Exam Strategies: More Test-Taking Techniques

More Test-Taking Techniques

Now well tackle some common test questions. You will learn how to begin to trust your gut when it comes to answering common multiple choice questions, including math questions, which can be challenging for some.

Trick Questions

Here is the truth about trick questions. Occasionally, you may run into a trick question. However, few test writers actually create trick questions. If you feel something is duplicitous, review the question and make sure you arent reading too much into it. They key here is to avoid overthinking the answer. Take the question for what it is and answer accordingly. 

Two Best Answers

In cases where two answers seem best, imagine each answer as the correct one. If you can, visualize each answer as the best answer. Typically, you will see one answer as the best choice. You can also ask yourself whether one answer fully answers the question. If you find that one answer only partly answers the question, eliminate this answer. Remember, when answering questions, you are always in search of the BEST answer. 

Changing Your First Answer

Many students have been taught that it is never okay to change their first answer. The truth is, you can change your answer IF you have a very good reason for doing so. Typically, students change their answers for bad reasons. So, when reviewing your test, make sure that you have a legitimate, factual reason for changing an answer. Guessing is not a good reason to change your answer. 

Either or Neither

Either or neither is much like all of the above. You may run into this option, or a double negative. If you run into a double negative, create the equivalent of a positive statement. This will help you to eliminate the wrong answer. You can do the same for an either or neither question. Simply rephrase the question in a way that makes sense to you. This will make the question less confusing. In doing so, you have a better chance of answering the question correctly.

True-False Test

One way to eliminate false answers is to try a true-false test on questions. Simply apply a test to answers to see if the answer provides a true or false answer. This may also help you distinguish between two best answers. This is particularly true with absolutes. For example, if a true-false statement indicated that All men born after 1953 were five times more likely to develop prostate cancer, and youre unsure if that statement is true, you should choose false due to the absolute nature of the statement. Surely theres at least one man who disqualifies this statement, right?

Unfamiliar Answers

If there are answers containing terms or facts that are foreign to you, question whether they belong in your answer choices. They may be distractors, thrown into the choices to throw you off from the correct answer. 

Questions with Dates

Answering questions with dates can be mind-numbing. While memorization may seem like the best solution, it is often not. Sometimes when you are left with options like 1940, 1941, 1942, and 1943, you end up forgetting the right answer, simply because the dates are too close together and your mind is already filled with too much information. Your best bet is often to select from two answers that you think are closest to the right answer, based on your knowledge. 

Use any information that you have to assist you. For example, if you are asked a question regarding ancient history and one of your choices provides you with a date in the 1980s, you can automatically eliminate this choice and look for a date in the BC era. Make sense? Always use common sense when answering multiple choice questions. Most test writers use common sense when writing test questions. Keep this in mind.

Answering Equation Questions

When trying to figure out an equation that you are unfamiliar with, first eliminate any answers that contain terms that are not in the original equation. This will often eliminate one or two answers, leaving you with a better guessing ratio. 

One-Word Answers 

Often, the second-most difficult or technical answer, rather than the first, is the correct answer. If you find that you are faced with a list of words that are foreign to you, choose the second-most technical-sounding or complex word, rather than the first. While this may sound odd, it very often works.

The same is true of math questions. Often, the second-most complex equation or answer, rather than the first, is the correct answer. 

This technique is very much like answering C most often. Once you get accustomed to answering multiple choice questions, you will begin to notice patterns and get into the habit of choosing the best answer to the questions placed before you.

Avoiding a Random Guess

The worst thing you can do on a multiple choice test is guess randomly. You will get a poor score. Always do your best to eliminate the worst choice and, if possible, the next least most likely answer. Remember some key points: 

Eliminate poorly-phrased answers. 

• Eliminate answers with obvious mistakes.
• Look for answers that include a word or two from the question, as these may be the correct answer.
• Dont overlook a simple solution to the question.
• You have to read a question thoroughly to understand an answer. This is where understanding course context can come in handy.

Finding the Answer Below

If you arent sure about an answer, come back to it. You may find the answer (or hints to the answer) in another question. Often, multiple choice tests contain much of the course content. This is obvious, right? You are being tested on the course material. Scroll through the test and see what you can find. 

You may, at the very least, be able to narrow down the answers to a question you are undecided about or are having trouble answering.

This is why it is a good idea to come back to questions you are not able to answer immediately. Dont waste too much time on difficult questions. You can always come back to them later. Allocate your time appropriately. That way, you have enough time to get through the entire test once, then come back to questions you missed. You may find that you have the answer the second time through, simply by going through the entire test.

The Right Answer to the Wrong Question

Sometimes the answer is right, but it is the right answer to the wrong question. This is where it is important to read the question closely and carefully. This is also why it is important not to simply memorize facts. If you memorize information, you may recognize the right answer, but apply it to the wrong question. 

This is a common technique used to determine whether you are actually applying the information correctly. Make sure that you are taking the time necessary to read through the information in the test. 

If you are unsure, come back to the question later. Make sure the answer does not apply to a different question. This can cost you valuable points on an exam. Read through all of your options. Remember never to immediately pick the first answer that seems right. There may be a better answer.