Negative graded Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) exams are the current trends for exams internationally. Some students fear the exam pattern because the options seem confusing, complicated and risky, especially when the exam preparation is not 100%. Here we will discuss some ways to improve the scores to solve/crack the test based on multiple choice questions (MCQ).
Having passed three of the top 20 certification exams (Sun Java, Value Engg, PMP) based on the MCQ format, I have come to the conclusion that the MCQ tests are like the driver’s license test. These test drives aren’t about whether you can start the engine, put your foot on the gas and go. On the other hand, they have to do with general understanding of the vehicle itself (i.e. exam pattern), navigation skills (when to speed up, when to slow down, be in control at all times, drive defensively) , know all the symbols and traffic rules. fast lane is only intended for passing (i.e. rush questions only when essential), yield to vehicles when necessary to be safe (skip hard questions to save time), check for potholes/obstacles /moisture on the road and slow down (i.e., beware of trick questions and do not fall for traps/distractions), fully follow the road test examiner’s instructions (follow the question instructions as to what what is expected of us) and so on. The following are the general tips on how to crack the Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) exam:
Before the exam (during preparation)
1) Thoroughly understand the exam pattern. Learn about all sections of the exam and come prepared after evaluating the exam’s negative grading scheme.
2) Understand yourself, that is, know your strengths and weaknesses. The strengths lie in being able to answer the questions in less than 30 seconds right after sleeping during preparation and the weaknesses in the history of marking wrong choices even after contemplating the questions for 2-3 minutes.
3) Perfect the art of speed, correctness and intuition. Learn a bit of probability theory to decide if the odds of success in answering a question are rewarding or reckless. There is only a thin line between intelligence and recklessness.
4) Old is gold. Try to solve the quiz from previous years to understand the format of the exam and increase speed, correctness and understand if your intuition is normally correct or incorrect. One can download the previous year’s question papers from many online sources.
5) Note that the MCQ format also tests candidates’ differentiating skills. If one can develop the skills to eliminate one or two options out of 4 options, one is well on the way to success. Even if you think the correct option is not one of the options, select the best option.
6) Few calculation based questions may have shortcuts to solve them. Similarly, many of the theoretical concepts can be learned very well using memorization tools. Everyone can remember how easy it is to learn the sequence of the colors of the rainbow using the acronym VIBGYOR (Violet Indigo Blue Green Yellow Orange Red). I designed a mnemonic list of about 50 acronyms to remember during my PMP exam with flying colors (for example, APES stands for Identification of Alternatives, Product Analysis, Expert Judgment, and Stakeholder Analysis and CEO stands for Collective Bargaining Agreements, Economic Condition, and Structure of the organization ). Speaking of our brain, the strength of the signal they transmit is determined by usage. The more a particular synapse is used, the stronger the signal it transmits. Therefore, regular practice is a must for this method.
7) Develop some time management skills during schooling as it will pay off during exams. Just as experienced cricketers hold their nerve for a long chase, he learns to time his tackles correctly. Don’t leave it all to the end, end the exam 8-10 minutes early to do some sanity checks. Few of the MCQ questions in the exams are intentionally long worded to test whether candidates can handle time pressure. My trick for such questions used to be to read the last sentence of the question first to understand what is really being asked.
8) Learn some deep breathing exercises and do them every hour for 1-2 minutes during the exam. It will refresh your mind by supplying excess oxygen. Also, yogic breathing exercises have been proven to bring a positive attitude and one can keep one’s nerves well during the exam. For me, even praying did wonders during exams.
during the exam
1) Please read the question carefully. After reading the question, briefly close your eyes and think about what was written on this topic in your notes and textbook. Many times, reading the options first can mislead you and get you wrong answers. Questions are framed to separate the wheat from the husk (i.e., in such a way that inadequately prepared students are enticed to select incorrect answers, also known as distractors. Distractors are well-written “correct-looking” choices that they are never part of the exam syllabus.
2) Try to solve the problem first as it is much faster than the removal method. If you can’t figure it out, try eliminating a couple of options and then proceed to answer that question (if the negative score is 1/4 or 1/3 of a correct answer). The odds of answering correctly are now more than a negative grading scheme (chance of success with removing one option is 33.3% and removing two options is 50% for the 4-choice exam). If all the options seem strange to you, do yourself a favor and quickly skip to the next question.
3) Be sure to read the end of the question, ie words like Except, No, Never, Always. Remember that two negative sentences form a positive sentence. Choices that use words like ‘always’ and ‘never’ are probably not the right choice, however please confirm in what limited circumstances such words are not suitable for an answer.
4) In addition to point no. 3 above, also notice the end of the option if one of the options is ‘All of the above’ and ‘None of the above’. In a fast-paced world, sometimes we go too fast in the selection of answers to regret it later, that speed should not come at the cost of correction. Realize that you have to drive within the ‘city limit’ and not try to race on the ‘Formula One Circuit’. Take time to note if two options are correct, then it is most likely ‘All of the above’ and the same for ‘None of the above’.
5) Please note that some answers (especially formulas, units, value of constants) for the problem may be available in other parts of the exam questions. This is quite true for online exams where such things are hard to avoid. They are like ‘extra runs’ and you have to take them. Therefore, simply park such questions to review later.
6) A couple of questions on the exam have options that almost appear to be ‘twins’, that is, two options are identical except for one word or value. Most likely, in such cases, the answer lies between those ‘twins’.
7) When you feel the question seems tricky or difficult, read it twice. If you think the correct option is not given because one of the options or two options seem to be correct, select the best option. Select the option that is most descriptive/qualifying and closely related to the question. Look for grammar clues that match the question. If your question is in the singular, then the answer could also be in the singular and in the same way. The answer must fully and directly address the question. In case the choice is only partially correct under specific narrow conditions, then it may not be the correct choice.
8) In general, try to try the theory questions first and then the questions that require calculus. Our human nature is such that if we try a few safe questions at the beginning, we feel charged with positive energy which in turn increases our efficiency and speed for the rest of the exam.
9) Last but not least, remain calm and composed during the test. Feel safe while taking the test. Don’t panic if you’ve left questions unanswered, as no one is perfect and many have to. Just make sure the ones you’ve done are correct and you can get the target marks.
In a nutshell, one can master MCQ tests by knowing the subject thoroughly and practicing it under simulated conditions several times (the more, the better). If the above rules are followed with due seriousness, your performance in MCQ based exams can certainly be improved.
Good luck for the exams.
