Although they may seem simple at first glance, multiple-choice exams can be very tricky both when preparing for them and when taking them. How do we prepare for a multiple-choice exam?
Multiple-choice exams have their own system and, unfortunately or fortunately, we will come across them several times until we obtain our
eTítulo university degree. Many study techniques that are extremely useful and help us learn the subjects and retain knowledge in the long term do not work for these exams. Tests often encompass a lot of content and it is not always necessary to know how to relate and understand concepts, but rather to organize them. In addition, we will need to use our memory more than in the preparation of other exams.
1. Understand the format
The first thing we need to do is familiarize ourselves with the structure of multiple-choice exams. We need to understand that these exams require specific answers and often focus on memorizing key facts and concepts. Visual memory will be a great ally in preparing for them. No summaries or drawings. The study techniques we need must facilitate our ability to memorize the exact words that appear in the syllabus and in the correct order. Some of the best study techniques for multiple-choice exams are
comprehensive reading, good
highlighting, the
Anki method, study cards,
Leitner method,
group study,
mnemonic devices, and above all...
2. Practice with past multiple-choice exams
Without a doubt, the most effective tactic for preparing for multiple-choice exams is to practice with past exams. Using other exams to study will help us understand the style of the questions and manage our time better during the actual test, but it will also build our confidence and help us adapt to the exam format.
3. Identify patterns and key themes in multiple-choice exams
When reviewing old questions, we should not only focus on which answer is correct, but it will also be very useful to identify patterns and themes that tend to repeat. This will allow us to prioritize certain topics during preparation and identify the traps that these exams often include in the wording of the questions.
4. Time planning
During preparation, it is very important to take into account time, as it is particularly relevant in multiple-choice exams. When practicing with other exams, it is essential that we time ourselves and develop a system to respond as efficiently as possible. Our recommendation is to first answer all the questions we know without hesitation, and then focus on the ones that pose the greatest difficulty. Developing a time plan will help us avoid getting stuck on a question.
Strategies during multiple-choice exams
Now, let's see how to approach multiple-choice exams once we are face to face with one.
1. Follow the instructions
We must pay attention to the instructions and take them into account when taking the exam. Sometimes, knowing certain details can make a difference. Details such as whether there is a penalty for incorrect answers, whether there are more than one correct answer, whether we will have true or false questions, whether there will be questions where the order is reversed and we have to select the false answer, or whether a terrifying clown will come in and hit us with a bouquet of plastic flowers while we try to concentrate. Information is power, so we must pay attention.
2. Read carefully
Nerves and haste don't matter. Automatic reading is not a good idea in multiple-choice exams. We must understand each question before selecting an answer, and truly understand it, taking into account that the wording is often deceptive because the questions are designed to catch us off guard. We must also analyze how the questions are worded, as they will give us important clues about key terms that we must identify in order to find the correct answer.
3. When indecision strikes
If we are undecided between several answers, the first thing to do is eliminate obviously incorrect options. If we can cover them up so we don't see them, even better. After this, we can apply some tricks to try to find the right answer: Let's consider that, as a general rule, if the answers are broad and well-written, they are usually correct. False answers tend to have categorical statements and include words like "never" or "always." On the other hand, correct answers are more comprehensive and include more variables. If two of the options are contradictory or differ only by one word, the correct answer is usually one of those two.
4. The vice of guessing
If we have already eliminated all the ones we know and have answered the ones that generated doubts, we are left with the ones we have no idea about. Multiple-choice exams have a very dangerous lottery effect because if we guess the ones we don't know and get them right, we can get a great grade. Or a resounding failure. If wrong answers subtract points (which is the most common), answering the ones we don't know just in case can make us lose all the points we gained from the ones we did know. We will have to do our calculations and choose wisely. Remember that we are in an exam, not a casino.
5. Final review
Whenever possible and if we have time left, it is good to do a final review to confirm that we have understood correctly and have answered what we wanted, but also to check that we have not made silly mistakes like skipping questions or not understanding what the statement was asking.
