MS. JOHNSON FOUNDATIONS Winning the Guessing Game: How to Take Multiple-Choice Tests

Multiple Choice Test Tips

When I go to school: a) I am never tired or bored. b) I am often tired or bored. c) I am usually tired or bored. d) I am always tired or bored.

1. Eliminate extreme answer choices  When approaching a multiple choice test, eliminate any answers that seem too extreme  Underline words in the answer choices such as “always,” “never,” or “all” and “none”  Sometimes answers with these words in them can be right, but for the most part, your answer is going to fall somewhere in the middle range, so you can get rid of the extremes  Think back to the previous example…

2. Clearly eliminate wrong answer choices by crossing them out  When taking a multiple choice test, physically cross out answers you know are wrong so you can focus on the choices you have left  This easy tip allows you to avoid choose answers you’ve already rejected

Each of the following is an example of wasted time EXCEPT: a) Playing video games b) Studying for math c) Watching Fear the Walking Dead d) Listening to the entire playlist on your iPod

3. Consider which choice is different  Be sure to read the directions for a question  You have to make sure you recognize which answer choices are different from the rest  Looking at the previous example, only one answer is completely different from the rest  On some questions, all you have to do is find the one answer choice that is different than the others (even if you don’t know the material)  Consider the next question

Herbert Hoover was criticized for all of the following EXCEPT: a) Unemployment rose from b) Business leaders did little to solve the nation’s economic crisis c) The stock market continued to fall during his presidency d) More people received jobs on construction projects

Looking at the question:  You don’t need to know anything about Hoover to know the answer  Notice that choices A, B, and C involve things that couldn’t possibly make people happy  Only D involves something positive (this is something he would have been praised for, not criticized for)

4. Read the questions and choices carefully  Many students get anxious during multiple choice tests and don’t read carefully  Sometimes you can find answers to your current problem in other questions on the test  As your go through questions, use your pencil to underline key words that the question is asking  Let’s do some more example questions…

Why was JFK a popular U.S. president? a) He was involved in the Cuban Missile Crisis b) He started a program that helped American’s youth fight poverty c) He won the election of 1960 by a very narrow margin d) He was from Massachusetts

If two sides of a four-sided figure are parallel but the other two sides are not, that figure is a: a) Triangle b) Trapezoid c) Perpendicular d) Parallelogram

All of the following are Greek letters EXCEPT: a) Epsilon b) Delta c) Pi d) Summary

What is true about the election of 1960? a) John F. Kennedy won by a landslide b) Richard Nixon won the election c) John F. Kennedy won by a narrow margin d) Jimmy Carter won the election

In the story you read, what is true about the main character Elizabeth, in relation to her love interest Mr. Darcy? a) She is always angry with Mr. Darcy b) She is often angry with Mr. Darcy c) She is never angry with Mr. Darcy d) She has no concern for Mr. Darcy

Pacing It’s very important when taking practice tests that you take entire practice tests at one sitting. (Don’t work on it, take a break, and then continue it later) Keep the conditions ideal Also, don’t get hung up on any one questions

Guessing Find out how each test is scored  Ex. SAT only takes off ¼ point for each wrong answer This means that if you can get at least two wrong answers removed, guessing is your best bet. Work quickly in areas where you feel confident and move on from areas you don’t know.

Recovering Staying Calm and Not Rushing Put your pencil down after each problem Underline important parts to slow down your mind and concentrate on the material Underline/circle important words such as “EXCEPT” Take a deep breath when frustration sets in Stretch during breaks and take snacks that are energy-sustaining (yogurt, granola bars, etc.)