Sample questions and how to read them

Sample questions and how to read them

Use these sample questions to practice finding the clue before choosing an answer. Cover the answer, read every choice, then explain your choice aloud. Pay attention to what the question asks, not just familiar beauty terms.

For multiple-choice questions, read every choice and look for the best answer. Several choices may contain true information.

Sample question: cleaning up spilled monomer

A worker accidentally drops a large bottle of liquid monomer. Which document section provides proper cleanup instructions?

A. Accidental release measures B. Stability and reactivity C. Hazard identification D. Physical and chemical properties

Answer: A. The accidental release measures section provides instructions for proper cleanup of a spill and the protective equipment needed.

Focus on “cleanup,” and practice this under safety and infection control. Resist choosing a heading just because it sounds related to chemicals. Match each heading to the task being asked about.

Sample question: scalp inflammation before haircoloring

A client arrives for a color retouch. You notice red inflammations on their scalp. What is the correct action?

A. Apply a soothing scalp oil and proceed. B. Do not perform the haircoloring service. C. Use a low-volume developer instead. D. Paint the color a half-inch away from the scalp.

Answer: B. Applying chemicals to an inflamed scalp can cause severe pain and medical complications.

Circle “inflammations” mentally, and practice this under haircoloring. Watch the temptation to rescue the service with oil, weaker developer, or different placement. Explain why you chose to stop rather than adjust.

Sample question: checking a preliminary test curl

How do you check the wave pattern during a preliminary test curl?

A. Unwind the curl completely off the rod B. Unwind the curl two to three turns C. Stretch the hair strand away from the scalp D. Comb the waving lotion through the ends

Answer: B. Unfasten the rod and carefully unwind the hair two to three turns without letting it become completely loose.

Focus on “check,” and practice this under chemical texture services. Compare partial unwinding with complete removal. Do not choose stretching or combing simply because those actions involve hair.

Sample question: shaping nails before soaking

Why do you shape the natural nail before placing the fingers in a water bowl?

A. Water makes the plate soft and easily damaged B. Soaking makes the free edge too rigid to shape C. Wet nails dull the abrasive board quickly D. The dust from dry filing protects the living skin

Answer: A. The nail plate absorbs water during a soak, which makes it soft and very prone to damage if filed while wet.

Focus on “why” and “before,” and practice this under nail care. Look for the reason behind the order of the steps. Resist picking a familiar tool term without explaining what water does to the nail.

Practice reading the stem

The stem is the question or problem itself. It can contain a clue that matches an answer choice.

Return to these questions with the answers covered. Name the task, find the clue, and explain why each tempting choice misses it. Then uncover the answer and compare your reasoning.

Common questions

What does the stem of an exam question mean?

The stem is the question or problem itself. It can contain a clue that matches an answer choice.

How do I choose between answers that seem right?

For multiple-choice questions, read every choice and look for the best answer. Several choices may contain true information.