Test-Taking Strategies: Read and Respond

So what's a strategy? It's a plan of action or tactic. It's how you go about getting something done. And why do you need one? Well, strategies aren't just for sports or for top secret military missions. You've got to play it smart and bring some strategies when you take a test. Preparing for and taking a test strategically will help you succeed and will build your confidence. And what's the best strategy of all? You've got to study! Other strategies include eating breakfast, getting enough rest, and studying with a friend. Over time, you might figure out additional strategies that work for you. Then stay calm, cool and confident. You got this.

What is the most important test-taking strategy?

• not sleeping the night before

• worrying about the test

• studying

• eating dinner

Of course, you should be sure of the material that will be covered on the test. But knowing the test format can help you prepare as well. Study aids like flashcards are great for multiple choice questions. If the test is in essay format, it's better to map out the facts or examples in an outline or other graphic organizer.

The night before the test, be sure to get a good night's sleep. And make sure to eat a healthy breakfast. Don't skip it! It helps you stay focused. When you're hungry, it's harder to concentrate. Thinking burns calories just like any other activity.

What’s the best way to prepare for an essay test?

• reading essays you’ve written for other classes

• using an outline to organize facts and other important information

• making a lot of flash cards

• eating a large and healthy breakfast

If you're allowed to, look through your test so you can get an idea of how it is organized before you start writing down your answers. What parts are worth the most points? The least? This helps you prioritize your time. Speaking of time, it's always good to wear a watch on test day or at least have a clock in sight. Keep track of how long you're spending on each part. Pace yourself. And if you have extra time, be sure to use it to look over your answers!

Tackle those easy questions first — the ones you definitely know the answer to. You're earning points right off the bat if you answer easy questions first. Plus, this builds confidence early on. Be sure to mark or circle questions you skipped so you don't forget to go back to them.

When you’re taking a test, what questions should you answer first?

• the ones that you don’t know the answer to

• the ones that will contribute the least points to your score

• the ones you’re absolutely sure about

• the one or ones that will take the longest to answer

For multiple choice questions, use the process of elimination. Which choices are obviously wrong? Cross them out. With the remaining options, make an educated guess. Another strategy that can be good for multiple choice questions is trying to answer the question before you look at the answers. Then look down at the answers to see if any match what you came up with.

For reading comprehension questions, if you're allowed to, reading the questions first helps you focus on relevant parts of the passage. Look for keywords in the questions, and go back to the passage for supporting information. And don't forget to look closely at any charts, captions or illustrations. They have valuable information too.

Tariq is taking a test and comes across a reading comprehension section. He should

• look at the questions before reading the passage.

• read the passage before looking at the questions.

• not distract himself with information from charts, captions or illustrations.

• skip the section and come back to it at the end.

Read the essay question carefully and break it down into parts. What are you being asked to do: compare and contrast? Explain or identify? Argue for or against? How many examples are you being asked to provide? Before you start writing, it's a good idea to make a brief outline. Begin your essay with a topic sentence that restates the question in some way. Make sure your essay has a thesis, and that you support all your points with evidence. And don't lose points on the simple things: an essay is not the time to forget your grammar and spelling. Use complete sentences and proofread your work carefully.

When answering an essay question, you should

• make an outline before you begin writing.

• not worry about your spelling or grammar.

• skim the question as quickly as possible.

• not use a topic sentence.

Whew, you're done. But wait! Did you answer every question? Make your best guess no matter what. You might just guess the right answer! Check your work one last time for correct spelling and grammar.

If you have extra time at the end of your test, you should

• turn the test in early in case you can get extra points.

• rewrite the essay if you had one to see if you can do a better job.

• look at any questions you skipped and if you still don’t know the answer, leave them blank.

• answer any questions you skipped with your best guess and review your work.