Case Studies

3.2.2.2 Question-reading strategies

Not taking enough time to read each question closely can cause you to miss key words and therefore choose a wrong response. Here are some guidelines for reading each question.

• If the question uses confusing grammar such as double negatives, say the question to yourself in the positive.
• Underline key words in the question so they stand out from other possibly distracting, words and help you get clear on what is being asked.
• Since ‘distractors’ may be intentionally inserted into the question to test your ability to sort the useful information from the useless, try to get a sense of what is relevant and what is not in the wording of the question.
• If none of the alternatives fit the question, go back and re-read the question to emphasise more precisely what the question is asking for and then re-read the alternative answers.
• Note words in the question such as ‘not’, ‘always’, ‘never’, ‘everyone’, etc. These specific qualifiers should guide your choice of answer.
• Note whether the question is asking for only one answer or whether several or all the answers could be correct.