Roman Numeral Questions: How to Stop Losing Easy Marks

You know the work. You read the question. Then you see four statements labelled i to iv, and four options that look almost the same: "i, ii and iii only", "i, ii and iv only". This is where many RE5 and RE1 candidates lose marks they should have kept.

Roman numeral questions are not harder because the law is harder. They are harder because you must be right about every statement at once, and the options are built so that one small doubt pulls you to the wrong combination. The good news: with a method, they become some of the most reliable marks in the paper.

What a Roman Numeral Question Looks Like

The question gives you a set of statements, numbered i, ii, iii and iv. The options are combinations of those statements. You must choose the combination that contains every correct statement and nothing else.

Statement iii is the trap. Even serious misconduct, such as fraud, does not remove the need for a fair process. The answer is B: i, ii and iv only.

The 4-Step Method

1. Read the stem twice and find the instruction. Is it asking which statements are correct, or which are incorrect? Many marks are lost by answering the opposite question. Circle that word in your mind before you read a single statement.
2. Judge each statement on its own, before you look at the options. Mark each one true, false or unsure. Do not let the options tell you what to think. The options are designed to make a wrong statement look like it belongs.
3. Use your certain statements to eliminate. One statement you know is false removes every option that contains it. One statement you know is true removes every option that leaves it out. You often reach the answer without ever deciding on the statement you were unsure about.
4. Check the word "only". "i, ii and iv only" means iii is wrong. Before you commit, ask yourself: am I sure the statement left out is really false?

The Traps That Cost the Most Marks

1. The "almost true" statement

A statement can be 90% right and still be false. Watch the numbers and the starting points. For example: an FSP's audited financial statements are due no later than four months after its financial year end, unless the FSCA allows longer (FAIS section 19). A statement that says "six months", or "four months after the audit", is false, even though most of it sounds familiar.

2. Absolute words are a warning, not a rule

Words like always, never, automatically and immediately deserve a second look, because many wrong statements use them. But do not strike them out blindly. "A representative may never sub-delegate the rendering of financial services" is correct. Check the fact, not the word.

3. The reverse question

"Which of the following is NOT correct?" or "All of the following apply, except". In a Roman numeral version, you are looking for the combination of false statements. Step 1 of the method protects you here.

4. The "all of the above" pull

"i, ii, iii and iv" feels safe when every statement sounds reasonable. It is sometimes right, and that is exactly why it is a strong distractor. Only choose it when you have actively confirmed every statement, not just failed to find a problem with them.

5. Spending too long

RE5 gives you 2 hours for 50 questions, about 2.4 minutes each. RE1 gives you 2.5 hours for 80 questions, under 2 minutes each. A Roman numeral question can eat 5 minutes if you re-read every option. Use elimination, flag it if you are stuck, and come back.

Practise Now: 3 Questions

Try these with the 4-step method. Judge each statement first, then eliminate. Tap to reveal each answer.

Quick Recap

• Find the instruction first: correct, or incorrect?
• Judge every statement on its own before you read the options
• Let one certain statement eliminate options for you
• Check what "only" leaves out
• Absolute words are a warning, not an automatic wrong answer
• "All of them" needs every statement confirmed