Multiple choice tests are a part of nearly every student's life.It's likely that you'll have to take many multiple choice tests in your academic career, from elementary school to the SATs.You can approach the exams with more confidence if you understand the proper way to study for, take, and learn from multiple choice tests.You can see Step 1 for more information.
Step 1: Understand how the tests work.
You need to pick an answer from a set of 3-6 choices.You only need to be able to recognize the correct answer.You don't have to come up with a word or paragraph of your own.Knowing the information at a deeper level can help you recognize the correct answer when you see it.
Step 2: You should study the book.
If you are being tested over books or chapters that you have been expected to read, make sure you read through them thoroughly.The main ideas and arguments from the text should be summarized in your notes.Don't try to re-read every word if you're studying up the night before.You will not add anything.The main points and themes of the book should be retained.This will be much easier if you've taken good notes.
Step 3: It is advisable to study actively.
If you just read for a few hours on end, you can hit a wall pretty quickly.It's hard to remember anything if you don't do anything active.Take lots of notes while you study, and get up and move around.Writing can help you remember more quickly.If you have written an idea, it's more likely that you'll be able to remember it on the exam.Studies show that studying in different locations can help you retain more information.You can study one chapter in your bedroom, one in the basement, another at the library, or both.It's easier to remember what you read if you can channel the different concepts to those locations in your brain.
Step 4: Take a practice test.
Ask your teacher if you can practice a sample test or an old version of the test.Sometimes the textbook offers end-of-chapter reviews that include sample test questions or even sample exams at the end of the chapter.It's a good idea to take these if they are even more difficult than the regular test.The test environment should be recreated as closely as possible.If you can't use your notes during the exam, practice answering questions without them.Take a sample within the time limit of the class and see how long it takes.
Step 5: It's time to eliminate distraction.
Music should be turned off.Study in silence to prepare for most tests.Don't check Facebook or chat while you're studying.Reward for studying 45 minutes is 15 minutes of video game, Internet or TV time.If you're not distracted by something you want to be doing, you will break up the monotony and get more done.
Step 6: Take a look at the test.
Before answering any of the questions, it's a good idea to look over each page and see how many questions there are, how much points they are worth, and if they're categorized by chapter or topic.This will give you an idea of how long the exam will take.It will help you find the right course material.
Step 7: Carefully read the questions and answer set.
You need to understand what is being asked.Look over each of the choices.If you didn't give yourself a chance to see the correct answer, you're more likely to make a hasty choice.Try to answer the question without thinking about the choices.If you think the answer is correct, then you have an option.Do not ask questions that are negatively worded."Not," "never," and "none" are words that are included.Even if students know the material, they can be thrown off track by questions like these.
Step 8: Wrong answers should be eliminated.
Cross out those you know are incorrect as you look through answers.If you don't know it, you'll have a harder time choosing the correct one.Cross out any "throw away" choices.These are answers that are completely out of place.They are simply to have a certain number of answers.The choice should be treated as a true-false question.The question should be read with an answer in mind.Is it true?Is it not true?Look at the questions and answers.It's possible to tell what the correct answer is by the tense of the word, such as a word that ends in "-ing" while all the other choices end with " -ed."
Step 9: You should return to questions you are not sure about.
You don't have to leave the question unanswered if you mark the best choice.Then mark it with a star or question mark.Take the rest of the test.When you're done answering all the other questions, try to answer the ones that caused you trouble the first time through the test.As you take the rest of the test, pay attention.When you are struggling with a question, other questions can give you the answer you need.Don't ask questions at face value.Teachers don't try to trick students.Don't read too much into the question.
Step 10: You should budget your time.
Make sure you keep an eye on the clock as you work.Make sure you save yourself enough time to complete the multiple choice test because it will take a long time.Don't rush or dally on the tough ones.Work well.If you have a 50 minute class and 30 questions, you need to be at least number 15 by the time the class is over.Pick up the pace if you're not.Make sure you have enough time to transfer your answers to an official answer sheet in an unhurried manner.A good rule of thumb is 5 minutes for every 10 questions.
Step 11: Answer all the questions.
If you mark one of the choices, you have a chance of getting the answer right.You lose those points if you don't bother to answer.
Step 12: Take a second to review your answers.
If you have time left, you should look over the questions and answers.It is possible to misunderstand a question if you are in a hurry.
Step 13: Look at more than that.
A common mistake students make after getting a test back is looking at the grade and either celebrating or becoming depressed, then throwing it away.Look through it.See which questions you missed and which ones you weren't sure about.Take some time to learn from the grade you got and look for ways to improve your test-taking and studying for next time.It's a good idea to save the tests for the classes you will take finals for.Reviewing the tests is a great way to study for the final exam, and many of the questions will be straight up repeats of information from the regular tests.Don't give up on them.
Step 14: Tell your teacher about it.
If you're disappointed in your grade, make an appointment to talk to your teacher about it, not to demand a better grade or to be allowed to take the test again, but just to find out how you might do better in the class.I thought I was studying well, but I didn't.I would like to know what you think I need to do to be more successful.Your teacher will notice that you are taking on more work.It's always a good idea to talk to your teacher, but never complain about your grade.When you're chilled out, make an appointment to discuss your grade with your teacher and make sure you find a calm attitude.
Step 15: Relax.
A lot of students like to compare their grades.When you do well, try to avoid this.It isn't anyone else's business who gets what and who is smarter than who.Taking tests is a skill that comes naturally to some and is more difficult for others, who may be just as bright and skilled.
Step 16: If you want to improve your average scores, focus on it.
You don't have to get an A+ every time.Every now and then Einstein got a low grade.It's better to focus on improving steadily.If you start out getting Ds, you should get a B at the end of the semester.Let's celebrate!It's common for students to get great grades early in the semester and then trail off.Try to put in the same amount of hard work throughout the semester.Don't let the early efforts go to waste.