Test-Taking Tips

1. Test-Taking Tips By: Mr. Burkett

2. Why is it important to have good test-taking tips? • It is important to know how to take tests well because you can: • Use your time wisely • Reduce stressful situations • Be prepared • Be more successful • Feel more confident taking tests in the future

3. Before the Test • Get a good night’s sleep- go to bed on time or early • Eat a healthy and hearty breakfast so you will not get hungry during the test • Eat a snack before the test if you are allowed • Use the restroom in advance • Keep a water bottle on the floor if your teacher allows it • Prepare an outfit with many layers so you can take off a layer if you get hot or put one back on if you get cold

4. Before the Test, cont • Be prepared: study for a few nights before the test, don’t cram the night before! This is too stressful and you are less likely to remember the information • Get materials: sharpen at least 2 pencils, have a reliable eraser, make sure your highlighter works, make sure your calculator works, etc. • Ask Questions if you have any before the test is handed out

5. During the Test • Read through the directions carefully before solving any problems. Understand the directions fully!! • Ask for clarification if you don’t understand what you are being asked to do • Pace yourself- know how much time you have and don’t rush! • Take a deep breath before you begin and again periodically through the test to help you relax.

6. During the Test, cont • Solve the questions you feel confident about first. • Come back to ones you are not sure about. • Don’t spend too much time on any one problem- come back to it at the end • Use scratch paper… that’s what it’s there for!!

7. Multiple Choice Items • Understand the Question • Look back at the story (if the question is about a story) • Eliminate wrong choices and narrow your choices down • Choose the best answer

8. Filling In The Blanks • Understand the sentence- notice key words • Look back at the selection (if there is one to refer back to) • Narrow your choices down • Choose the best word you can think of or use from the word box • Example: I felt _______ in school.

9. Open-Ended Response • Understand the Question • Get Ready to Write- brainstorm ideas, use a web, or create a list • Write your Answer- rewrite the question, use your brainstorming ideas in your response, write clear, concise sentences- include a concluding sentence or paragraph • Read through your work- check for spelling, punctuation, and grammatical mistakes.

10. True-False Items • Read the directions- you may be asked to change false sentences and make them true… don’t forget!! • Read each statement carefully • Notice words such as always, never, every time, no, not, etc. These words are often clue words.

11. After the Test • Double check your work. • Ask yourself: • Did you answer all the problems? • Did you do your best work? • Is your name on your test?? • You made it!! Celebrate all of your hard work and preparation!! • Think about what you did well and what you need to work on for future tests.