10 Strategies for Taking Multiple-Choice Tests

1. Read the directions thoroughly and carefully. It is important to determine if whether there is only one correct answer, or more than one or none correct.

2. Read the questions thoroughly and carefully. Read all the choices completely, and know what you are looking for.

3. Eliminate answers that you know are incorrect.

4. Be wary of deceptive choices that may seem correct but are slightly wrong. They may resemble the correct answer.

5. Learn how to recognize wrong types of answers. In many cases, one answer will be way off, too simplistic, or inappropriately worded. These types of answers will invariably be incorrect.

6. For math problems, use short cuts, such as working backward, if they help you get answers more quickly. Sometimes a test will require you to use short cuts to help you finish in time.

7. Never leave any blank answers. If you have to, guess what you don't know, except on a test such as the SAT, where wrong answers will count against you.

8. Don't waste time on questions you don't know; go on and come back to these questions at the end of the test.

9. Be systematic --- if there is a group of similarly styled questions, develop a method for answering each in the same way. This will keep you focused and successful.

10. If you are on a time limit, pace yourself. Be aware of how far you have gone. Also be aware of how much time remains for you to take the test.