Exam Papers
Paper 1 MCQ Technique
On Paper 1 you can often eliminate wrong options faster than solving in full. Here is how to use the four choices to your advantage.
Eliminate, then decide
Rule out options that are the wrong sign, wrong units, or clearly too big or too small. Sometimes substituting an option back into the question is faster than solving forwards.
Never leave a blank, an educated guess still scores if right.
Frequently asked questions
How can I use the four answer choices to solve MCQs faster in Paper 1?
Working backward from the options can be quicker than solving from scratch, substitute each choice into the question and check which one fits, especially for equations or "which of the following" questions. You can also eliminate options that are obviously the wrong sign, size, or unit before checking the rest in detail.
Should I guess an answer if I run out of time on Paper 1?
Yes, since Paper 1 is scored purely as correct or incorrect with no penalty stated for a wrong answer, a blank response scores zero for certain, while a guess has a chance of being right. If time is short, eliminate any options you can rule out first, then pick from what remains rather than skipping the question entirely.
Is estimating or sketching a rough diagram a valid way to answer MCQs?
Yes, for many geometry, graph or trigonometry MCQs a quick sketch or rough estimate can point you to the right range of answers, letting you eliminate options that are clearly too big, too small, or the wrong shape before doing exact calculation. It will not replace calculation entirely, but it narrows your choices fast.