Multiple Choice: Eliminating Extremes

Multiple Choice Items Provide the test-taker with possible answers Must choose the best possible answer Checks student’s knowledge about a particular subject Objective – there is one correct answer

Eliminating answers Underline keywords in the questions Read all choices Cross off incorrect choices – There may be two that you know are incorrect. – Eliminating just two answers gives you a better chance at choosing the correct answer.

Eliminating answers Use the process of elimination (POE) – Is the choice too general? – Does it conflict with what was read? – Does it repeat another choice in different words? – Is it too extreme or absurd?

Eliminating answers Be careful of negative words and phrases such as none of the above, not, and never. – None of the above will indicate that no other choice is correct. Be sure about making this choice. – Never is an absolute statement. Can you think of a time when the answer may actually happen? If yes, cross off this choice.

Eliminating answers Be careful of superlatives words and phrases such as all of the above, more, always, and only. – Always is an absolute statement. Absolute statements may not be correct. – All of the above means every choice given is correct. If you know two choices are correct, choose this one.

Eliminating answers Look for repeated words in choices. – This may indicate that one of the choices is correct. Check to see if the answer is a grammatical fit with the question. – Snow White lived with seven a)dogs b)cats c)dwarves d)elf

Eliminating answers The length of an Earth day is determined by the time required for approximately one a)earth rotation b)falling star c)sun rotation d)24-hour period Notice rotation is repeated in two choices. Falling stars have nothing to do with the length of the day. The sun does not rotate. Earth rotation is the best answer.