Multiple-choice traps and how to beat them

Why wrong options look right

Exam makers write wrong options (called distractors) on purpose. A good distractor looks attractive to someone who reads too fast. Once you know the tricks they use, you can see through them.

Trap 1: Same words, different meaning

The most common trap. The wrong option copies words straight from the text, so it feels familiar. But the words are combined in a different way.

Text: De bibliotheek is op maandag gesloten. Op dinsdag kunt u boeken terugbrengen tot 20.00 uur.

Option: Op maandag kunt u tot 20.00 uur boeken terugbrengen.

Every word is in the text, but Monday and 20.00 do not belong together. The correct option often uses different words (a paraphrase) for the same idea. So be suspicious of an option that copies a whole phrase, and check what it really says.

Trap 2: Absolute words

Some words make a statement very strong:

If an option has an absolute word, the text must say it just as strongly. If the text says Meestal komt de bus om de tien minuten, then De bus komt altijd om de tien minuten is wrong.

This is not an automatic rule. Sometimes the right answer is "always" or "only". Just check that the text is equally strong.

Trap 3: Negation

Small words flip the meaning of a whole sentence:

• niet — not
• geen — no, not a
• nooit — never
• niets — nothing
• behalve — except
• zonder — without
• pas — not until (pas om 10 uur = not before 10)
• hoeft niet — doesn't have to (not the same as mag niet, may not)

Watch both sides: a negation in the text and a negation in the question. Welke informatie staat niet in de tekst? means you are looking for the one option that is missing from the text. Many people forget the niet halfway.

Also watch for double information: Alle leden behalve nieuwe leden krijgen korting. Who gets a discount? Everyone except new members.

Trap 4: True, but not the answer

An option can be correct according to the text but not answer the question. If the question asks Waarom gaat de vergadering niet door?, an option that correctly says De vergadering is in zaal 3 is still wrong. It's a true fact, but not a reason.

Trap 5: Your own knowledge

The answer must come from the text, not from what you know about the Netherlands. If the text says a shop is open on Sunday, it is open on Sunday, even if your local shop is not.

A method for every question

1. Read the question. Underline (in your head) the question word and any niet/geen.
2. Find the answer in the text before looking at the options, if you can.
3. Then check each option: A? Yes / no / not in the text. B? C?
4. Choose the option that matches the text and answers the question.
5. If two options seem right, look at the difference between them. That difference is the test.