Multiple choice questions: here's what you need to know

Familiarise yourself with what examiners are looking for
Examine the structure of multiple choice questions (MCQs)
Devise strategies for tackling MCQ exams
Read about how other students approach MCQ exams

Alphabet soup with the letters ABC on a spoon

Multiple choice: an easy option?

Stop and take stock

What is your approach to MCQ exams?
Does this work well enough?
If not, what do you think could be better about your strategy?

Tip 1: Rephrase the question and think about key words connected to those in the question. These approaches may help to jog your memory about that topic area

Tip 2: Read the question again, and take a moment to try to answer the question without looking at the options

Tip 3: If there are many options, eliminate the least plausible ones then concentrate on deciding between those that remain

Stop and take stock

What is your approach to MCQ exams?
Does this work well enough?
What could be better about your strategy?

What are examiners looking for?

You may be asked to answer MCQs as a separate exam paper or as one set of questions within a paper that combines short and longer answers.

Understanding what examiners are looking for can build your confidence and help you feel in control of the exam.

Click the icons in the image below to find out which skills your examiners are looking for.

Breadth of knowledge
Understanding
Problem-solving skills
Thinking skills
Attention to detail

MCQs can be spread across all or most of your course material, so examiners can test that you have engaged with all aspects of your programme of study.

MCQs are designed to check your understanding, rather than your ability to recall facts.

You could be presented with a text, case study or images and asked questions that test your ability to interpret the information based on knowledge and skills gained through your programme.

MCQs can test your ability to apply theoretical knowledge to a practical problem or to use mathematical formulae.

MCQ exams are often designed to be challenging, encouraging you to think carefully and reason logically.

They can also test a broad range of work-related situations, drawing on case studies and practical issues you could encounter in the workplace. Questions can be designed and clustered to check your ability to apply the right approach to the context.

Items that appear to be ‘trick’ questions are often worded that way in order to test your attention to detail.

Where do I start?

Begin with ‘What does a multiple choice question look like?’. On this page, you’ll find a handy strategy for unpicking questions, and example MCQs from different disciplines.

Then, review ‘Revising for multiple choice question exams’. You’ll find plenty of pointers for enhancing your approach to MCQ exams on this page.

Finally, discover how other students tackle multiple choice question exams and avoid common pitfalls by reading ‘An action plan for the exam’.