Test-taking Strategies

Test-taking Strategies

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Word Cloud

When you think of taking tests, what is ONE word that comes to mind?

General Tips

Here are a few general tips to help you develop good test-taking strategies:

• Don't miss school on testing days and be on time!

• Get a good night's sleep and eat a good breakfast

• Be prepared! Plan to join the meeting on time, and have scratch paper ready in case you need it.

• Get help when you need it. Don't wait to contact your teacher if something is not working!

• When you finish all parts of your test YOU ARE NOT DONE! Check over your answers throughout the entire test. Everyone makes a few careless mistakes the first time around.

• Statements with words like always, never, every, all, and none are usually false.

• Statements with words like usually, often, sometimes, most, and many are usually true.

True/False Questions

• First, read through the prompt thoroughly. Then brainstorm and organize (outline) your points before you start writing.

• When writing, pay attention to your grammar and punctuation!

Essay Questions

• Read the directions carefully! Many points are lost because students didn’t follow the directions. Ask the teacher to clarify the directions if you don’t understand what you are being asked to do.

• Eliminate answers you KNOW are not correct. This will increase your chances of selecting the correct answer if you need to make an educated guess.

Multiple Choice Questions

Multiple Choice

What strategy should you use to improve your chances of guessing correctly on multiple-choice questions?

• Eliminate options you know are wrong.

• Guess randomly.

• Choose the longest answer choice.

• Flip a coin for each question.

• If you don't know an answer to a question, skip it and come back to it later. You might remember the answer later, or even find the answer somewhere else on the test!

• If you skip an item, make sure you remember to come back to it later.

• Always answer EVERY question. If you guess, you might guess right — especially if you can eliminate one or two choices. If you leave it blank, it'll definitely be marked wrong.

Answer ALL questions!

Multiple Choice

True or False:

You should always skip a question you don't know. It won't count if you don't answer it.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

Why is it important to never leave a question unanswered on a test?

• Unanswered questions receive partial credit.

• Guessing might lead to a correct answer.

• Leaving questions blank is against test rules.

For English Language Arts Tests:

• Skim the questions before reading the passage so you'll know what to look out for.

• Respond to what's being asked — read each question thoroughly to make sure you understand.

• Read all of the answer choices before making a selection.

• Read each passage carefully. Note the author's reasoning, tone, attitude, and style.

• Look for cue words like "but," "however," and "therefore." They often signal major ideas of a passage.

For English Language Arts Tests:

• Mark important facts, ideas, names, etc. on your scrap paper to refer to later.

• If a passage is too difficult, skip it and return to it later.

• In the main idea questions, don't be deceived by statements that are true, but are secondary to the central point.

• Rewrite difficult words or questions in terms that make more sense to you, but be careful not to change the meaning.

Multiple Choice

How can cue words like "but," "however," and "therefore" help you understand a passage better?

• They signal unimportant information.

• They signal major ideas in the passage.

• They indicate the end of a passage.

For Math Tests:

• Before the test, review the mathematical formulas you'll need for that test, so they're fresh in your mind.

• Answer easy questions first; work through difficult items as time permits.

• Make sure your answers are recorded correctly.

• Use your critical thinking skills.

• Use the scrap paper. Have one ready in case you need it!

For Math Tests:

• There will never be more than one correct answer on standardized tests.

• Watch out for distractors (unnecessary information) within a problem.

• Use mathematical shortcuts: 

  • Cancel / simplify fractions

  • Estimate

  • Remove decimal points when possible

Multiple Choice

What are some mathematical shortcuts that can help you on tests?

• Solve each problem step by step without shortcuts.

• Memorize all formulas beforehand.

• Cancel fractions, estimate, and remove decimal points when possible.

To reduce anxiety:

• Share your feelings of anxiety with parents and/or teachers.

• Think of the test as an opportunity to show what you know!

• Relax, breathe deeply, and stay focused on the test.

• Remember the test is only one way your academic performance is measured.

Open Ended

Are there any other tips that have helped you when taking tests?