Unlike many other types of exam, it is possible to gain 100% for multiple choice question (MCQ) exams. This can help your motivation when preparing for them.
Consider which of the strategies below you can use more effectively for your own revision.
1. Focus your reading to sharpen recall
MCQs test knowledge in precise ways. Rather than simply browsing through your course notes, use more focused approaches.
- Read notes and texts in shorter bursts
- Pause frequently to consider whether the material would lend itself to an MCQ
- Jot down onto cards any MCQs that occur to you, using one card for each question and answer
2. Plan to manage breadth
For MCQs you generally need to revise everything.
Click the icons on the tree for strategies to help you manage this.
3. Test your understanding
- Check that you understand the significance of theories, concepts, theorems, case studies and research studies relevant to your subject. Scan your lecture notes, the module summary and past papers to see what recurs. Some may have had more lecture time devoted to them than others, and that can give you an indication of how important they are
- Consider how you would test someone else’s understanding of these through multiple choice or true/false questions
4. Design your own MCQs
Designing your own MCQs in the style of past papers helps you to work in an active way with course material and to remember it.
It also helps you to enter the mindset of the examiners and to anticipate the kinds of questions that you can prepare for.
- Check how past papers were designed and worded
- Devise sets of closed questions and answers. Write these on cards and use them to test yourself
- Revise with other students: share your screen and test each other over a video call. For helpful tips on group revision, see the page 'Revising with others'
- Think about what you would consider as ‘trick’ questions – and prepare for these
My journal
Which of these revision strategies will you use, or adapt, for future MCQ exams? Record your thoughts in the box below.
Achieving peak performance
We all approach exams differently. Before continuing, you may wish to consider some common preparation points and build your five-step plan for peak performance.
Unlike many other types of exam, it is possible to gain 100% for multiple choice question (MCQ) exams. This can help your motivation when preparing for them.
Consider which of the strategies below you can use more effectively for your own revision.
Focus your reading to sharpen recall
MCQs test knowledge in precise ways. Rather than simply browsing through your course notes, use more focused approaches.
- Read notes and texts in shorter bursts
- Pause frequently to consider whether the material would lend itself to an MCQ
- Jot down onto cards any MCQs that occur to you, using one card for each question and answer
Plan to manage breadth
For MCQs you generally need to revise everything. To help manage this:
- Keep up with coursework week by week
- Review your notes regularly to refresh your memory of what was covered
- Summarise key points onto cards, or create electronic flashcards using an app such as Quizlet. Use these regularly to quiz yourself and identify weaker spots which would benefit from more targeted revision
Test your understanding
- Check that you understand the significance of theories, concepts, theorems, case studies and research studies relevant to your subject
- Consider how you would test someone else’s understanding of these through multiple choice or true/false questions
Design your own MCQs
Designing your own MCQs in the style of past papers helps you to work in an active way with course material and to remember it. It also helps you to enter the mindset of the examiners and to anticipate the kinds of questions that you can prepare for.
- Check how past papers were designed and worded
- Devise sets of closed questions and answers. Write these on cards and use them to test yourself
- Revise with other students: share your screen and test each other over a video call. For helpful tips on group revision, see the page 'Revising with others'
- Think about what you would consider as ‘trick’ questions – and prepare for these
My journal
Which of these strategies will you use, or adapt, for future MCQ exams?
Achieving peak performance
We all approach exams differently. Before continuing, you may wish to consider some common preparation points and build your five-step plan for peak performance.