J.++Multiple+Choice+Tests

1. To Do: Read the following information about taking multiple choice questions. On a separate sheet of paper, write down five clues that will help you to become a better test taker.** > Know if each question has one or more correct options > Know if you are penalized for guessing > Know how much time is allowed (this governs your strategy) > Read through the test quickly and answer the easiest questions first > Mark those you think you know in some way that is appropriate > You may pick up cues for answers from the first reading, or become more comfortable in the testing situation > It is possible you mis-read questions the first time Improve your odds, think critically:**
 * Multiple choice questions usually include a phrase or stem**
 * followed by three to five options:
 * Test strategies:**
 * Read the directions carefully
 * Preview the test
 * Read through the test a second time and answer more difficult questions
 * If time allows, review both questions and answers
 * Answering options

Select the option that most closely matches your answer Treat each option as a true-false question, and choose the "most true"
 * Cover the options, read the stem, and try to answer**
 * Read the stem with each option**

> If allowed, mark words or alternatives in questions that eliminate the option > This may reduce your selection to the best answer > Try substituting a qualified term for the absolute one, like //frequently// for //always;// or //typical// for //every// to see if you can eliminate it > If you know two of three options seem correct, "all of the above" is a strong possibility > toss out the high and low and consider the middle range numbers > probably one is correct; choose the best but eliminate choices that mean basically the same thing, and thus cancel each other out > Create the equivalent positive statement and consider > If two options are opposite each other, chances are one of them is correct > The result is longer, more inclusive items that better fill the role of the answer > compare them for differences, > then refer to the stem to find your best answer > for guessing or you can eliminate options > and if you have no basis for your choice > to answer questions you do not. > when you are sure of the correction, or other cues in the test cue you to change. not only a correct one, and not one which must be true all of the time, in all cases, and without exception.
 * Strategies to answer difficult questions:**
 * **Eliminate options you know to be incorrect**
 * **Give each option of a question the "true-false test:"**
 * **Question options that grammatically don't fit with the stem**
 * **Question options that are totally unfamiliar to you**
 * **Question options that contain negative or absolute words.**
 * **"All of the above:"**
 * **Number answers:**
 * **"Look alike options"**
 * **Double negatives:**
 * **Echo options:**
 * **Favor options that contain qualifier**s
 * **If two alternatives seem correct,**
 * Guessing:**
 * **Always guess when there is no penalty**
 * **Don't guess if you are penalized for guessing**
 * **Use hints from questions you know**
 * **Change your first answers**
 * Remember that you are looking for the best answer,**