Transcript Multiple Choice: Eliminating Extremes

Multiple Choice: Eliminating
Extremes
Multiple Choice Items
• Provide the test-taker with 3 - 5 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)
b)
c)
d)
dogs
cats
dwarves
elf
Eliminating answers
The length of an Earth day is
determined by the time
required for approximately
one
a)
b)
c)
d)
earth rotation
falling star
sun rotation
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.