How To Ace Multiple Choice Questions: Tips and Tricks

Any exam or quiz day can feel stressful for students. Unless the teacher tells you in advance, you never know what type of questions you’ll have to be ready for. Some students dread identification-type questions, while others prefer them. And when multiple choice questions join the mix, some prefer the safety while others find it challenging to sift through all of the answers.

You can view multiple choice questions in two ways:

Either it’s good because you know the correct answer…

or

It’s bad because the potential for confusion due to the available choices.

The Washington Post pointed out the real problem with multiple-choice tests. There’s always the possibility of uncertainty. They often change the learning tone and are beyond either/or. Nevertheless, multiple-choice questions are widespread on tests, so it’s important to understand how to ace them.

Multiple-choice questions include some trickiness, but they’re meant to test the knowledge and comprehension of a student on a particular subject. They test the ability to read, think critically, and make informed decisions quickly.

Here are some tips and tricks on how to ace a multiple choice test:

Calculate Your Time

Before taking the test, count how many multiple-choice questions you have, including the other parts of your exam. Know how much time you have in total, and then budget your time accordingly.

Multiple choice questions can take a significant time, so plan appropriately. The goal is not to rush through the exam and to ensure you spend enough time on each question.

Read the Questions Carefully

Multiple-choice questions can be tricky, so it’s essential to take your time and pay attention to the details. Read each question more than once to understand all the information. Only skimming test questions may lead to wrong answers, so make sure you read carefully and understand the topic of discussion.

Also, some teachers purposely include grammatical cues to either trick students or help them. Phrases like “not,” “expect,” or even “all of the above” can give away the correct answer!

Read the Choices Carefully

Besides the questions, the choices are just as important. As you read the question, pay attention to what each choice is saying. Multiple choice options can serve as clues to the answer and will help determine the kind of answer you’re looking for.

Some teachers throw in wrong answers to confuse students, so be careful. Watch out for choices that seem to mean the same thing. Some choices might also seem different but may mean the same.

Come Up With an Answer Before Looking at the Choices

For easy questions, have an answer in your mind first before looking at the choices. This way, you can find the answer quickly as you look for it in the options given. The choices, then, become a confirmation of the answer you already had in mind.

Cross Out the Incorrect Choices

Eliminate the choices you know are wrong. This technique helps narrow down the selection, making it easier to find the correct answer. However, be careful when crossing out the choices. Sometimes, two answers may look right, so you have to be extra sure before ruling it out.

Look for Common Types of Wrong Answers

It’s inevitable for some educators to fall into patterns when creating test questions. Multiple-choice questions are no exception, as certain types of wrong answers occur often.

For instance, multiple choice questions may include an answer that is too extreme or an answer that is not related to the question at all. Be aware of these types of answers to avoid getting tricked.

Use Surrounding Answers as Clues

Like wrong answers, there could also be a pattern to correct answers. For example, if you’re sure about your answers to questions three and five but have no idea about the fourth, use the two answers as clues. If the answer to the third question is C and B for the fifth, either might not be a possible answer to the fourth. Read choices A and D for the fourth carefully, and see if either is a good fit.

(Before reading our next 8 multiple-choice question tips below, enjoy a free sample of our $9 Mastering the Basics: Test Preparation course!) 

Choose the Longest Choice

This trick isn’t always reliable, but it can help when you’re stuck. Multiple-choice questions may have an obvious correct answer; sometimes, it’s the longest choice. Teachers tend to explain the answer more fully and in detail, so choosing the longer one may give you a better chance of getting it right. The more information there is, the better!

Look Out for Universal Qualifiers

Multiple-choice questions sometimes contain universal qualifiers, like “always” and “never.” These qualifiers mean that all instances of the subject are true or false, so don’t be tricked into picking a wrong answer. This trick leads you to carefully read the question and choices and understand the context.

Don’t Overthink Your Answers

You have to read questions and choose an answer carefully, but that doesn’t mean you have to overanalyze everything. Multiple-choice questions can be tricky, but never assume the teachers are out to get you. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of picking an answer.

Stick With Your First Answer

Unless you’re sure your initial answer is wrong, stick with it. Multiple-choice questions are designed to be tricky, so it’s easy to get thrown off. However, if you’re confident with your initial choice, don’t be tempted to switch it up and pick the other one.

Answer the Easy Questions First

You don’t have to answer the questions in order. It might be ideal for working your way down the list, but it’s also wise to first answer the questions you’re sure of. You can start with the easy ones and then return to the tougher ones. This tip will help you save time and get more questions right.

Answer the Difficult Questions Next

Once you’ve answered the easy questions, work on the difficult ones. If you’re stuck on a question, move on and return to it later. This trick will allow you to process the information and develop a better answer. Ideally, you will have enough time to go back and check your answers.

Guess the Rest

Now, there will be questions you just don’t know the answer to, and that’s okay. It’s best to have answers to all questions, so guess if you have to. Make an educated guess! Reading the question and choices carefully may give you enough information to make a reasonable guess.

Don’t Solely Rely on Conventional Wisdom

Lastly, remember that multiple-choice questions and answers are not always the same; they can change depending on the teacher or your textbook. Don’t solely rely on conventional wisdom, such as, “If you don’t know the answer, pick C,” or “Letter B is the longest, so it must be the right one.” Multiple-choice questions test your knowledge and understanding, so it pays off to read them carefully.

Conclusion

Exams and quizzes aim to test if students have learned the material, whether it’s multiple choice, identification, or true or false questions. Multiple-choice questions are often tricky, but they can be easier to answer if you know the right tricks. Ultimately, preparing for an exam is the best way to ace it.

Preparing for a test includes studying, reviewing past exams and quizzes, taking practice tests, and managing time wisely. StudyRight encourages you to learn various effective strategies for test preparations. When you learn the right way, you can take on multiple-choice questions confidently and get the best possible exam score.

The correct answer is in the choices; you have to find it. Multiple-choice questions are not as intimidating or difficult if you utilize the tips and tricks above. Good luck with your exams!

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