The FACE Protocol Test-taking Skills
FOCUS: Cover the answers. Read the last sentence of the vignette. Take a few seconds to understand the author’s question and what you are looking for. Define if the question is a specific/direct question or analytical/indirect question.
ANALYZE: Start to read from the beginning of the vignette. Keep reminding yourself what you are looking for as you read. If it is a direct question, stop at any time you see a specific clue for you answer. If it is an indirect question, you must finish the vignette.
CONFIDENCE: Answer the author’s question. For Step 2/3 tests, you must give your diagnosis in all cases.
EXECUTE: Scan through the answer options, execute your choice, which is the closest meaning to match your answer. When in doubt, repeat FACE. After the second time, choose choice C if you cannot eliminate any answers, or choose the bottom option if you cross out any options.