Strategies for Taking Standardized
Tests
The night Before Testing
• Go to bed on time.
• Talk to your parents about any
concerns that you might have
about the test.
The Morning of Testing
• Start your day as you always do.
• Eat a good breakfast.
• Think Positive!
Approach the testing with a positive attitude.
Confidence is the Key.
Multiple Choice Questions
• Read the question and all answer
choices before marking anything.
• Some answers may be very similar to
the correct answer.
Be Careful!
Example of Multiple Choice
Type Answers
The correct answer is: (X is less than 5)
a.
b.
c.
d.
X
X
X
X
>
<
>
<
7
8
5
5
The Process of Elimination
• Eliminate choices that you know are
incorrect.
• 50/50 “educated guess”
I know it can’t
be C or D.
Answering Questions
• Don't guess blindly. The test is not
timed and you will have time to think
about the best answer choice.
• We all work at different paces.
• Extended Testing time will be
available if needed.
Key Words
• Find key words or phrases in the
question that will help you choose the
correct answer.
• Beware of words like often,
sometimes, and always.
(Even wrong answers may be partially true)
Are we communicating?
• Make sure you understand... what the
question is asking
• Be sure you are responding… to the
question that is being asked.
Reading Passages
• If the test requires you to read passages
and then answer questions about what
you read…
Read the Questions First!
•By doing this, you will know what you are
looking for as you read.
Open-Ended Questions
• 20 – 25% of your score will come from the open-ended
questions.
• If you do not take your time and work hard on these
questions you are losing the opportunity to gain valuable
points.
• Each (OE) reading question is worth the same as three
(3) multiple choice questions.
• Each (OE) math question is worth the same as four (4)
multiple choice questions.
Open-Ended Reading
Questions
• Read the “Prompt” before reading the passage
• Use the CUCC method to help understand the
•
•
•
•
question which needs to be answered
Remember you can go back to the passage
while writing your answer
Write about ¾ of a page
Answer the question which is being asked
Use details from the passage to support your
answer
Reading Passages
• When there are several questions
about a reading passage or chart,
look for clues in other questions.
• Sometimes other questions will help
you with questions you are unsure
about.
Math Computation
• When using scratch paper on a math
test, double check to make sure that you
have copied the problem correctly from
the test booklet!
2.15
x 3.14
21.5
x 3.13
Math Computation
• Line up place value correctly on your scratch paper
(thousands, hundreds, tens, ones) or the answer will be
incorrect.
• Multiple Choice answers may be similar to answers you
produce through simple common errors.
• Be Careful – Don’t Rush!
• Show us What you Know!
Math Computation
• If your answer does not match one of
the choices, Don’t Guess, reread the
problem, recopy the numbers, and try
solving it again.
Check Your Work
• As you go back through, do not change
all answers.
• Remember: Your first answer is
usually right.
It’s About Time
• Don’t spend too much
time rewriting or
obsessing about neatness.
BUT…..
Make Sure You…
• Fill in bubbles fully and erase stray marks.
• Double-check the question number in your
test booklet against the answer sheet
every five questions to be sure you
haven’t gotten on the wrong number.
The Death Grip
• If your arm tires during testing it is
probably due to the grip that you
have on your pencil.
• Relax the grip and give those
muscles a break.
• Do not do arm exercises during
testing as this disturbs others.
Advanced vs. Proficient
• Remember it's okay not to know
everything — unlike most class
tests, these tests will have a few
questions designed to challenge the
limits of your knowledge at a grade
level above your current grade.
• Stay Positive when you encounter a
difficult question.
Do your best
• Your efforts will pay off for YOU
in the future.
–The Courses You are Required to
Take
–The Overall School Program You
can experience
Be…
Serious
Confident
Strategic
and
“Show us what
you know!”