By far, the most common type of test is the multiple choice test. Not only is it the format of choice for many teachers, it is also the format for nearly all standardized tests, like the SAT, ACT, PSAT, ASVAB and CLEP tests.
And not is it only the most common type, it’s also the most commonly screwed-up type. Honestly … multiple choice tests really aren’t that difficult!
Here are some quick study tips that will help you on multiple choice tests.
Look over the entire test
As soon as you’re handed the test, look over the whole thing. Get an idea for how much time you have and how long things will take. Bring a watch with you so you can budget your time better. Make sure you read the test directions carefully!
Go out of order
Do easier problems and problems that are more valuable points-wise first. This is especially true for timed tests. Don’t get stuck on a question, either. If you come across one you don’t know how to answer right off the bat, move on and come back later. Also, sometimes other parts of the test can help answer that question.
Always read the question first
This seems like a duh thing, but it’s easy to get mesmerized by those little letters and look at the answers first.
Always read the question first, then without looking at the answers, think of the correct answer. Then and only then, find the answer on the paper that best matches the one you thought of. This approach will keep you from tripping over tricky questions and you won’t get confused by the other options.
Elimination is key
Multiple choice tests are all about elimination. If you can’t come up with the correct answer right away, read the options and eliminate the ones you know aren’t right.
I’m right-handed. Whenever I took a multiple choice test, I would always put my left hand on the table with as many fingers out as there were options. (Four options, A-D = four fingers out). As I eliminated each option, I would tuck that finger under my hand. Sometimes this would lead to the unfortunate situation of C being the only option left, but hey, flipping the bird is a small price to pay for finding the answer.
Make educated guesses
Educated guesses often pay off in multiple choice tests. Or at least, if there’s no guessing penalty. Even if there is, you often can come out ahead by guessing. In the SAT, for example, even if you can eliminate only two of the options, it is beneficial statistically to guess.
If there is no guessing penalty, then a wrong answer is no worse than leaving it blank. A guess gives you a chance to get it right!
Watch out for wordy answers…
In a multiple choice test, the answer with the most information is often the right one. This isn’t a hard rule, but it comes in handy to remember sometimes. Also, this doesn’t really apply to standardized tests.
… and also absolutes
Keep an eye out for words like never, all, only or must. Again, not a hard and fast rule, but these answers usually are not the ones you’re looking for.
Remember your mission
It’s easy to forget that you’re not looking for the correct answer.
You’re looking for the best answer.
There’s often more than one correct answer in a multiple choice test. Especially if your teacher is sneaky. Your job is not to pick a correct answer. Your job is to pick the best answer.
Don’t psych yourself out
Don’t change your answers! Statistics show that sticking with your first choice is usually better than changing it later on. Unless you have a really really really good reason, leave your answers the way they are.
Never ever rush in a test! You want to keep a decent pace, of course, but make sure that you are doing things carefully and deliberately. As the military tells their trainees, “Slow is smooth and smooth is fast.” Works for shooting, works for multiple choice tests. Any type of test, really. You never want to have to backtrack because you were going so fast you made a mistake.
What do you think?
What are some things that’ve helped you take multiple choice tests? Do you have any study tips to help you prepare? Share in the comments below!