PREPARING FOR MULTIPLE CHOICE TESTS

Many students underestimate the multiple choice test. amdoubt.wmf (1494 bytes)

They often assume that the test will be simple; therefore, they are not properly prepared. Very often, the multiple choice test requires the students to go beyond straight memorization of the course content. Students must be able to apply the knowledge and solve new problems. They must be able to reason and make inferences.

When writing a multiple choice test, keep the following tips in mind:

  1. Take time to preview the test.  Consider the time allotted for the test and determine how much time you can reasonably spend on each question.

  2. Start with questions that you can easily answer. Don’t waste time on the more difficult questions.

  3. Read the question carefully. Try to answer the question before you look at the choices.

  4. Circle or underline key words in the question. Your ability to read carefully and critically is just as important as your ability to recall and reason.

  5. Be sure to read all of the choices given, even if the first or second one seems right. The best answer may be the last choice. Sometimes the last choice is "all of the above."

  6. Watch for key words such as always, only, all, never, only, or completely. These absolute terms imply that the answer is either right or wrong, and this is often not the case. Relative words such as often, seem, may, and usually are generally more accurate.

  7. Translate any double negative statements into positive ones. For example, change "milk is not a nonalcoholic beverage" into "milk is an alcoholic beverage."

  8. Treat each statement as true or false.

  9. Examine each of the choices carefully when two choices differ by only one or two words. Read the question with the first possible answer while covering up the remaining choices. Try the same procedure with the second possible answer. Try treating each statement as true or false. Methodically examine the choices and eliminate the one that doesn’t correctly complete the question.

  10. Keep in mind that the answer is often found in one of two very similar pairs. The "most correct" answer is often the one that uses the course terminology correctly.

  11. Lightly cross out the choices you know are wrong if you are not sure of the answer. Then pick the best answer from the remaining choices. If you are still unsure, make an educated guess.

  12. Use logic and common sense if you must guess. Remember that you are looking for the best answer, not only a correct one.

 

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