So, you have this big test coming up, it could be the ACT, SAT, MAP, End of Course Exams, or just a final and you are getting a little freaked out. Well, don't be. Here are some tips and tricks to taking a multiple choice test that work for any subject. Just realize that these tips and trick are not hard and fast rules, but just tips and tricks.
Multiple Choice Test Taking Tips:
- Read the question before you look at the answer.
- Come up with the answer in your head before looking at the possible answers, this way the choices given on the test won't throw you off or trick you.
- Eliminate answers you know aren't right.
- Read all the choices before choosing your answer.
- If there is no guessing penalty, always take an educated guess and select an answer.
- Don't keep on changing your answer; usually your first choice is the right one, unless you misread the question.
- In "All of the above" and "None of the above" choices, if you are certain one of the statements is true don't choose "None of the above" or one of the statements are false don't choose "All of the above".
- In a question with an "All of the above" choice, if you see that at least two correct statements, then "All of the above" is probably the answer.
- A positive choice is more likely to be true than a negative one.
- Usually the correct answer is the choice with the most information.
- Statements that begin with always, never, none, except, most or least are probably NOT the answer. Underline these or other key words lightly. Remember to erase any marks you put on the test paper.
- If you have to guess, the length of the choices can be a clue. Choose the longest.
- If you have to guess, when two choices are similar, choose neither.
- If you have to guess, when two choices are opposites, choose one of them.
- If you have to guess, the most general alternative is usually the right answer.
Keep checking back, I will be posting other test taking and test prep tips and tricks. Remember, the most important tip I can give you about test taking is, if you do your work on a daily basis and study a little everyday, you will be more ready to take the test than you realize.