Tips for Approaching Multiple-Choice Questions

Multiple Choice Questions  CAREFULLY read the stem with EACH of the answer choices  Eliminate answers you know won ’ t work  Go with your gut! Select the answer that seems to be the best and LEAVE IT ALONE!  Represents 60% of your exam.

Strategy 1 – Pace Yourself  You have 90 minutes for each section  Slow down and answer the questions you know the answers to!  If you think you can use process of elimination to answer tougher questions, do so.

Strategy 2 – Three Pass Strategy  1. Easiest questions first  2. Medium tough questions next.  3. Make sure you fill in the correct bubble!!!!!

Strategy 3 - POE  Or process of elimination  Use what you already know to eliminate nonanswers

Strategy 4 – Aggressive Guessing  Again, there is no penalty for guessing, but guess wisely

Strategy 5 – Word Associations  After reading the MC stem, use POE to remove non answers.  Then, use the remaining choices but look at the stem again and look for terms associated with the stem

Example  All of the following are important in smog production EXCEPT  A. photochemical reactions  B. stratospheric ozone  C. tropospheric ozone  D. volatile organic compounds  E. nitrogen oxides  Note that C, D, and E can be eliminated because they are all important in smog formation. Of the two remaining, which is correct, A or B? Why?

Strategy 6 Mneumonics  Create mneumonics or other memory joggers to help you remember stuff!

Strategy 7 – ID Question Types  Watch out for TRAP words like EXCEPT/NOT/LEAST  10% of MC questions are of this type  Question context determines correct answer

Example  All of the following are components of integrated waste management EXCEPT  A. using canvas bags that can be reused rather than disposable bags  B. using old appliances for construction of artificial reefs  C. using disposable diapers instead of cloth diapers  D. using reused glass bottles  E. using planking made from recycled plastic  Why is “ C ” the correct answer?

Overthinking = Wrong Answer  Take questions at face value  Do not “ read into ” the question!