How to Attempt Objective Questions in Board Exams?

Board exams are a big deal in a student’s school journey, and knowing how to handle different question types is important. Each of these needs a different strategy to answer them correctly and quickly. This blog is here to help you with useful tips and tricks for tackling these types of questions during your board exams.

When dealing with MCQs, it’s about eliminating wrong options, making smart guesses, and understanding the subject. Filling in the blanks requires you to understand the context and have a step-by-step approach to finding the right answers. True/false statements need careful evaluation of each statement, and your responses should be clear and precise.

This blog will help you break down each type of question to guide students on how to do well in their board exams. Improving these skills not only increases your chances of getting the right answers but also makes it easier and more confident for you to tackle these questions during this important time in your academic journey.

Objective questions are a type of assessment format commonly used in exams to evaluate a student’s knowledge and understanding of a subject. These questions have clear and specific answers, leaving no room for subjective interpretation. Common types include Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), where a stem is followed by options; Fill in the Blanks, requiring completion of missing words; True/False, testing the accuracy of statements; Matching Type, pairing problems with solutions; and Sequencing Questions, arranging events in logical order. These questions assess various cognitive skills, such as recall, comprehension, critical thinking, and analytical reasoning.

The first step is recognizing the different objective question formats you are likely to encounter in board exams. Here are some common types:

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

A prevalent format is the Multiple Choice Question (MCQ). This question type comprises a stem, which is the main part of the question, and multiple options, typically 4 or 5, from which you must choose the correct answer. MCQs are designed to test your understanding of a topic and your ability to analyze information quickly. To excel in MCQs, it is essential to thoroughly grasp the subject matter and carefully consider each option before making your choice.

These questions are crafted to assess various cognitive skills such as recall, comprehension, and application. The distractors, the incorrect choices, are intentionally included to challenge your knowledge and ensure that you are not merely guessing. Effective time management is crucial, as spending too much time on a single question can jeopardize your performance on the entire exam.

Fill in the Blanks

Another format you may encounter is the Fill in the Blanks type. In these questions, you are presented with a statement containing one or more blanks, and your task is to supply the missing words. This format assesses your ability to recall specific details and concepts. It requires a comprehensive understanding of the subject and demands precision in your responses.

To succeed in Fill in the Blanks questions, it is essential to review the material thoroughly and pay attention to key terms and phrases. Understanding the context of the statement is crucial, as it can provide valuable clues to fill in the blanks accurately. Additionally, be cautious of the grammatical structure to ensure your answers fit seamlessly into the given statement.

True/False

True/False questions present a statement, and you must determine whether the statement is true or false. While this format may seem straightforward, it necessitates a careful analysis of the information presented. These questions are designed to evaluate your ability to distinguish between accurate and inaccurate statements.

When tackling True/False questions, avoid making assumptions or relying solely on intuition. Scrutinize the statement in the context of your knowledge base and critically evaluate its validity. This format is particularly effective in testing your conceptual understanding and your capacity to discern nuances within the subject matter.

Matching Type

Matching Type questions involve two columns – one with a set of problems and the other with corresponding solutions. Your task is to correctly match each problem with its appropriate solution. This format assesses your ability to establish connections between different elements of the subject matter.

To excel in Matching Type questions, carefully examine both columns and identify patterns or associations. Sometimes, the options in one column may have more than one possible match, requiring a deeper understanding of the material. This format is excellent for testing your analytical skills and your grasp of relationships within a given context.

Sequencing Questions

Sequencing questions involve a list of events presented in a disorderly fashion. Your challenge is to rearrange these events into a logical order. This format tests your comprehension of chronological sequences and your ability to organize information coherently.

Approaching Sequencing Questions requires a systematic analysis of the events and an understanding of the logical flow. Pay attention to any chronological markers or cause-and-effect relationships that may guide you in arranging the events correctly. This format not only gauges your knowledge of the content but also evaluates your critical thinking and organizational skills.

