CBSE Class 10 term-1 exams 2021-22: Tips to attempt MCQ-

based question paper to score high

Students should practice sample question papers on the model OMR sheets provided by CBSE to
understand the exam pattern and time management for appearing in the exam.

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Competency-based multiple-choice questions are not based on recall but rather target
the higher-order thinking skills of the students and assess their ability to apply,
analyse and synthesise.

There is a huge misconception among students — that since the question paper will be
based on the multiple-choice questions pattern they do not have to study too hard. As
the paper is based on MCQs, students need to understand that they won’t be able to
bluff anymore.

Earlier, the recall method was encouraged and the students were required to remember
the texts and formulas. Also, the students were allowed to answer the questions in
their own creative words. Now the competency-based questions require the students to
give precise answers and use their critical thinking skills without sacrificing their
creativity.

The questions may have stimuli such as a graph, picture or a news clip. The questions
can also be based on a case study in the context of a lesson. As the MCQ pattern is
new for the class 10 students, students should take note of these important points
while appearing in the CBSE board term-1 exams.
1. The reading time should be used effectively and the students should go
through each question carefully and identify those questions they are confident
about. They can look at the tough questions later after attempting all the easy
ones.
2. The students should read the instructions carefully. A certain number of
questions need to be answered in every section and the students should double-
check to see whether they have answered the required number of questions or
not.
3. The students should check whether there are double negatives in the question
and understand how the questions are framed. What may seem a logical
answer at first may be an incorrect one if the question is not read properly.
4. There will be one correct answer and three distractors. The answers may be
quite close to each other but only one answer would be the most suitable one.
So by the method of elimination one can identify the correct answer.
5. While reading the question, students should not look at the answers but try to
analyse and answer before looking at the choices. This would help them to not
be distracted by the wrong choices.
6. Since there is no negative marking, no question should be left unanswered.
This means the number of questions required to be answered per section,
should be answered even if some of them are pure guess work and if the
students are unsure of the answers. Even though it could be pure guesswork,
they should try to reason it out logically before selecting the answer.
7. The students should not waste too much time over a question as they need to
finish 50 questions in 90 minutes which means, they don’t get even 2 minutes
per question. So they should learn to manage their time effectively.
8. Students should practice sample question papers on the model OMR sheets
provided by CBSE to understand the exam pattern and time management for
appearing in the exam.
There is no substitute for hard work. If the students are thorough with the
lessons, they will be able to answer the questions confidently.