Checkmate Training

The following article is reproduced with the kind permission of Oxford University Press.

This is an edited extract from ‘Blackstone’s Sergeant’s and Inspector’s Mock Examination Paper’ (2010 edition) written by Paul Connor and published by Oxford University Press 2009.

Multiple-Choice Question (MCQ) Style

There is absolutely no doubt whatsoever that one of the most important parts of successful preparation for the Part I examination is answering multiple-choice questions (MCQ's).

As practising for the examination by answering MCQ's is so crucial to success it is also vital that such practice is carried out on questions that mirror the style of those you will face in the Part I examination.

The following MCQ is written in exactly the same style as every single one of the 150 questions you will face in your Part I examination.

BREEN plans an armed robbery on a security van that regularly picks up cash at a local bank. He enlists the help of FISH and TODD who agree to actually carry out the armed robbery while BREEN waits for them at a rendezvous point. BREEN has no intention of taking part in the commission of the armed robbery itself. Unknown to BREEN, the security company has been 'tipped off' about the robbery and changes the day of collection so that the security van does not arrive at the bank. FISH and TODD leave empty handed.

Does BREEN commit statutory conspiracy contrary to s.1 of the Criminal Law Act 1977?

A. No, BREEN has no intention of taking part in the actual armed robbery itself.

B. Yes, BREEN commits the offence as soon as he plans the robbery and before he enlists the help of FISH and TODD.

C. No, the commission of the offence is impossible because the security van would never arrive at the bank.

D. Yes, BREEN has agreed on a course of conduct that will involve the commission of an offence.

Although this is the typical style of examination question, there are some MCQ's that do not conform to the above archetypal layout. These different MCQ's are responsible for one of the most common misconceptions about the Part I examination; that the question style is complex and detailed. This is not the case. The content might be somewhat difficult and that is to be expected; after all, students would not expect the examination to be easy. However, the style of question students will face in the Part I examination is exactly as the example I have just given.

MCQ styles that are not used in the Part I examination

There are a number of valid ways of compiling MCQ's but unless the MCQ follows the above style, it will not be asked in your examination (NPIA have excluded other styles from the standard best practice for question setting in the Part I examination).

MCQ's where the answer options are effectively presented in two stages (as in the PARKER example below) are excluded and students will not come across this style of question in the Part I examination.

PARKER breaks into a warehouse intending to steal anything of value that he can find. He forces a door and gets into the warehouse but finds nothing during his search. Frustrated at his lack of success, PARKER damages a toilet inside the warehouse before he leaves.

What offences does PARKER commit?

(i) Burglary contrary to s. 9 (1)(a) Theft Act 1968.
(ii) Burglary contrary to s. 9 (1)(b) Theft Act 1968.
(iii) Attempted theft contrary to s. 1 Criminal Attempts Act 1981.
(iv) Criminal damage contrary to s. 1 (1) Criminal Damage Act 1971.

A. (i), (ii) and (iv) only.

B. (ii) and (iii) only.

C. (i) and (iv) only

D. (ii), (iii) and (iv) only.

MCQ's using roman numerals as options are not contained in the examination. They unnecessarily complicate matters and are very confusing for the student. Not only does this type of MCQ test student's knowledge of the law but also it tests their ability to select the correct option. Mistakes are easily made when students are under pressure and it is possible that the correct answer is known but the wrong option is picked because of the complicated layout of the question. Students will be relieved to know that this style of question is out of favour with Part I examiners.

Also removed from the examination are questions that follow the below style:

In which, if either, of the following cases has an offence of obstruct police contrary to s. 89 of the Police Act 1996, been committed?

(i). STEVENS sees PC FOX struggling with PAINTER (who PC FOX is trying to arrest for theft). STEVENS tries to assist the officer but ends up being more of a hindrance than a help, resulting in PAINTER managing to escape

(ii). INGLETON is stopped by PC CONNOLLY who believes INGLETON may have seen the direction that an armed robber has run off in. INGLETON refuses to answer any of the questions put to him by the officer.

A. (i) only.

B. (ii) only.

C. Both.

D. Neither.

Once more, a complicated type of question because it effectively asks the student to answer two questions at once and again, I can state that this style of question will not be in the Part I examination.

END OF ARTICLE

My advice is simple; if the MCQ you are practicing on conforms to the format of your Part I questions, use it - if it does not, avoid it if at all possible.

Every single one of the 100 plus MCQ's asked on our 3-day course conforms to current examination style.

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