Here are the most common challenges students face while attempting objective questions in board exams:

• Ambiguity in Options: Students may encounter options that seem plausible, leading to confusion in selecting the correct answer. The presence of distractors requires careful consideration, making it challenging to discern the most accurate choice.
• Time Constraints: Objective questions often come in large numbers within a limited timeframe. Managing time efficiently becomes crucial, and students may struggle to allocate sufficient time to each question, risking incomplete sections.
• Overreliance on Guesswork: The presence of multiple options may tempt students to resort to guesswork, especially when faced with unfamiliar content. Guessing without a solid understanding can result in incorrect answers, affecting overall performance.
• Subjective Interpretation: Some questions may be subject to interpretation, leading to different responses based on individual understanding. Ambiguities in the phrasing of questions can create challenges in providing precise answers.
• Inadequate Preparation for Diverse Formats: Lack of familiarity with various objective question formats may pose a challenge. Students might find it challenging to adapt their answering strategies to the specific requirements of each format.
• Pressure-induced Errors: Exam pressure can lead to oversight or misinterpretation of questions, causing students to make avoidable mistakes. Anxiety and stress may hinder clear thinking, impacting the accuracy of responses.
• Inattentiveness to Detail: Fill in the Blanks and Matching Type questions often require careful attention to details. Students may overlook subtle cues, leading to inaccuracies in their responses.
• Limited Feedback: Objective questions provide limited room for explanation, making it challenging for students to understand the reasons behind incorrect answers. A lack of detailed feedback can hinder the learning process and improvement for subsequent exams.
• Overlooking Negative Marking: Some exams employ negative marking for incorrect answers, making it crucial for students to weigh the risks of guessing. Failure to consider the consequences of wrong answers may result in a reduction of overall scores.
• Difficulty in Sequencing: Sequencing Questions can be challenging as they require a clear understanding of the logical order of events. Students may struggle to establish the correct sequence, impacting their performance in this question type.

Each format tests your knowledge and conceptual clarity differently. So, you must familiarize yourself with them well before the exam. Here’s the best way to attempt objective questions in board exams:

Sharpen Conceptual Knowledge

Since objective questions don’t require lengthy writing, they aim to test your grasp over concepts you studied. Ensure you have clarity over important definitions, formulas, theories, numericals, and diagrams. For example, if a question asks to identify different organelles in a cell, you should recall key facts about their structure and functions. Brush up concepts from every chapter instead of just memorizing.

Practice with Sample Question Papers

Most boards release solved sample question papers every year. Also, official guide books also provide important questions with answer keys. Practice with these to experience the actual exam. It will give you a feel of difficulty level, variety of questions asked, and formatting. You can simulate the real environment at home. Checking answers also highlights weaker areas for further improvement. Over time, you will become better with the objective format.

Read Questions Carefully

In the exam hall, first read each objective question slowly and with full concentration. Underline the important phrases that indicate what is being asked. For instance, words like ‘not’, ‘except’, ‘false’ can change the entire meaning. Missing such clues can lead to wrong answers despite knowing concepts. Read statements in true/false and matching questions twice. Clear any doubts with the invigilator immediately. Avoid rushing and assuming meanings.

Use Elimination Strategy

For questions with multiple choice options, using elimination strategy ensures you get closer to the right answer quickly. Scan through all options to first eliminate the ones clearly unrelated or incorrect. This will narrow down probable answers for logical guessing. Cross out eliminations on your question paper so you don’t get confused later. Through this method, you can reach the answer even if you don’t know concepts fully.

Maintain Exam Discipline

Remember objective questions carry 1 mark each, so you cannot afford to get stuck on one question. Set a maximum time limit per question while practicing so you learn to pace your actual test. Leave questions where you have no idea instead of wasting precious minutes. Revisit them in the end if time permits. Maintaining discipline ensures you get easy marks by attempting more questions accurately.

Attempt Questions Sequentially

Review your question paper to spot sections with more factual based questions first. Attempt them in sequence when your mind is still fresh. Move sections that require analysis and interpretation later. This allows sufficient time for logical reasoning. You will also avoid errors that happen when you are mentally exhausted after long hours of focus.

Review Before Submitting

Stay alert in the last 10-15 minutes to review all your work. Re-read questions with your answers to catch any errors like unintended elimination crosses. Ensure you have not missed any un-attempted questions. Avoid submitting in a hurry and risk losing marks due to negligence. Stay calm and use remaining time to self-check properly. This drastically improves your score.

Here are types of objective questions in board exams class 10 for maths, science, english and social science.

