The Process of Elimination: A Smart Strategy for Multiple-Choice Questions

By: Jillian Marie 5/14/2025

process of elimination

When it comes to exams like the Civil Service Exam, Board Exams, or college entrance tests, multiple-choice questions (MCQs) may seem easier — but they can be tricky. The good news is, you don’t always need to know the right answer immediately to score well.

By mastering the Process of Elimination (POE), you can narrow down your choices, reduce guessing, and increase your chances of picking the correct answer — even when you're unsure.

🧠 What Is the Process of Elimination?

The Process of Elimination is a test-taking strategy where you eliminate obviously incorrect or less likely answer choices first, leaving you with better odds of identifying the correct one.

Instead of asking, "Which answer is right?"
Ask, "Which answers are definitely wrong?"

This changes your mindset from guessing to evaluating.

✅ How to Use the Process of Elimination (POE)

1. Read the Question Carefully

  • Look for keywords like except, not, always, or best.
  • Understand what the question is really asking.

2. Cover the Choices First (Optional Tip)

  • Try answering the question in your head before looking at the options.
  • This prevents you from being misled by distractors.

3. Eliminate Clearly Wrong Answers

  • Cross out options that are obviously false, off-topic, or contradict the question.
  • In Math: remove answers that don’t match the unit, sign, or estimation.

4. Spot Trick Words or Extremes

  • Be cautious with answers that include “always,” “never,” “all,” or “only” — these are rarely correct.
  • More moderate and reasonable options are often right.

5. Compare the Remaining Options

  • Look for small differences in wording that could affect the meaning.
  • Choose the answer that is most accurate, not just one that is partially true.

6. Make an Educated Guess (If Needed)

  • If you’re left with 2 choices, your odds are already 50/50 — better than skipping.
  • Trust your preparation and instincts.

🧪 Example: Civil Service Question

Question:
Which of the following is NOT a function of the Civil Service Commission?

a) Administering the civil service exam
b) Regulating salaries of private company employees
c) Overseeing appointments to government positions
d) Promoting morale and efficiency in the civil service

Process of Elimination:

  • a) is true — CSC does administer exams ✅
  • b) sounds off — CSC doesn’t regulate private companies ❌
  • c) and d) are both part of CSC’s mission ✅

Correct Answer: b

🎯 When to Use POE

  • When you’re unsure of the correct answer
  • When all choices seem similar
  • When the question seems confusing at first
  • During timed exams, to save time and avoid panic

📝 Practice Makes Perfect

The more you use POE:

  • The faster you’ll recognize bad choices
  • The sharper your judgment becomes
  • The less likely you’ll get stuck on tricky questions

Use Brevph’s Practice and Mock Exam features to apply POE regularly and build your confidence.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to be 100% sure to get an answer right — you just need to be strategic. The Process of Elimination helps you reduce uncertainty, manage time, and make smarter guesses when needed.

📚 Read smart. Eliminate wrongs. Choose right — with Brevph at your side.

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