Multiple-choice or objective exams are based on your ability to recognise facts. Objective exams can be different in style. For example, multiple choice, true/false, matching and sentence completion are all objective exams.
See further tips on studying for exams.
Before you pick up a pen, read all directions carefully. Be sure of exactly what you have to do. Listen for any verbal directions or corrections from the exam supervisor.
Read quickly through the entire exam before you attempt any answer. Doing this allows you to gain an overview, plan your time (how long to spend on each section or question), and check that your exam is complete and correctly collated.
When using a separate answer sheet, keep it close to the exam booklet on the same side as the hand with which you write. Check frequently that you are answering a question in its properly numbered space.
Answer the 'easy' questions first. Go back and do the hard ones later. Try not to get stuck—you'll waste time and feel anxious.
Read each question carefully.
In objective tests. the wording of the question and potential answers can be tricky. Each word is important, so it’s vital to read and thoroughly understand each question and the various responses to it.
Consider all the options before choosing your answer, even if the first option seems correct. This is important when you are instructed to choose the ‘best’ or ‘most correct’ answer in some exams.
Take special note of phrasing, such as:
Try to supply your own answer before reading the options provided
Read the question while covering the choices provided with your hand. Try to answer the question yourself THEN read through the choices. Doing this allows you to make a more accurate choice.
Accept the questions at face value
Read the questions and the language used carefully, but don’t assume they contain any ‘tricks’. Reading too much into a question usually results in a wrong answer.
Don’t leave any questions unanswered unless there is a penalty for incorrect answers. If not, at least make a calculated guess.
Be alert for grammatical inconsistencies between the question and the potential answers
A choice is nearly always wrong if the question and the answer don’t combine to make a grammatically correct sentence.
Do not change your original answer
In most cases, your instincts are correct. Only change your answer if you have a very strong hunch that it’s wrong, you find new evidence, or you suddenly remember otherwise.
True/false questions usually consist of a statement which is either correct or incorrect. You then answer true (if you think a statement is correct) or false (if you think a statement is incorrect).
In true/false questions, be alert for absolute or qualifying words
In true/false tests, be alert for multiple ideas or concepts within the question
All parts of the statement must be true or the entire statement is false. If you really can't make a perfect match between the question and the answer, choose the alternative that is closest compared to the other choices.
Please note: there are no guarantees with these strategies, but they are worth considering when you really don’t know 'the answer'.