EXCELLENT ANSWERS - BEST PRACTICES FOR GIVING THE PERFECT ANSWERS IN A TEST
- Nov 6
- 6 min read
Disclaimer: this blog post is for educational purposes only, and does not constitute as creating a mentoring, tutoring, training, or teaching relationship, nor promising a better grade to students in a course. Dr. Moran Sciamama Saghiv does not take upon himself any responsibility for the future educational performance of any person that has read this blog post and has tried to implement it.
You face a test, and the clock is ticking. How do you make sure your answers stand out as clear, accurate, and complete? Answering college or university-level questions well, requires more than just knowing the material. It demands strategy tailored to each question type. Whether you encounter multiple choice, true or false, short answer, matching, or fill in the blanks, knowing how to approach each can boost your confidence and your score. This guide walks you through practical steps to answer these common question types effectively. You will learn how to read questions carefully, manage your time, and avoid common pitfalls. By the end, you will have a toolbox of best practices to help you deliver excellent answers every time.
Before addressing each question type separately, I wish to share that from my experience of many years, the number one mistake that students make, by far, is not taking the time to read the question multiple time, not understand it properly, and thus, not answering the actual question.
Regardless of the type of questions, practice the following:
Do not assume that the teacher/professor will "know what you meant". You are most likely going to be graded according to what you actually wrote, not what you claim you meant.
Try keeping your answers as short as possible (if and when possible), and avoid using "big" words or terms. Do not try to impress the teacher/professor with your language (unless it is part of the expectations), yet use professional terms and avoid slang as much as possible.
Make sure that any given examples actually meet the criterion/criteria indicated for the required example.
Avoid using phrases that do not actually have any meaning or content, such as "etc." "and more", and "you know".
if the exam/quiz in of pen and paper, use highlighters to emphasize words/phrases/terms that "stand out".
If taking the quiz/exam online or digitally, write down words/phrases/terms that "stand out" on a legal pad or paper.
invest about 1/3 of the time allocated to reading the question multiple times, understanding it, and emphasizing words/phrases/terms that "stand out".
If possible and allowed, ask the exam/quiz proctor clarification questions if you are not 100% sure you understood the question and/or what it is actually "asking for".
Proofread your answer before submitting. Check again, that you answered the actual question.
If you are not sure what the right answer is after a while (10-20% of the time allocated), move on, and circle back to that question.
How to Answer Multiple Choice Questions
Multiple choice questions often test your ability to recognize the best answer among several options. They can be tricky because some choices may seem correct at first glance. To lower the chances of making a mistake, and increase your chances of success, try to implement the following actions:
Read the question carefully: Focus on what the question asks. Look for keywords such as except, not, never, or always that change the meaning.
Try to answer before looking at options: Think about the answer in your own words first. This helps you avoid being misled by distractors.
Eliminate clearly wrong answers: Cross out options that are obviously incorrect. This improves your chances if you need to guess.
Watch for qualifiers: Words such as all, none, only, never, or usually affect the truth of a statement. Be cautious with absolute terms.
Check for similar options: Sometimes two choices are very close. Compare them carefully to find subtle differences.
Don’t overthink: Your first instinct is often right. Avoid changing answers unless you find clear evidence. For example, if a question asks which process does not occur in photosynthesis, identify the processes you know happen and eliminate those options. The remaining choice is likely correct.
How to Approach True or False Questions
True or false questions test your ability to judge statements quickly. They require precision because one wrong word can change the meaning. To lower the chances of making a mistake, and increase your chances of success, try to implement the following actions:
Look for absolute words: Words such as always, never, all, or none often make a statement false. Real-world facts usually have exceptions.
Focus on every part of the statement: If any part of the sentence is false, the whole statement is false.
Use your knowledge to verify facts: Recall definitions, formulas, or key concepts to confirm the truth. Remember - an equation/formula is a definition in its own right.
Be cautious with negatives: Double negatives or tricky wording can confuse you. Read the statement slowly and carefully.
Avoid guessing blindly: If unsure, try to recall related facts or eliminate obviously false statements. For instance, the statement “All mammals lay eggs” is false because most mammals give birth to live young, except monotremes. Spotting this exception helps you answer correctly.
Check your explanation: When the question also requires that you explain your choice or "back it up", make sure that there is no contradiction between what you chose (true vs false) and your explanation. In addition, repeating the essence of the statement, is not an explanation. Using an explanation that includes an internal contradiction, is the same as not explaining at all.
How to Write Short Answer Questions
Short answer questions require you to provide concise, clear responses. They test your understanding and ability to communicate key points. To lower the chances of making a mistake, and increase your chances of success, try to implement the following actions:
Answer the question directly: Start by restating the question in your own words briefly, then provide the answer.
Use keywords and terms from the course: This shows you understand the material and use correct terminology.
Be concise but complete: Include all necessary information without adding irrelevant details.
Organize your answer logically: Use bullet points or numbered lists if allowed to make your answer easy to read.
Check spelling and grammar: Errors can distract from your answer and lower your score. For example, if asked “What are the main causes of World War I?” list key causes like nationalism, alliances, imperialism, and the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, briefly explaining each.
How to Handle Matching or Pairing Questions
Matching questions test your ability to connect related concepts, terms, or events. To lower the chances of making a mistake, and increase your chances of success, try to implement the following actions:
Review all options before matching: Read both columns carefully to understand all choices.
Start with the easiest matches: Identify pairs you are sure about first to reduce options for the harder ones.
Look for clues in wording: Similar words, dates, or definitions can guide your matches.
Avoid repeating matches: Most matching questions require unique pairs. Don’t use the same answer twice unless instructed.
Double-check your matches: Make sure each pair makes sense and fits the question’s context. For example, if matching authors to their works, recognize famous titles and pair them with the correct author before guessing on less familiar ones.
How to Fill in the Blanks Effectively
Fill in the blanks test your recall and understanding of specific facts or terms. To lower the chances of making a mistake, and increase your chances of success, try to implement the following actions:
Read the sentence carefully: Understand the context and what type of word fits (noun, verb, adjective).
Use clues from surrounding words: Grammar and meaning can guide your choice.
Think of key terms from your study materials: Recall vocabulary, dates, formulas, or names relevant to the topic.
Write legibly and clearly: If handwriting, make sure your answer is easy to read.
Avoid overthinking: Often the simplest, most direct answer is correct. For example, in the sentence “The capital of France is ___,” the blank clearly calls for a place name, so “Paris” fits perfectly.
Final Tips for Test Success
Manage your time: Allocate time based on question type and point value. Don’t spend too long on any one question.
Answer all questions: Even if unsure, make an educated guess. Leaving blanks guarantees no points.
Review your answers if time allows: Check for careless mistakes or missed questions.
Stay calm and focused: Stress can cloud your thinking. Take deep breaths and keep a steady pace.
Practice regularly: Familiarity with question types improves speed and accuracy.
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