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Think Like an
Examiner: Multiple-
choice Question Tips
A N S W E R I N G M U L T I P L E C H O I C E
Q U E S T I O N S - T I P S & S T R A T E G I E S
Tip #1: Pay close attention to the question/instructions
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The instructions may say to select the best answer or the most appropriate answer. This means one or
more of the answers may be correct, but the answer that is most relevant to the scenario and more
inclusive is generally the best choice to select.
Question: "Which of the following best describes the duty of care owed by a lawyer to their
client?" Here, you need to select the most comprehensive and accurate option relevant to a
lawyer’s duty of care in the scenario, not just any correct statement.
Alternatively, the instructions may say to select the correct answer, and therefore you know there’s only
one true and correct answer.
Question: “Which of the following best describes the purpose of a "holdback" in Ontario
construction law?” Again, you’d want to select the most accurate and relevant option regarding
holdbacks.
a) To ensure project completion
b) To provide security for unpaid subcontractors and suppliers
c) To retain funds for potential deficiency corrections
d) To secure funds for potential lien claimants
Here, options b and d are look-alikes as both relate to securing payment, but d) is more specific
to the purpose of holdbacks.
Tip #2: Answer each question in your mind before looking at the answer choices (for
easy to medium difficulty questions)
Once you read the question stem, try to formulate your own answer before looking at the answer
choices. This helps prevent bias from the given choices and allows you to compare your independent
thought with the provided answer choices. After formulating your own answer, try to find an answer
choice that’s worded as closely to the answer you had in mind.
If asked about the elements of a general partnership, mentally list them before reading the
answer choices.
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Tip #4: Treat answer choices as true or false statements
Look at each answer choice on its own and determine whether the choice itself is a true or false
statement.
Tip #3: Read the entire question stem and all the answer choices carefully before
selecting the correct answer
The stem is the part of the question that presents the problem or scenario.
Reading all choices helps you understand the full context of the question.
This approach prevents hasty decisions based on the first seemingly correct answer.
If an answer choice is true, then mark it and continue examining the other answer choices before
selecting your answer.
If there are at least two answer choices that you find to be true statements, select the most
relevant/complete/precise and/or applicable answer choice based on the question stem and
question/fact scenario.
If an answer choice is false (regardless if it’s just one tiny inaccuracy), then you can eliminate it.
Tip #5: Process of elimination
If the answer you had in mind is not listed as an answer choice, you can’t think of an answer, or you’re
unsure of the correct answer among the choices given, then use the process of elimination to get you
closer to the correct answer.
Eliminate irrelevant, extreme, unfamiliar, or silly options
Cross off clearly incorrect answers:
Use your knowledge to identify and remove wrong options. This increases your chances of
selecting the correct answer from the remaining choices.
Question: “Which of the following is NOT a requirement for a creditor to file a bankruptcy
application against a debtor?” Answer choices might include valid requirements, such as the
debtor being an insolvent person, and, of course, an answer choice with invalid requirements.
Eliminate the known valid requirements to find the correct answer.
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