5 Rules (and One Secret Weapon) for Acing Multiple Choice Tests

TL;DR

Learn effective strategies to improve your performance on multiple choice tests, including skimming the test, utilizing the "Hard Start, Jump to Easy" technique, and double-checking your answers.

Transcript

When it comes to taking multiple choice tests, there's this common piece of advice that often gets thrown around. "When in doubt, always choose C." Right? Or maybe for you it was B 'cause this advice comes from everywhere. Maybe you heard it from your dad or your teacher or you read it on the internet. I'm pretty sure that I heard it from some kid ... Read More

Key Insights

• ⁉️ Skimming the test before starting can prime your brain and help you identify questions that may have hints or details for other questions.
• 🤯 Using the "Hard Start, Jump to Easy" technique allows your subconscious mind to continue working on difficult problems, increasing the likelihood of finding the correct answers later.
• 🫠 Reading each question twice helps avoid falling for deceptive elements and ensures a thorough understanding of what is being asked.
• ❤️‍🩹 Double-checking answers at the end of each page decreases the chances of skipping mistakes or overlooking important details.
• ✋ Humans have biases when writing multiple choice tests, including a higher likelihood of true answers being correct and all of the above or none of the above options often being the correct choice.
• ❓ These biases can be used as a last resort when all other techniques fail, but should not replace proper preparation and understanding of the material.
• 🤩 Preparation is key to success on any test, so make sure to dedicate sufficient time to study and review the material.

Questions & Answers

Q: How can skimming the test before starting help improve test performance?

Skimming the test allows you to familiarize yourself with the questions and prime your brain for the content. It can also help you spot questions that provide hints or details for other questions on the test.

Q: What is the "Hard Start, Jump to Easy" technique, and how does it benefit test-takers?

The technique involves spending time on difficult problems but moving on if unable to solve them. By engaging your brain's focus mode and allowing your subconscious mind to continue working on the problem, you may have a better chance of answering it when you revisit it later.

Q: Why is it essential to read each question on the test twice?

Multiple choice questions can be deceptive, and reading them carefully is crucial to avoid falling into traps. This ensures you don't miss important words like "not," properly evaluate questions with multiple correct answers, and consider options like "all of the above" or "none of the above."

Q: How can double-checking answers at the end of each page improve test scores?

Double-checking answers at the end of each page allows you to catch any mistakes or overlooked details while the information is still fresh in your mind. It reduces the likelihood of rushing and increases the chances of identifying and correcting errors.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Before starting the test, take a few minutes to skim through and get a general overview of the questions, priming your brain for the content.

• Use the "Hard Start, Jump to Easy" technique by spending a few minutes on difficult problems and moving on if you're unable to solve them. Your subconscious mind will continue working on the problem in the background.

• Read each question carefully, as multiple choice questions can be tricky. Watch out for words like "not," questions with multiple correct answers, and options like "all of the above" or "none of the above."

• Double-check your answers as you reach the end of each page to catch any mistakes or overlooked details.