This Study Tip concerns understanding examination questions.
Many candidates believe they understand an exam question because they read it. That false assumption usually leads to the wrong answers. To avoid these unpleasant encounters with difficult exam questions, consider taking these steps to fully comprehend these inquiries:
- For each question answered, indicate “Y” (Yes, I know the answer), “M” (Maybe I have the right answer), or “N” (No, I have not a clue) on a scratch sheet of paper. After completing all the questions, rework them in order of “M,” “N,” then “Y.”
- Read the last sentence first – particularly when approached with verbose questions – to determine what is being asked.
- Underline key words when reading the question.
- Re-read negative questions, especially those that contain the words “not” and “except.”