Objective tests are those that require the test taker to choose from a number of predetermined responses. The correct answers have been decided before the test. Objective tests are typically straightforward for both those taking and those grading the tests. There are a number of strategies that those taking objective tests can use to help increase their chances for success.

Objective Test Taking Strategies

There are a number of types of questions that can be included in a typical objective test.

In this article, we will focus on strategies for true-false, matching, and multiple choice questions.

General Strategies

• Before you begin your test, it is a good idea to take a quick look through the entire test that you will be taking. This can help you decide how much time you can spend on each section of the test. For example, if you find that there is a number of short answer questions at the end of the test, then you will want to make sure that you leave enough time to finish those. Also, you will want to try and leave around five minutes to go back through the test at the end.
• Go through the test one time and answer all those questions that you absolutely know first. At the same time, place a mark next to each harder question so that you remember to come back to them. In this way, you will make sure that you do not miss easy questions that might be at the end of the test.
• When you read each question, make sure to underline key words. This is especially true for words like 'always', 'never', and 'not'.

True-False Questions

True-False or Yes-No Questions only allow for two possible answers. Therefore, guessing on one of these gives you a 50% chance to be correct. However, teachers can be tricky when writing true-false questions, so make sure to use the following tips when you meet these types of questions:

• It is very important to read the sentence closely. Underline all key words such as 'all', 'never', and 'always'.
• If you are unsure of the answer, and you see a question that uses an absolute word like 'always' or 'never', this is a hint that the answer could be false. For example, in the question, "True/False: Punxsutawney Phil always sees his shadow on Groundhog Day," the presence of the word 'always should be a clue that this is false.
• If you are unsure of the answer, and the question uses less absolute words such as 'generally' or 'might', then this is a hint that the answer could be true.

Matching Questions

Matching questions require a bit of coordination since you are dealing with more than one question at the same time. Here are a number of steps that you can take to increase your chances of success:

1. Read the question first. Make sure that you underline any key words and that you understand exactly what the instructor wants before moving on.
2. Do not feel that you have to match from the left column to the right column. Instead, pick the column that you think will be the easiest to match to. One strategy is to work from the column that is longer and pick the correct answers from the shorter column so that it is quicker to match them up.
3. Make the easiest matches first, skipping any you are unsure of. Make sure that you clearly mark when you have matched something. If allowed, draw a line through the choices you have already used.
4. Make your best guess for the rest of the choices that are left.

Multiple Choice Questions

Multiple choice questions are the most common type of objective test questions. Students are typically presented with a question stem and three to five possible answers. Make sure before you begin the test that you understand if there are any penalties for guessing. Following are some great tips and strategies for this question type:

• Underline all key words like 'not' and 'always'.
• Underline if there is more than one correct answer required.
• Read through all the possible answers before selecting the correct one. This is especially important if 'all of the above' is a choice on the question.
• Draw a line through each answer you know is not correct.
• Look at the wording of the answers. Sometimes, if there are two answers that say exactly the opposite of each other than it might be likely that one of them is correct.
• Of the choices that are left, make your best guess. There are a number of strategies that can help with this guessing:
  1. Go with your first instinct. Some test takers believe that you should go with your gut to give yourself the best chance possible.
  2. Pick the longest answer. This is especially true when the test is not directly from a textbook.
  3. Pick one answer and stick with it. For example, always choose 'C'. Of course, if you have eliminated 'C' as a possible answer, pick another one.

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