How to Eliminate Multiple-Choice Answer Choices Like a Pro

How to Eliminate Multiple-Choice Answer Choices Like a Pro As test-takers, weve all encountered difficult questions and questions we just dont know the answer to. Weve also come across questions whose answers seem to be at the tip of our tongue, but we just cant decide between two or more choices. Here are some strategies you can use that will help you eliminate multiple-choice answer choices in smart and effective ways. 1. Reread to better understand the question Before eliminating any answer choices, make sure you understand the question to the best of your ability. If youre able to, highlight, underline, and/or circle key words in the question to make sure you dont miss any significant parts. Look for words like not or except that would flip the entire meaning of a question. In addition, look for possible answer choices like all of the above and none of the above. Knowing the question, as well as the layout of your answers, can help you better understand what to look for and prevent careless mistakes. [RELATED: Important Habits of Effective Test-Takers] 2. Take away any obviously wrong answers Begin by eliminating any answers that you just know are wrong. This may not happen in every case; sometimes youre not sure if any choices are wrong, and thats okay. If you do, though, take advantage of mentally or physically crossing said answer(s) out on the page. This will help you focus solely on the remaining answers and increase your chances of choosing the right answer from those still left. 3. Look for absolutes Check your answer choices for words like never, all, every, always, or none. These are likely not to be the correct answer. This is not to say that every answer that includes absolute words is incorrect (so keep on a lookout!), its more that they often do not allow for subtlety or complexity as other answers often do, and they can be extreme. 4. Check for unrelated or extreme information In the same breath, youll want to look for answer choices that are outliers. If the answer choice seems like a true statement, greatbut make sure it is definitely related to the question. Sometimes, writers of tests can trick students into choosing an answer that seems correct, but has little to do with the question. At the same time, look for answers that offer extreme information. Often, theres one answer choice that seems very different from the rest. This one is often incorrect, as tests are more about having you discern between a few very similar answer choices, rather than choosing one obviously right answer. 5. Use information from other questions to help If youve already eliminated one or more choices, but are still not sure which of the remaining is correct, skip and come back. Sometimes, later questions can illuminate this one question youre struggling with. A reading passage or even an answer choice from a different question can offer information that can help you, or at the very least, jog your memory. When youre struggling with how to eliminate multiple-choice answer choices, dont fret! As calmly as you can, begin eliminating answers. Keep in mind that some tests do not penalize you for wrong answers (like the new 2016 SAT), while other tests deduct points (or a fraction of points) from wrong answers, so that can help you decide whether to make an educated guess or leave a question blank. Good luck!