Tips for Answering Multiple Choice Questions
The directions almost always say “choose the best answer.” It is possible that there is more than one
correct answer, but only one can be the best. The question will consist of a leading phrase (also known
as a stem) combined with three or more possible endings to make different statements. The leading
phrase/stem is important because it contains the information the question is based on (Learning
Express, p.72). Look for the key words in the leading phrase/stem and evaluate which of the possible
endings would make the statement true. Unless you are instructed not to write on the test paper,
underline the key words in the leading phrase/ (p.77) because they will help you search for the correct
answer. Be sure you understand exactly what is being asked (Learning Express, 2007, p.78).
Example: Flowers most often bloom in:
a. Winter
b. The arctic circle
c. Spring
d. None of the above
Answer: c
The correct answer is not always absolutely true or false. When that is the case, you need to use an
elimination strategy. Cross out any answers that you know for certain are wrong. If you cannot make up
your mind between two or three alternatives, put a check mark beside the question and come back to it
at the end of the test. Sometimes you will get a clue to the answer from another test question. If time is
running out and there is no penalty for doing so, then guess (Mundsack, Deese, & Deese, 2003, p.103).
Example: The primary responsibility of the office manager is to
a. Get the CEO’s coffee promptly
b. Oversee the general operation of the office
c. Hire and fire other office staff
d. Plan the office Christmas party
Answer: b
In the above example, you can submit the stem and the options to a true/false test. You can eliminate
choices a and d by paying close attention to the key word primary in the stem of the question (a and d
are clearly not primary responsibilities.). Between the remaining two choices, the truer statement would
be that the manager oversees the general operation of the office.
Look for distracters. These are incorrect answers that are written to force you to be careful in choosing
your answer (Learning Express, 2007, p.78). Some multiple choice questions will offer choices that are
similar to or sound like the stem word or are associated with the stem word, but are not the correct
answer.
Example: The word(s) that mean(s) the same or almost the same as flammable is/are:
a. Fireproof
b. Fire resistant
c. Easily burned
d. Burning
Answer: c
It isn’t enough to know that flammable has something to do with fire. All of the options offer a choice
that has something to do with fire, but the two choices with the word fire in them are there to distract
you from the correct answer. If you eliminate them, you are left with only two options. You must then
know that the correct choice is c or you will have a 50/50 chance of selecting the correct option if you
must guess.
Beware of look-alike options, easily confused options, and tricky wordings. Some distractions may be
accurate and sound right, but not apply to the stem they are paired with. This is particularly true of
options such as “all of the above” or “none of the above”.
Example: What is chiefly responsible for the increase in the average length of life in the USA during the
last fifty years?
a. Compulsory health and physical education courses in public schools.
b. The reduced death rate among infants and young children
c. The safety movement, which has greatly reduced the number of deaths from accidents.
d. The substitution of machines for human labor.
e. All of the above
Answer: b
Beware of any absolutes such as always, never or all. These may sound right, but not be true in all
circumstances.
Example: Which of the following is a good self-care strategy?
a. Never going to bed late
b. Setting aside time for yourself
c. Always enlisting friends to help you
d. All of the above.
Answer: b
Sources
Learning Express (2007). Test-taking power strategies: Improve your test scores. NY: Learning Express.
Mundsack, A., Deese, J., & Deese, E.K. (2003). How to study and other skills for success in college (5th
ed.). NY: McGraw-Hill.
This document was compiled by Shirley “Mandy” Sexton, Ph.D.