Some people absolutely fear essay questions. The idea that all of the answers must spring forth from one’s own mind is terrifying to some test-takers. However, some people, myself included, become anxiety-ridden when faced with a multiple choice test. Those four choices that could all possibly be the correct answer; all of the answers look the same and can somehow be rationalized to be the correct answer. Multiple choice examinations can make the smartest person second-guess him/herself. What can we do to build our own self-esteem when it comes to taking multiple choice tests?
Answer Easy Questions First
Sometimes the first question we read can make our knees start to tremble and our courage fade away. If we are faced with a difficult first question, our minds begins to race. Did we study enough? Why does the answer not just leap out at us? How come all of the answers seem like they could be correct? When faced with a multiple choice test, you must peruse the exam quickly and figure out what answers DO just leap out at you and answer those first. If a question is difficult, skip it. Answering the easier questions first ensures that you get all of the “easy” points out of the way. Answering those easy questions first also gives you a boost of self-confidence.
Do Not Look at the Choices
Read the question only. If you have to cover the answers while you read the question, do it. Before you even scan the possible answers, answer the question and jot down the answer and then look for the answer you have come up with in the answer choices given. Reading the possible choices before you have had time to come up with your own version of the answer can prove fatal. Seeing the available choices may cloud your judgement and you may decide an answer is right, just because it was one of the choices.
Trust Yourself
How many times can you remember this scenario? You answer a question and then five minutes later you second-guess yourself and go back and change the answer. You get your exam back and you would have gotten the question right if you had just stuck with your original educated guess. Unless you are POSITIVE you have chosen an incorrect answer to begin with, never change your answer. Trust your gut instinct. More times than not, it will not fail you.
Answer All Questions
If you are coming to the end of the examination and time is running out, make sure you answer every single question. Not answering a multiple choice question is a sure zero points for that question. At least by answering the question, you have a one in four chance that it is correct! Always keep in mind that the correct answer is, indeed, one of the choices. You do not have to come up with the answer out of thin air. It is available, but it is up to you to determine which one is correct.
