Tips Test Takers Should Know

Tips Test Takers Should Know

·         Be Prepared– Get a good night’s rest the night before and have a good breakfast the morning of the test, have number two pencils.

·         Reframe Your Thinking– Some students don’t believe they can do well on the test.  Think positive! Encourage yourself with positive self-talk such as “I can do it” and “I am ready for the test.”

·         Stop, Look, and Listen– Be still, look at the test administrator, and listen to the directions.

·         No Fear– Many students are nervous about the unknown.  They also fear they will not go to the next grade if they don’t pass.  These tests are just a small piece of data used to determine whether or not you will go to the next grade. It is important to work hard throughout the school year because your quarterly grades are just as important.

·         Plug it In– Use each of the multiple choice answers to fill in the blank.  Some won’t make sense and will help them narrow their choices down.

·         Jail the Detail–Circle or underline the key words in a test question.  You can look for the key words in the reading passage or determine how to solve a math problem by using this tip.

·         Stash the Trash– Many times, there are sentences included in test questions that really aren’t important.  Cross out any unnecessary information.  This includes answer choices you already know don’t belong.  

·         Zap the Maps– Students sometimes don’t look closely at keys and legends on standardized tests.  You will see a chart with four triangles and say the answer is four. However, one triangle equals 3 according to a key near the chart.  This makes the answer twelve.  Pay attention to the key of a chart, graph, or map.

·         Pace Yourself–Students are given PLENTY of time to take tests.  That being said, you need to pace yourselves.  This just means not rushing through the test and also watching the time and making sure you are not going too slow as well.

·         Check it out–Check over your answers when you have completed the test if there is time left.  If you have a bubble sheet, it’s also good to check it for stray marks.