# How to check a multiple-choice answer

Restate the question, mark its qualifiers, predict the type of answer required, eliminate choices using evidence, and verify the surviving option against every part of the prompt.


## 1. Identify the task word

Words such as **except**, **best**, **first**, **most likely**, and **primary** define the task. Rewrite the prompt in plain language before comparing choices.

## 2. Predict before looking at the options

Recall the relevant rule, definition, or calculation first. This reduces the chance that a plausible distractor shapes your reasoning.

## 3. Eliminate with a reason

Do not remove a choice because it “looks wrong.” State the contradiction: wrong unit, wrong time period, reversed relationship, incomplete condition, or unrelated concept.

## 4. Compare the final choices to the whole prompt

A statement can be generally true but still fail to answer the exact question. Check every qualifier and assumption.

## 5. Verify high-stakes answers

Use course notes or an authoritative source. If an AI explanation cannot state why the alternatives fail, treat the result as uncertain.