# Multiple-choice traps and how to beat them

URL: https://www.inburgeringklaar.nl/learn/lezen/multiple-choice-traps
Course: Lezen: the reading exam, step by step (https://www.inburgeringklaar.nl/learn/lezen)
Level: A2 and B1
Publisher: Inburgeringklaar

> Spot wrong options that copy words from the text, use absolute words, or flip the meaning with a negation.

## Goals
- Recognise options that copy text words but change the meaning
- Be careful with absolute words like 'altijd' and 'nooit'
- Catch negations such as 'niet', 'geen' and 'behalve'

## 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:

| Strong (absolute) | Softer |
|---|---|
| *altijd* (always) | *meestal, vaak* (usually, often) |
| *nooit* (never) | *soms, bijna nooit* (sometimes, hardly ever) |
| *iedereen* (everyone) | *de meeste mensen* (most people) |
| *niemand* (nobody) | *weinig mensen* (few people) |
| *alle* (all) | *veel, sommige* (many, some) |
| *alleen* (only) | *ook* (also) |
| *moet* (must) | *mag, kan* (may, can) |

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.

## Useful Dutch
- **altijd**: always
- **nooit**: never
- **meestal**: usually
- **behalve**: except
- **zonder**: without
- **pas**: not until, only (then)
- **alleen**: only
- **u hoeft niet**: you don't have to
- **u mag niet**: you may not
- **Welke zin klopt?**: Which sentence is correct?
- **Wat staat niet in de tekst?**: What is not in the text?

## Worked example: Three traps in one item

Zwemles bij Zwembad De Golf
De lessen zijn op woensdagmiddag en zaterdagochtend. Kinderen kunnen beginnen vanaf vijf jaar. Ouders mogen in de zaal bij de les kijken, behalve tijdens de examens. Een badmuts is niet verplicht.

Vraag: Welke zin is juist?
A Ouders mogen altijd bij de les kijken.
B Kinderen van vier jaar mogen al meedoen.
C Kinderen hoeven geen badmuts te dragen.

A uses the absolute word 'altijd', but the text says 'behalve tijdens de examens', so not always. Wrong. B copies 'kinderen' and 'beginnen', but the text says vanaf vijf jaar; four is too young. Wrong. C is a paraphrase: 'niet verplicht' means you don't have to, which is exactly 'hoeven geen'. Notice that the correct answer is the one that does NOT copy the text word for word. Answer: C.

## Common mistakes
- Choosing an option because it contains the same words as the text.
- Forgetting the word 'niet' in the question halfway through checking the options.
- Mixing up 'hoeft niet' (not necessary) with 'mag niet' (not allowed).
- Picking a true statement that does not answer the question that was asked.

## Check yourself
1. Text: 'De winkel is meestal tot 18.00 uur open.' Which option is correct?
   A) The shop is usually open until 18.00
   B) The shop is always open until 18.00
   C) The shop never opens after 18.00
   Answer: A. 'Meestal' means usually. 'Altijd' and 'nooit' are too strong.
2. 'Je hoeft niet te betalen' means…
   A) You are not allowed to pay
   B) You must pay later
   C) You don't have to pay
   Answer: C. 'Niet hoeven' means something is not necessary. 'Niet mogen' would mean not allowed.
3. Text: 'Iedereen krijgt een cadeau, behalve de leraren.' Who does NOT get a present?
   A) The pupils
   B) The teachers
   C) Nobody
   Answer: B. 'Behalve' means except, so the teachers are the exception.