering multiple-choice questions include: a. Answer each question in your head before reading the possible answers b. Both a and c c. Eliminate incorrect answers before choosing a correct answer
b. Both a and c
One recommended strategy for answering a multiple-choice question is to read all of the possible answers before answering the question in your head. a. True b. False
b. False
Strategies for using credit cards effectively include: a. Paying off the full balance due each month b. Avoiding cash advances c. All of the answer choices d. Choosing cards with no annual fees and lower interest rates e. Using just one credit card
c. All of the answer choices
Ways to test your career choice include: a. Get an internship or volunteer position in your chosen field b. Interview people who are actually doing the job you want c. Get a part-time or summer job in that field d. All of the answer choices
d. All of the answer choices
Use Your Time Wisley
Don't spend too much time on one question, answer every question, answer the easiest question first, review test
Plug it in, Plug it in!
Once you have chosen your answer, plug it in and make sure that it makes sense! (this works really well with vocabulary questions).
Slash the Trash!
Read ALL of the answer choices! Eliminate any choice(s) that you know are not the correct answer. The choice is obviously "trash!"
Graphs, Charts, and Tables Questions
Read all titles and labels Check units of measurement Look for patterns, trends, or comparisons
Always Listen to Directions
Read directions, questions, and all answers carefully
Be Slick and Predict!
Read the question and then predict what the answer is BEFORE you read the choices.
Reading a Story
Read the questions and answers first! Where? When? - beginning of story Problem? - middle of story How problem resolved? - end of story
Questions with Maps
Read the title, key, scale Reread the question
