Taking a Standardized Test

1. Taking a Standardized Test

2. Why should you care about the EOC? • New Jersey End of Course Biology exam has been renamed to the New Jersey Biology Competency Test (BCT). • Because Biology is becoming a graduation requirement. • This means if you do not pass the test you will be unable to graduate!!!

3. HOW CAN I PREPARE MYSELF TO TAKE THE NJBCT?

4. Before the test… • Get a good night’s sleep the night before the test. • Start your day off with a good breakfast so that you have plenty of energy to take the test.

5. Before the test… • Relax. • You will think more clearly if you are relaxed when you take a test. • Dress comfortably on the day of the test so that you are at ease and not distracted.

6. Before the test… • Don’t cram. • The skills measured by the NJBCT are learned over a long period of time. • So, the best preparation is to attend class regularly and complete all assignments carefully.

7. During the test… • Think positively. • Believe that you will do your very best. • Be confident of your ability.

8. During the test… • Read the directions carefully before beginning each part of the test. • This will help you understand what you are supposed to do, will save time, and help you avoid careless mistakes.

9. During the test… • Read each question carefully. • Try to answer the question before you look at the responses. • If you find your answer there, mark that response. • If not, ask yourself whether your answer is reasonable.

10. During the test… • Reread the question, keeping the responses in mind. • Take care to read what the question is asking.

11. During the test… • Make sure that your answers are reasonable. • Do you understand what the question is asking? • Have you made use of all the relevant information provided to answer the question correctly? • Does your response answer the question? • Did you choose the best answer among those listed?

12. During the test… • If you aren’t sure of the answer to a question, try to eliminate some of the responses. • Think about the reasons why you were able to eliminate some of the choices. • These reasons may provide you with the information you need to choose the correct answer. • If you can eliminate some of the choices, select the remaining answer choice that makes the most sense.

13. During the test… • Skip a question and go on to the next one if you have no idea of the answer. • Spending too much time on one question might keep you from having enough time to answer others that you do know. • If there is time, you should come back to it later at the end of that part of the test. • Try not to leave any question unanswered.

14. During the test… • Pace yourself during the test. • Budget your time so that you have a chance to answer all the questions. • Your teacher will periodically let you know the time remaining in the part of the test you are taking.

15. Test Taking Tips Watch for Clue Words When you read a test question, watch for the clue words except, always, and mostly. • When a question has the word except, you are looking for the answer that is not correct. • When you see always in a question, it means the answer is true in every situation. • Mostlysuggests that the correct answer generally applies, but there are exceptions.

16. Read the following question and answer choices. EXAMPLES: Living things show all of the characteristics except • Growth and development. • Ability to respond to the environment. • Ability to dissolve. • Reproduction. Step 1 What is the question asking? • This question asks you to spot the characteristic that is NOT true of living things.

17. Read the following question and answer choices. Step 2 Look for clue words. • This question includes the word except. • You are looking for the answer that is not correct. Living things show all of the characteristics except • Growth and development. • Ability to respond to the environment. • Ability to dissolve. • Reproduction.

18. Read the following question and answer choices. Step 3 Read each answer choice carefully. • Cross out choices you know are true. • You may remember that living things grow and develop and they respond to the environment, so you can cross out A and B. Living things show all of the characteristics except • Growth and development. • Ability to respond to the environment. • Ability to dissolve. • Reproduction.

19. Read the following question and answer choices. Step 4 Choose one of the answers left. • You know that the correct answer is either C or D. • You may remember that living things reproduce. • The only characteristic that is NOTtrue of all living things is C, ability to dissolve. Living things show all of the characteristics except • Growth and development. • Ability to respond to the environment. • Ability to dissolve. • Reproduction.

20. Read the following questions and answer choices. Before you choose your answer, underline the clue word. Then circle the correct answer. • In research, a scientist must always consider • Plants • Evidence • Photographs • Theories

21. A bias is mostly due to: • the study of life • Controlled experiments • Experimental data • A personal point of view

22. Topics studied in biology include all of the following except: • The biosphere • Rocks and minerals • Changes in groups of organisms • Reproduction and growth

23. All of the features are true of science except • Deals with the natural world • Collects and organizes information • Explores the supernatural • Proposes explanations based on evidence

24. All of the following are characteristics of all living things except the ability to: • Grow and develop • Maintain a stable internal environment • Change over time • Reproduce asexually

25. All of the following are big ideas in biology exceptliving things are: • Unable to adapt to their surroundings. • Based on a universal genetic code • Made up of cells • Diverse

26. When working in a lab you should always: • Follow safe practices • Work with a partner • Use a microscope • Design your own experiment