Cover up the bank of possible answers prior to reading the question. Decide the correct answer before ever looking at the choices. After reading and deciding on the answer, look at the available answers. If one of the answers matches the one previously decided upon, it is probably the correct one.
This test-taking technique helps the reader understand the question before deciding on any of the given answers and results in a more thorough understanding of the problem.
"Never," "none," "always" and "none of the above" are absolutes that are usually not correct on a multiple-choice test. "All of the above" is a good choice if more than one answer given is correct. Conditional words, on the other hand, are typically a good choice for an answer. "Sometimes," "at times," "usually" and "probably" are choices that are correct many times, according to instructors at the University of Wisconsin.
If, after reading the question, the predetermined answer is not available, reread the question. Ensure that you have interpreted every word correctly. If the answer is still not clear, try to eliminate all but two answers. Find the choice which answers the question most completely.
If none of the above steps reveal the proper answer, choose "B" or "C." Most test makers display the proper answer as one of these selections, according to instructors at the University of Wisconsin. Choose the same letter, "B" or "C," each time you guess on a particular test. This will increase the probability that at least one answer will be correct.