1. Understanding USAEO Format, Scoring, and Strategy

Negative Marking Strategy — Quiz

Test your understanding of negative marking strategy with 5 practice questions.

Practice Questions

Question 1

In a multiple-choice exam with negative marking, you get +4 points for a correct answer and -1 point for an incorrect answer. If you can confidently eliminate two out of four answer choices, what is the expected value of guessing between the remaining two choices?

Question 2

In an exam with negative marking, you gain 5 points for a correct answer and lose 2 points for an incorrect answer. If you are completely unsure and guess randomly among the four options, what is the expected value of your guess?

Question 3

In a test where each correct answer earns you 3 points and each incorrect answer deducts 1 point, you have identified that one of the four answer choices is definitely wrong. What is the minimum probability of being correct among the remaining three choices that would make guessing worthwhile?

Question 4

A student is taking a test with negative marking: +6 points for a correct answer and -2 points for an incorrect answer. The student can confidently eliminate one of the four options. Should the student guess among the remaining three options or skip the question?

Question 5

In a competition, a correct answer gives you 7 points and an incorrect answer costs you 3 points. You are unsure of the answer, but you believe there is a 60% chance that one particular option is correct. Should you guess or skip?