Multiple choice questions usually include a phrase or stem followed by three to five options:

Test Strategies

Read the directions carefully Know if each question has one or more correct option Know if you are penalized for guessing Know how much time is allowed (this governs your strategy) Preview the test Read through the test quickly and answer the easiest questions first Mark those you think you know in some way that is appropriate Read through the test a second time and answer more difficult questions You may pick up cues for answers from the first reading, or become more comfortable in the testing situation If time allows, review both questions and answers It is possible you mis-read questions the first time

Strategies to answer difficult questions: Eliminate options you know to be incorrect If allowed, mark words or alternatives in questions that eliminate the option Give each option of a question the "true-false test:" This may reduce your selection to the best answer 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 Try substituting a qualified term for the absolute one, like frequently for always; or typical for every to see if you can eliminate it

	All of the above If you know two of three options seem correct, "all of the above" is a strong possibility
	Number answers toss out the high and low and consider the middle range numbers
	Look alike options probably one is correct; choose the best but eliminate choices that mean basically the same thing, and thus cancel each other out
	Double negatives Create the equivalent positive statement and consider
	Echo options: If two options are opposite each other, chances are one of them is correct
	Favor options that contain qualifiers The result is longer, more inclusive items that better fill the role of the answer
	If two alternatives seem correct, compare them for differences, then refer to the stem to find your best answer

Guessing

	Always guess when there is no penalty for guessing or you can eliminate options
	Don't guess if you are penalized for guessing and if you have no basis for your choice
	Use hints from questions you know to answer questions you do not.
	Change your first answers when you are sure of the correction, or other cues in the test cue you to change.