Eliminating Correct Answer Choices

[czilla24]

Hi all.

I am into my 3rd intense month of studied for the lsat. And am signed up for the October 5th, 2013 test.

Anyway, I have a question about eliminating answer choices.
I am beginning to find that many questions that I do end up missing, I am finding that I am eliminating the correct answer choice fresh out of the gate as I begin reading the answer choices.

Sometimes, I will go back and find that the only choice I eliminated was one and end up selecting that choice, but other times it really leaves my high and dry.

I think this is one of the most powerful tricks used by the test makers. So do you have any tips for correcting this type of test taking behavior/habit.

Thanks

[BethRibet]

Hi,

Thanks for your question. While there's no foolproof method for ensuring you don't eliminate the correct choice (at least that works in general across all question types), here are some general tips:

a) Be careful not to eliminate an answer choice because it seems vague or general. Just because it's not the most precise answer choice doesn't mean it's not the best option you'll have.
b) Be careful not to eliminate an answer choice because it contains unfamiliar language. While there's no easy fix for an unknown vocabulary word, keep that option in until you've found an alternate answer that seems strong.
c) Be careful not to eliminate an answer choice only because it does not match your prephrase. The testmakers are good at coming up with surprising answer choices, so while prephrasing is a useful technique, you don't want to be strictly locked into your assumption or conception about what the right answer choice must look like.

Hope this helps!
Beth