Math

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):

1. What is the value of x in the equation 3x – 7 = 11?

A) 6 B) 7 C) 8 D) 9

2. Fill in the Blanks:

The area of a rectangle is ____ square units, with a length of 12 units and width of 5 units.

3. True/False:

True or False: The square root of 144 is a rational number.

4. Matching Type:

Match the geometric shape with its name:

a. Circle i. Three sides

b. Triangle ii. Curved shape

c. Rectangle iii. Four sides

5. Sequencing Questions:

Arrange the following fractions in ascending order:

1/4, 2/3, 3/8, 5/6

Science

1. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):

What is the function of mitochondria in a cell?

A) Photosynthesis B) Cellular respiration C) Protein synthesis D) Storage of genetic information

2. Fill in the Blanks:

During the process of photosynthesis, carbon dioxide is taken in by plants, and ________ is released.

3. True/False:

True or False: Nuclear fission is the process by which energy is released in the sun.

4. Matching Type:

Match the scientific term with its definition:

a. Ecosystem i. Smallest unit of matter

b. Atom ii. Interaction of living and non-living components

c. DNA iii. Genetic material in cells

5. Sequencing Questions:

Arrange the stages of the water cycle in the correct order.

English

1. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):

In which sentence is the word “ubiquitous” used correctly?

A) The rain was ubiquitous all night. B) She carried an ubiquitous umbrella. C) The ubiquitous dog barked loudly. D) His smile was ubiquitous and warm.

2. Fill in the Blanks:

The protagonist of the story displayed exceptional __________ in the face of adversity.

3. True/False:

True or False: Shakespeare’s plays were not widely appreciated during his time.

4. Matching Type:

Match the literary term with its definition:

a. Simile i. Repetition of initial consonant sounds

b. Alliteration ii. A figure of speech comparing two unlike things

c. Metaphor iii. Giving human qualities to non-human entities

5. Sequencing Questions:

Arrange the following events from the short story in chronological order.

Social Science

1. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):

Who was the first President of the United States?

A) Thomas Jefferson B) George Washington C) Abraham Lincoln D) John Adams

2. Fill in the Blanks:

The Industrial Revolution led to a significant shift from agrarian economies to ________ economies.

3. True/False:

True or False: The Himalayas act as a natural barrier between India and China.

4. Matching Type:

Match the historical event with its year:

a. French Revolution i. 1776

b. American Revolution ii. 1789

c. Indian Independence iii. 1947

5. Sequencing Questions:

Arrange the steps involved in the process of elections in a democratic country.

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Learning the objective format needs both conceptual knowledge and exam strategy. Prepare thoroughly through self-study resources and sample papers. Most importantly, be attentive and avoid careless mistakes during the actual test. Stay organized in your approach for achieving high scores consistently. Use these tips to gain an edge over other test takers in any board exam.

How should I approach Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) in board exams?

Approach MCQs systematically. Read the question stem carefully before looking at the options. Eliminate obviously incorrect choices, then analyze the remaining options. If uncertain, make an educated guess. Prioritize time management to ensure you address all questions within the allocated time

What’s the best strategy for Fill in the Blanks questions?

Review the entire sentence to understand its context before filling in the blanks. Pay attention to grammar and sentence structure. Ensure your answers align logically with the provided statement. Double-check for accuracy, as each blank contributes to the overall correctness of your response.

How can I effectively tackle True/False questions?

Avoid impulsive decisions. Scrutinize the statement thoroughly, considering nuances and exceptions. If any part is false, the entire statement is false. Base your response on a precise understanding of the content rather than intuition. Be cautious of negatives and absolutes in the statements.

What is a good approach for Matching Type questions?

Examine both columns before attempting any matches. Identify patterns or associations between elements. Start with the items that have only one possible match. Proceed systematically, rechecking your matches as you progress. Ensure each problem corresponds accurately with its solution. Practice with sample questions to enhance your matching skills.

How do I excel in Sequencing Questions?

Carefully analyze the events provided and identify any chronological markers. Establish logical connections between events to determine their correct order. Consider cause-and-effect relationships. If uncertain about the sequence, use a logical approach and context clues. Ensure your final arrangement provides a coherent and sensible narrative. Practice sequencing questions to refine your skills in organizing information logically.