ISEE Tip of the Week: How to Tackle Multiple Choice

The ISEE is a multiple choice test; to answer such questions correctly, you will need a clear strategy that can be adapted to each section. When faced with a multiple choice question, we recommend the following strategies. In case you missed it, last week we wrote about multiple choice tips for the SSAT.

Predict the Answer

• After reading the question, see if you can predict the answer before reading the answer choices

Eliminate Wrong Answers

• Even if you think you know the answer, always read through every answer choice and eliminate wrong answers
• When you eliminate an answer, make sure you understand and could explain why it’s wrong
• Answer every question—there is no penalty for guessing incorrectly!

Check your Answer

• When you have chosen your answer, look back at the question and make sure that your choice correctly answers the question
• If not, look back at the answers you eliminated and re-evaluate each of them

Integrating this consistent system of elimination into your test-taking is an important way to improve your performance on multiple choice questions! It can be adapted to the verbal, reading, and quantitative sections, so make sure you practice this method for each of the sections.