The SQE’s multiple choice questions (MCQs) can be tricky to answer. Answering MCQs requires you to learn a particular exam technique, in which you slow down and look out for the details. We’ve talked about that in our blog here, but there’s one point we really need to make again!
Should you change an SQE answer?
Change an answer when the facts or the law give you a sound reason. There is no useful blanket rule that your first choice must always be right.
Before changing, identify the reason: did you miss an exception, misread the task or apply the wrong legal rule? If you can explain why another option is better, correcting your answer is sensible. If you are simply anxious, reread the decisive facts rather than inventing information the question does not provide.
Research on the “first instinct fallacy” challenges the advice never to change answers. The evidence is not specific to the SQE and does not mean every change will help. Use reasoned review, not an automatic rule in either direction. Read Kruger, Wirtz and Miller’s study.
Where the assessment allows it, flag an uncertain question and return within your time budget. Compare all the options before choosing the best answer.
For a fuller method, see our law MCQ technique guide. Practise applying it with MCQ Master, or choose Law Answered+ for access to all our revision guides and casebooks covering the full syllabus, with MCQ Master included. One membership brings together the resources to learn the law, revise the cases and practise applying your knowledge.
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