Types of questions

The GSSE uses different types of MCQs to test different cognitive abilities.

• Type A
• Type B
• Type X

The MCQs may refer to photographs of specimens, photomicrographs, radiographs, histology micrographs and computed tomography scans.

Type A

These questions consist of a stem and require selection of the 'most appropriate' response. While all the distractors may be correct, one is 'better' than the rest.

There is only one correct answer and a correct answer is worth one mark.

Example:  The most important factor increasing blood flow through an active muscle is:

A - adrenaline release during exercise
B - activation of sympathetic dilator fibres
C - reduced constrictor tone in the arterioles of the muscle
D - local action of metabolites on vessels in the muscle
E - the 'muscle pump' action

D is the answer because local mechanisms are the most important in maintaining high blood flow in skeletal muscle during exercise. B is an incorrect statement. A, C and E are incorrect as each increases blood flow, but not as significantly as D.

Type B

These questions consist of a statement (S) and a reason (R) and the candidate is required to determine the relationship between the two. Firstly, determine whether S and R are true or false; if S and R are both true, then you must determine whether R explains S.

There is only one correct answer and a correct answer is worth one mark.

Mark the answer sheet according to the key:

A - S is true, R is true and is a valid explanation of S
B - S is true, R is true but is not a valid explanation of S
C - S is true and R is false
D - S is false and R is true
E - both S and R are false

Example:  S - Vitamin C is necessary for normal wound healing
because
R - Vitamin C is necessary for the hydroxylation of proline during collagen formation

A is the answer because S and R are both true statements and R is the reason for vitamin C being necessary for normal wound healing.

Type X

These questions consist of a stem and four distractors. A candidate needs to answer whether each distractor is true or false.

A correct answer to each distractor is worth one mark. Each type X question, as a whole, is therefore worth up to four marks.

Example:  The facial nerve:
A - contains taste fibres from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue
B - arises from the pontomedullary junction medial to the vestibulo-cochlear nerve
C - has a sensory root which is larger than the motor root
D - supplies the buccinator muscle

D is true and A, B, C are false. The facial nerve contains taste fibres from the anterior two thirds of the tongue, is medial to the vestibulo-cochlear nerve and has a sensory root lateral to the motor root.

See the glossary of exam question types in the MCQ Practice Bank for more information about question types A, B and X (log in required).

These questions require short text answers (maximum of ten words) and relate to an illustration. The entire question is worth eight marks and marks are divided between the various sections for each spot question.

Workshops are held periodically for examiners on constructing MCQs, spot test questions and the use of performance data. Particular attention is paid to common construction errors, such as providing clues or wording questions ambiguously.

Listen to these candidates reflect on their exam preparation.

"Most people take about 6 months to prepare for the Generic exam …"

 "Had I done a bit more study early on, I might not have had to sacrifice my annual leave …"