How to Guess on a Test -- Intelligent Guessing Strategies

Mr. Hughes provides strategies for tackling multiple-choice questions, focusing on reading questions aloud for better comprehension, trusting initial instincts, choosing broad answers, and using process of elimination. He advises against absolute terms in answers and offers resources for further study, specifically for New York State Regents Exams, with caution for AP courses.

What is the primary focus of the lecture by Mr. Hughes?

• Essay writing techniques

• Detailed content review for AP courses

• Mathematical problem-solving skills

• Test-taking strategies for multiple-choice questions

Why does Mr. Hughes suggest reading questions under your breath?

• To confuse other test-takers

• To practice speaking skills

• To memorize the questions

• To enhance auditory processing and comprehension

What should you do if you have a gut feeling about an answer?

• Ignore it and choose another answer

• Trust it unless you have a factual reason to change

• Ask a friend for their opinion

• Always change your initial answer

What does 'blankets not washcloths' refer to in test-taking?

• Choosing answers that are broad and thematic

• Selecting answers that are very specific

• Using washcloths to clean your desk

• Avoiding all types of answers

How many answer choices are typically provided in state exams?

• Three

• Four

• Five

• Six

What is a 'throwaway answer' in multiple-choice questions?

• An answer that is correct for another question

• An answer that is the opposite of the correct one

• An answer that is out of context and easily eliminated

• An answer that is always correct

What is the purpose of using process of elimination in multiple-choice questions?

• To confuse other test-takers

• To save time by skipping questions

• To narrow down choices to find the correct answer

• To randomly guess the answer

What type of words should be avoided in answer choices?

• Words like 'and', 'or', and 'but'

• Words like 'some', 'often', and 'usually'

• Words like 'is', 'are', and 'was'

• Words like 'all', 'never', and 'every time'

What is a good strategy if you recognize a word in an answer but know nothing else?

• Choose it immediately

• Ask the teacher for help

• Consider it if nothing else works

• Ignore it completely

What is the recommended action if you encounter an absolute term in an answer choice?

• Select it as the correct answer

• Consider it carefully as it might be incorrect

• Ignore it and move to the next question

• Ask the teacher for clarification