When it comes to taking tests, there are strategies that you can use to increase your chances of choosing the right answer. This is especially helpful if you don’t know what the answer is right off the bat. So the next time you’re taking a test with multiple-choice answers, try out the following strategies.

1. Read the question through thoroughly. Make sure you know what the question is asking. Look for wording such as “best possible answer.” This is important in case the question isn’t looking for a “right,” but is looking for the best possible answer. Also look for the word not in the question.
2. Before looking at the possible answer, think in your mind what you believe the answer is.
3. As you’re reading through the possible choices, be sure to read through every one carefully before choosing an answer. Sometimes you may think that one answer is right and be tempted to move on, but that could be a mistake.
4. As you read through the answers, cross out the answers that you know are incorrect. Sometimes eliminating the wrong answers can reveal the correct one. If not, at the very least it will help you in deciding what answer is correct by decreasing the number of possible answers.
5. If one of the choices is “All of the above,” choose this if two or more of the choices are correct.
6. Usually the answer you choose first is the correct one (unless you misunderstood what the question was asking), so go with that choice rather than second-guessing yourself.

Remember, when taking a test, take your time to think through each question rather than rushing.