Attempt Strategy and Cut-offs

intermediate22 min read

Deciding how many questions to attempt per section once sectional and overall cut-offs are in play: a simple net-score model, the expected value of a guess after eliminating options, an accuracy target, and when to stop attempting a section. Builds on Negative-Marking Strategy. Guidance only.

What you will be able to do

Explain why both the sectional and the overall cut-off must be cleared.
Estimate net marks from attempts and accuracy with a simple model.
Compute the expected value of a guess after eliminating one, two or three options.
Recognise the point at which attempting more questions in a section stops helping.

What is inside this lesson

1Two cut-offs, both binding
2Why accuracy near 85 percent is the target
3A back-of-envelope net-score model
4Worked example: the numbers
5When to stop attempting a section
6Common mistakes
7Quick revision
8Practice

The lesson itself is for members

Reading the 8 sections above, the worked examples and the practice set is free — the whole knowledge base is on the free plan, along with flashcards, private notes and Ask Onely.

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