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Handling Questions Step by Step (Scribt)
Handling Questions Step by Step (Scribt)
Sponsored by kaplanmedical.com.
rt on each question. The goal of these steps it to ensure that you gather t=
he clues provided by the questions stem, think about them in a meaningful w=
ay, and then make a choice before moving on to the next question.
These 8 steps can be briefly described as:
1. Read the Question!
2. Each question stem contains esse=ntial information that is vital to arriving at the best
possible answer.Sk
imming the questions quickly, or ignoring it all together means that these
clues will be missed. You have to gather all the clues provided. It is hard
to assemble a puzzle if you do not have all of the pieces. Only reading th
e questions will give you access to these vital clues. Without careful read
ing, you are hunting for an answer in the dark.
3. Understand the Meaning
The information presented in=
the question stem means something. The words you read should trigger assoc=
iations and help you to call to mind important concepts. Each sentence you =
read should be sorted mentally as significant or trivial. Does it matter? A=
nd if yes, why is it important? Reading the words without reaping the meani=
ng is like walking past someone without having a conversation. Seeing the w=
ords is not enough. You have to grab hold of why they matter.
4. Order of Importance
Some things matter more than ot=
hers. Most questions will present you with, not one, but several points of =
significance. Your task is to sort out: What is the most important issue? I=
f several medical problems are described, which one should be the main focu=
s of your attention? If several facts are detailed, which one should carry =
the most weight as you sift though the different answer choices in you mind=
? Sorting what is primary and what is secondary will help you focus on the =
core medical issue being tested.
5. Note the Actual Question
The question you must answ=
er is the exact question that is asked. One of the most common mistakes on =
the USMLE occurs when students answer the question they hope or expect to s=
ee rather then the one they are actually asked. The USMLE seems to pride it=
self in asking important but unusual questions that get you to look at the =
material you have mastered in new and unique ways. Be prepared for things a=
bit out of the ordinary, and never lose sight of the actual question.
<= BR>
6. Compare with What You Know
Solutions
Key Question
R=
ead the Question
Understanding mean=
ing
U=
nderstand the Meaning
What is given?
Recognizing import=
ance
O=
rder of Importance
N=
ote the Actual Question
What do I know?
C=
What do I know?
ompare with what you know
Anticipating answers
A=
nticipate the Answer
Best answer
L=
ook at Options
What choices do I =
have?
L=
What is my decisio=
ock in a Choice
n?
Note that if you take the first letter of phrase in the "Solutions" co=
lumn; they create the useful mnemonic "R-U-ONCALL". The mnemonic is meant a=
s a useful tool to help you remember the sequence. But, do not simply memor=
ize the 8 steps. Practice them, use them, make them part of your question a=
nswering habit.=20
One final comment, although at first glance it might seem that these 8=
steps take more time then you have, once you get used to the sequence you =
will find that it makes you more efficient and will actually reduce the tim=
e you spend on each question. The trick is to use the time you have most ef=
ficiently; to get rid of those thoughts and behaviors that waste time and k=
eep those which move you step by step towards the best answer
Forcing a choice <= /FONT>