How to Use Practice Questions Effectively for AMC MCQ Success

Practice questions are the cornerstone of AMC MCQ preparation. But simply doing questions isn't enough - it's how you use them that determines success.

The Science of Effective Practice

Active Recall

Testing yourself (active recall) is more effective than passive review:

• Reading notes: weak memory formation
• Testing yourself: strong memory formation
• Being wrong, then learning: strongest memory formation

Spaced Repetition

Reviewing material at increasing intervals beats cramming:

• Day 1: Learn new topic
• Day 3: Review
• Day 7: Review
• Day 14: Review
• Result: Long-term retention

Interleaving

Mixing topics (interleaving) beats blocked practice:

• Blocked: 50 cardiology, then 50 respiratory
• Interleaved: Mixed topics throughout
• Interleaving forces your brain to discriminate between topics

The GdayDoctor Question Practice Method

Step 1: Attempt the Question

• Read the stem completely
• Don't look at explanations first
• Make your best choice
• Note your confidence level

Step 2: Review the Explanation

Whether right or wrong:

• Understand WHY the correct answer is correct
• Understand WHY wrong answers are wrong
• Note any knowledge gaps

Step 3: Make Connections

• How does this connect to other topics?
• When might this presentation differ?
• What other conditions could present similarly?

Step 4: Record and Revisit

• Mark questions for review
• Create flashcards for weak areas
• Revisit incorrect questions within a week

Question Practice Schedule

Phase 1: Learning (Months 3-2 Before Exam)

• 30-50 questions per day
• Focus on understanding, not speed
• Untimed practice is fine
• Review all answers thoroughly

Phase 2: Building (Month 2-1 Before Exam)

• 50-80 questions per day
• Start timing sessions
• Mix topics (interleaving)
• Track performance by topic

Phase 3: Exam Simulation (Final Month)

• Weekly full mock exams (150 Q)
• Daily practice: 50-100 questions
• Strict timing
• Focus on weak areas

How to Review Incorrect Answers

This is where real learning happens:

The 5-Why Analysis

When you get a question wrong, ask:

1. Why did I choose the wrong answer?
2. Why is that reasoning flawed?
3. What should I have considered?
4. Why is the correct answer right?
5. How can I recognise this in future?

Common Error Categories

Error Type	Solution
Knowledge gap	Study the topic, create flashcards
Misread question	Slow down, underline key words
Second-guessed	Trust first instinct unless clear reason
Time pressure	Practice pacing
Unfamiliar format	More practice questions

Creating a Mistakes Journal

What to Record

• Question topic/system
• Your wrong answer and reasoning
• Correct answer and why
• Key learning point
• Date (for spaced review)

Example Entry

Topic: Cardiology - Heart Failure My Answer: Start beta-blocker first Correct: Start ACEi first, then add beta-blocker Key Learning: ACEi proven mortality benefit, add BB once stable Review Date: 1 week, then 2 weeks

Maximising Mock Exam Value

Before the Mock

• Simulate real conditions
• Clear 4 hours (3.5 + buffer)
• No notes, no phone
• Use computer, not paper

During the Mock

• Don't pause or take long breaks
• Watch your pacing
• Answer every question
• Note questions you're unsure about

After the Mock

• Review ALL questions (even correct ones)
• Calculate score by topic
• Identify weakest 3 areas
• Plan targeted revision

Using Question Bank Features

Performance Analytics

Track your performance by:

• Topic/system
• Difficulty level
• Time per question
• Trend over time

Bookmarking

• Flag difficult questions
• Mark "guess" questions
• Create custom review sets

Tutor Mode vs Exam Mode

• Tutor Mode: See answers immediately (for learning)
• Exam Mode: See answers at end (for testing)
• Use both strategically

Common Question Practice Mistakes

Mistake 1: Quantity Over Quality

Wrong: Rushing through 200 questions, not reviewing Right: 80 questions with thorough review

Mistake 2: Avoiding Weak Areas

Wrong: Only practicing topics you like Right: Extra focus on weak areas

Mistake 3: Checking Answers While Doing

Wrong: Looking at answer when stuck Right: Make your best guess, then learn from it

Mistake 4: Not Tracking Performance

Wrong: Random practice with no analysis Right: Systematic tracking of scores by topic

Mistake 5: Ignoring Wrong Answer Choices

Wrong: Only reading the correct answer explanation Right: Understanding why each wrong choice is wrong

Practice Question Sources

Must-Use

1. GdayDoctor Question Bank - Australian context, CAT format
2. AMC Free App - 210 questions from AMC

Supplementary

3. Various USMLE/MRCP banks (adapt to Aus context)
4. Textbook review questions
5. Past exam recalls (use with caution - may be outdated)

The Numbers That Matter

Target Practice Volume

• Minimum: 1,000-1,500 questions
• Recommended: 2,000-3,000 questions
• Quality matters more than hitting a specific number

Target Mock Exam Scores

• Passing range: 65%+ consistently
• Comfortable: 70%+ on most mocks
• Strong: 75%+ regularly

Performance Improvement

• Expect improvement over time
• Plateaus are normal - push through
• Final 2 weeks may show slight drops (anxiety, not knowledge loss)

When Practice Reveals Knowledge Gaps

Small Gaps

• Create targeted flashcards
• Review relevant section
• Do 10-20 extra questions on topic

Large Gaps

• Dedicate study sessions to topic
• Review textbook/video resources
• Do 50+ questions on topic
• Don't ignore - it will be tested

Ready to Practice Smarter?

GdayDoctor's question bank is designed specifically for AMC MCQ success with:

• Australian healthcare context
• CAT-format simulation
• Detailed explanations
• Performance tracking
• Topic-based review

Start Your Strategic Practice

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Remember: How you practice is as important as how much you practice.