Keywords That Change The Meaning of PMP Questions

Look for key words and phrases in the question, as they often change the meaning of the question. Some keyword qualifier are listed below:

• BEST
• WORST
• FIRST
• LAST
• BELONGS
• DOES NOT BELONG

• MUST
• EXCEPT FOR

• LEAST EFFECTIVE
• MOST EFFECTIVE

• MOST HELPFUL
• LEAST HELPFUL

• INCLUDING
• NOT INCLUDING

• GREATEST
• LEAST

• KEY ACTIVITY
• PREFERRED RESPONSE

• PRIMARY
• INITIAL

• LIKELY
• MOST LIKELY
• LEAST LIKELY

For Example:
Q: The next milestone date is just 2 weeks away. The project is within budget, but behind schedule. You are worried whether you will be able to meet the timeline in 2 weeks time. While passing down the hallway, you overhear 3 teammates having a heated debate about a design issue on the fan motor of your airconditioner project. The least likely method of resolving conflicts on a project is:

A: Confrontation
B: Withdrawal
C: Forcing
D: Penalty Power

Double Negative Questions in PMP Exam
Another thing to be careful about is the double negatives in the questions. There are not too many of such questions, but you must practice understanding these questions, as you don’t want to waste valuable time trying to interpret. See some examples below, which have been simplified for you.

1. All of the following are True Except:
This is asking you which one of them is FALSE

2. All of the following are False Except:
This is asking which of the options is True.

3. None of the following is True Except:
This is asking you which one of the following is True. Others are false.

So look out for such qualifiers, and make yourself familiar with how using each can alter the meaning of the question. This will save you some time and anxiety on the PMP Exam day.

All the best for your exam preparation!

Cheers
Vinai Prakash, PMP

Photo Credit to: Jerine