How to succeed at MCQs
preparing for an MCQ exam
when you've finished this page you will be able to...
- plan a study game to make revising for MCQ exams more effective - and more fun.
A common mistake made by the MCQ novice is believing that MCQs are only a test of memory, and if you have perfect recall of everything you've been taught, you can't fail. However, although they do test your ability to recall facts, MCQs can also test your ability to interpret information and apply knowledge to both familiar and unfamiliar scenarios. Success in MCQ tests is not simply a case of memorising everything you've been taught.
So how do you prepare for an MCQ exam? We've compiled a list of tips:
- Revise everything, and don't try to 'question spot'. MCQ exams can cover an awful lot of material - that's the point.
- Make sure your knowledge is sufficiently specific. MCQs can be highly specific, so a general knowledge of an area might not be enough.
- However, a good broad knowledge is helpful when attempting to deduce the correct answer to a question you're unsure of.
- Practice, practice, practice and then do some more practice. Gather together as many questions as you can lay your hands on.
- Make sure your practice MCQs cover material that's relevant to your course; there's no point in learning things you won't be asked.
- Pile on the pressure by practising under exam conditions. This will help you become accustomed to answering questions against the clock, and allow you to accurately judge how much time you can allow for each question.
- If you try to recreate exam conditions when you practice, you'll find your memory will be triggered under similar conditions in the exam hall.
- Revise the things you don't know. Sounds obvious, but you're actually more likely to spend time on topics you already know - it's more fun and can be better for morale. Be brave, and tackle your weakest areas (neurology?!) first.
- Revise with friends; it's easier to stay motivated - and much more fun! You can share knowledge this way too. Make sure you revise with friends of a similar ability - there's nothing more depressing than finding everyone else knows more than you do. Alternatively, if you relish a challenge, try revising with the best and brightest - they may inspire you to raise your game.
- On the day of the exam, make sure you're clear about the exam format: how many questions are there? How long have you got? Will there be negative marking?
Activity: Study games - allow 2 hours
Learning medicine can be fun - especially if you introduce a little friendly competition into your revision. By revising in groups, you create opportunities for discussion, which is a great way to learn.
1. Get hold of a past MCQ paper, or a book of revision questions.
2. Gather together a group of fun-loving, yet dedicated colleagues - enough to make two teams. 4 is really the minimum.
3. Decide on a prize for the winning team - a free drink is perennially popular.
4. Take turns to ask each other questions. The players from the answering team can confer because discussion is a useful learning aid.
5. If the team answer incorrectly, the questioning team must provide an explanation, as well as an answer. Use a textbook if necessary.
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