Negatively scored multiple choice question (MCQ) exams are the current trends for exams internationally. Some students fear the test pattern because the options seem confusing, complicated and risky, especially when the test preparation is not 100%. Here we will discuss some ways to improve the scores to solve/crack the multiple choice question (MCQ) based exam.

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 just like the driver’s license test. These test drives are not about whether you can start the engine, put your foot on the accelerator and go. On the other hand, they have to do with the general understanding of the vehicle itself (i.e. the examination pattern), navigation skills (when to speed up, when to slow down, being in control at all times, driving defensively) , know all the symbols and traffic rules. fast lane is only intended for passing (i.e. hurry questions only when essential), yield to vehicles when necessary to be safe (skip difficult questions to save time), look for potholes/obstacles /wet road and slow down (i.e., beware of trick questions and don’t fall for traps/distractions), fully follow the road test examiner’s instructions (follow the question’s 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. Know all sections of the exam and come prepared after evaluating the negative exam mark scheme.

2) Understand yourself, that is, know your strengths and weaknesses. The strength lies in that he was able to answer the questions in less than 30 seconds right after sleeping during the preparation and the weaknesses in that he had a history of marking incorrect options even after contemplating the questions for 2-3 minutes.

3) Perfect the art of speed, correction and intuition. Learn a little probability theory to decide if the chances of success in answering a question are rewarding or reckless. There is only a fine line between intelligence and recklessness.

4) Old is gold. Try to solve the previous years quiz to understand the exam format and increase speed, correctness and understand if your intuition is normally correct or incorrect. One can download the previous year question papers from multitude of online sources.

5) Keep in mind that the MCQ format also tests the differentiating skills of the candidates. If one can develop the skills of eliminating one or two options out of 4 options, one is 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 great success (for example, APES stands for Alternative Identification, 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 school as it will pay off during exams. Just like experienced cricketers keep their nerve for a long chase, he learns to pace his innings correctly. Don’t leave everything until last, finish the exam 8-10 minutes before time to do some sanity checks. Few of the MCQ questions in the exams are intentionally long written 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 actually being asked.

8) Learn some deep breathing exercises and do it every hour for 1-2 minutes during the exam. It will refresh your mind by supplying excess oxygen. Also, yogic breathing exercises have been shown 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 through 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 students with inadequate preparation are lured into selecting wrong answers, also known as distractors. Distractors are well-worded “right-looking” options that they are never part of the exam syllabus.

2) You should try to solve the problem first as it is much faster than the removal method. If you can’t figure it out, try removing a couple of options and then proceed to answer that question (if the negative rating is 1/4 or 1/3 of a correct answer). The chances of answering correctly are now more than a negative mark scheme (the chance of success with removing one option is 33.3% and removing two options is 50% for the 4 option exam). If all the options seem strange to you, do yourself a favor by skipping 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 make a positive sentence. Choices that use words like ‘always’ and ‘never’ are probably not the correct choice, however please confirm under what limited circumstances such words are not suitable for an answer.

4) In addition to point no. 3 above, also note 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 later, that speed should not be at the cost of correctness. Realize that you have to drive within the ‘city limit’ and not try to race on the ‘Formula One Circuit’. Spend time looking at if two options are correct, then 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 ‘bonus runs’ and you have to take them. So, just park such questions to review later.

6) A couple of quiz questions have choices that almost look like ‘twins’, ie two choices are identical except for one word or one value. Most likely, in such cases, the answer lies between those ‘twins’.

7) When you feel that the question seems tricky or difficult, read it twice. If you believe that the correct option is not given because one or two of the options appear 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 theoretical questions first and then the questions that need 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, stay 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 multiple times (more is 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.