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Strategies for Multiple Choice Questions
  • Break the question into the stem and the alternatives.

  • Underline key terms and clue words in the stem (e.g., Which three indices are markers of inflation?).

  • Read the question several times; be sure to understand the stem before choosing an answer.

  • If you run into vague terminology, define it in your own terms.

  • Think of a correct answer, then look for it among the alternatives.

  • Use a comprehensive process of elimination:

    • Read all the alternative choices (don't jump on the first seemingly correct one).
    • Compare them.
    • Eliminate the ones that are obviously wrong.
    • Relate the alternatives back to the stem.
    • Narrow your choice to two; then compare them to see how they differ.
    • Think about which alternative relates most closely to the book and class discussion.
    • Treat "all of the above", "none of the above", or "A, B, not C" as a true/false item and relate it closely to the stem.

  • When you don't know the answer:

    • Don't waste time on one question.
    • Mark the question in the margin and move on.
    • Return to marked items as time allows.
    • Later information will sometimes help you to answer a skipped question.

  • Check to be sure that all questions are answered. Don't leave any blanks unless there is a penalty for guessing.

  • Check that your answers are in the correct place on any separate answer sheet.

  • Stick with your first answer unless you recognize that it is clearly not correct - studies show that changed answers are more frequently wrong!
 
 

For more information about these and other services,
call (202) 994-5300 or visit gwired.gwu.edu/counsel.