Types of multiple choice questions

Types of multiple choice

questions

True / Falseselect EITHER the 'true' (correct) OR the 'false' (incorrect) answer.

eg. True or false: Zafirlukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist.

Odd one outYou need to establish a pattern amongst answer alternatives and then choose which answer option is the 'odd one out'. Common examples are number or object patterns or sequences in intelligence tests.

Most AccurateIn subjects where exact answers are less likely, you may be asked to choose the 'most accurate' answer to a question. eg:Which of the following options provides the best description of hypnosis?

a) high suggestibilityb) mind controlc) hallucinatory sleepd) deep sleep

Grid formatThese questions provide a set of solutions based on sets of answers being correct. eg. Tissue oedema may result from:

1) protein-deficient diet2) local accumulation of metabolites3) loss of sympathetic vasomotor tone4) venous congestion

Which of the following is most correct?

Answer 1 if A is correctAnswer 2 if A and C are correctAnswer 3 if A, B and C are correctAnswer 4 if D is correctAnswer 5 if A and D are correct

Extension questionsThese questions require you to, for example, complete a sentence. eg. A business organisation which exchanges inputs and outputs with its environment and has the ability to adjust to changes in the environment is called:

• a) an adaptive system• b) a closed system• c) an open system• d) a controlled and responsive system• e) an open and adaptive system

When you don’t know the answer…

As with all exams you should always make a calculated guess rather than leave an question blank. Here are some tips to help you guess 'intelligently'.

Use a process of elimination

Which answer is most likely to be correct?Is it in the right range?Does it sound reasonable?

Be wary of extremes and generalisations

Words like ‘always’, ‘only’, ‘never’ indicate that the answer is less likely to be correct.

Favour look-alike optionsWhich of the following is least likely to be correct, given that three of them deal with aspects of the same topic?

a) Tourismb) Touristsc) Tourism promotersd) Fairy Penguins

Favour more inclusive optionsWhich of these is more likely to be correct?

a) An adaptive systemb) An open systemc) A closed systemd) An open and adaptive system