Don't Assume It Will Be Easy- Multiple choice exams may seem like they will be easier because the answer is provided, but this is not always the case. Make sure you understand the material and concepts no matter what kind of test you are taking
Ask Your Instructor for Details- How many questions will it be and how much time will you be given? Will you lose marks for wrong answers? Are there previous exams available that you could use to study?
Don't Rely on Memorization- Make sure you understand the concepts, don't just try to memorize as much as you can
Fill in Your Scantron Sheet As You Go- If you are using a scantron sheet fill it in as you go. If you wait until the end to fill in your answers it can be easy to miss a question, and all of the following answers will be wrong
Strategies
Read the Exam Directions Carefully- Sometimes there are special instructions you need to know.
Scan All the Questions Before You Start
Read the Question Twice- it can be easy to miss important words and instructions. If a question asks "which of the following is not correct", but you miss the word "Not" because you're rushing, you will pick the wrong answer. Look out for words and phrases that might influence the answer you pick such as:
All, most, some, none
Always, usually, sometimes, never
Great, much, little, no
More, equal, less
Good, bad
Is, is not
Try to Answer Each Question In Your Head Before Reading the Answer Options- This can help you identify the correct choice without getting confused by the options
Make Sure to Read All of the Answer Options- it can be easy to miss options like "All of the above" if you are rushing
Don't Be Afraid To Change An Answer- It is a myth that you should always stick with your first guess. Sometimes other questions can give you more information about a previous questions, and sometimes your brain continues to think about a question subconsciously
What To Do When You're Stuck
Come Back to the Question Later- don't waste too much time on a tricky question. Skip it and come back later- your brain will keep thinking about the question subconsciously, and there may be clues in other questions that can help
Cross Out Wrong Answers- Physically crossing out answers you have eliminated can help you focus on the remaining options
Look for Grammatical Clues- sometimes there are clues in the wording of the question that can help you narrow down the options, especially in questions that ask you to fill in the blanks
Re-read the Question When You Read Each Answer- This can help you better identify logical connections (or the lack of logical connections) between them
Consider the Context of the Question- Two questions may be correct statements, but only one will fit the overall context of the question
Flip it Around- Try to identify the worse answer rather than the best answer
Just pick C? Unless you will be deducted marks for wrong answers, it's always best to guess and have any answer rather than leave it blank. The classic advice that statistically most answers are C is false, and "C" is no more likely to be the correct answer than any of the other options. It's best to eliminate any options you can and then make your best guess from the remaining answers
