Feb 26, 2025

8 proven strategies toppers use to tackle difficult questions in exam

Trisha Tewari

How to deal with difficult questions in exam?

It is often the tough questions in the exams that make a difference. Toppers handle it with a different strategy to carve an edge. It is not always about innate intelligence but sometimes all relies on a targeted approach.

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Stay calm and analyze the question

Panicking will rob you of your marks. Toppers never lose their calm and they often take a deep breath and break down the question into smaller chunks identifying key terms and what is actually being asked before attempting an answer.

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Apply the elimination technique

For multiple-choice questions, toppers systematically remove incorrect options. This enhances the probability of selecting the right answer, even when they are unsure. However, it is always a calculated guess and not a random selection.

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Use smart guessing when necessary

In questions that are completely unfamiliar, toppers use logical reasoning, educated guesses, and context clues to arrive at the best possible answer rather than leaving it blank. However, if there is a negative marking for wrong answers, then you need to decide wisely.

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Draw diagrams and write key points

In Science subjects, it is better to visualise concepts through diagrams or stepwise explanations. It makes the answer follow a logical sequence and avoids careless mistakes. Your diagrams should be well-labelled and clearly drawn.

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Manage time effectively

You can allocate specific time slots to different sections, ensuring you do not get stuck on one question for too long. If a question is taking too much time, move on to the next and return to it later.

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Attempt all questions with structured answers

If it is a subjective question then toppers always opt for writing a relevant answer even if they are unaware of the absolute concept. They avoid leaving the answer blank. Well-structured responses often fetch partial marks.

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Review answers before submitting

Before submitting, toppers double-check their answers, ensuring there are no silly mistakes or incomplete responses. A final review can make all the difference. It makes the answer sheet devoid of any error.

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