Multiple-choice questions ask you to select the answer that best matches information in the passage. You may need to choose one, two, or three options, and the task may ask you to complete a sentence or answer a question. Follow the instructions closely so you know how many options to mark.
Skills You Need
These questions test whether you can understand the passage’s main ideas and locate specific details. Several options may seem plausible, so read the relevant part carefully before deciding.
Common Mistakes
- Reading before checking the questions: You may spend time on details that do not help you find the answers.
- Choosing an option because it repeats the passage’s wording: Similar keywords do not guarantee that the option has the right meaning.
- Stopping halfway through a sentence: Words such as but and however can change the point being made.
- Ignoring qualifying words: Terms such as all, most, always, and sometimes affect how strong a statement is.
- Leaving questions unanswered: If you are unsure, make your best choice. There is no penalty for a wrong answer.
Tips
- Read the questions before searching the passage.
- Skim the text to understand its overall subject.
- Mark key words in both the questions and answer choices.
- Think of synonyms that the passage might use.
- Compare the meaning of the choices, especially when two seem close.
- Predict what kind of information would answer the question.
- Read the relevant lines in context, including the whole sentence.
- Check why the other options do not fit.
- Notice whether the question asks about a fact or someone’s opinion.
- Questions often follow the order of information in the passage, which can help you find the next answer.
A Step-by-Step Method
- Read each question and note what it asks.
- Skim the passage for its main idea.
- Identify key words in the question and consider possible paraphrases.
- Read the answer choices and compare their meanings.
- Predict what the passage should say.
- Scan for the section that contains the relevant information.
- Read that section carefully and compare it with each option.
- Eliminate choices that conflict with the passage or add unsupported claims.
- Reread the question and select your final answer.
If you do not know much about the passage’s topic, focus on the information in the text. The task tests reading comprehension, not prior knowledge.