The following is from Reading and Study Skills, 7^th Edition, by John Langan

Specific Hints for Answering Multiple-Choice Questions

1. Remember that a perfect answer to every question may not be provided in multiple-choice exams. You must choose the best answer available.

2 Cross out answers you know are incorrect. Eliminating answers is helpful because it focuses your attention on the most reasonable options. If you think all options are incorrect, the correct answer is "none of the above."

3 Be sure to read all the possible answers to a question, especially when the first answer is correct. Remember that the other options could also be correct. In this case, "all of the above" would be the correct response.

4. Minimize the risk of guessing the answer to difficult items by doing either of the following:

a Read the question and then the first possible answer. Next, read the question again and the second possible answer and so on until you have read the question with each separate answer. Breaking the items down this way will often help you identify the option that most logically answers the question.

b. Try not to look at the answers when you return to difficult items. Instead, read the question, supply your own answer, and then look for the option on the test that is closest to your response.

5. Use the following clues, which may signal correct answers, only when you have no idea of the answer and must guess.

a. The longest answer is often correct.

Use this clue to answer the following question: The key reason students who are well-prepared still don't do well on exams is that they (a) are late to the test, (b) don't have all their materials, (c) forget to jot down catchphrases, (d) haven't studied enough, (e) don't read all the directions before they begin the test.

The correct answer is e, the longest answer.

b. The most complete and inclusive answer is often correct.

Use this clue to answer the following question: If you have to cram for

a test, which of these items should receive most of your attention? (a) The instructor's tests from other years, (b) important ideas in the class and text notes, including such things as key terms, their definitions, and clarifying examples, (c) the textbook, (d) class notes, (e) textbook notes.

The correct answer is b, the most complete and inclusive choice. Note that the most complete answer is often also the longest.

c. An answer in the middle, especially if it is longest, is often correct.

Use this clue to answer the following question: Many students have trouble with objective tests because they (a) guess when they're not sure, (b) run out of time, (c) think objective exams are easier than essay tests and so do not study enough, (d) forget to double-check their answers, (e) leave difficult questions to the end.

The correct answer is c, which is in the middle and is longest.

d. If two answers have opposite meanings, one of them is probably correct.

Use this clue to answer the following question: Before an exam starts, you should (a) sit in a quiet spot, (b) join a group of friends and talk about the test, (c) review the textbook one last time, (d) read a book and relax, (e) study any notes you didn't have time for previously.

The correct answer is a. Note that a and b are roughly opposite.

e. Answers with qualifiers, such as generally, probably, most, often, some, sometimes, and usually, are frequently correct.

• Use this clue to answer the following question: In multiple-choice questions, the most complete and inclusive answer is (a) never correct, (b) often correct, (c) always correct, (d) all of the above, (e) none of the above.

The correct answer is b, the choice with the qualifying word often. Note also that answers with absolute words, such as all, always, everyone, everybody, never, no one, nobody, none, and only, are usually incorrect.

• Use this clue to answer the following question: In multiple-choice questions, the answer in the middle with the most words is (a) always correct, (b) always incorrect, (c) frequently correct, (d) never wrong, (e) never right.

The correct answer is c; all the other answers use absolute words and are incorrect.