Test Taking Tips

by Bobbi Williams

Tips for Taking Tests

Be Prepared
*Get a good night's sleep
*Eat a healthy breakfast
*Bring everything you need to class

Keep Your Cool
*Read the directions carefully before you begin. Tell your teacher if you don't understand
*Take slow, deep breaths. Say to yourself, "I can do this."
*Concentrate on your own work. Don't worry if others finish before you.
*Double check your answers when you think you are done.

When Testing for Reading
*Read all the questions before reading the passage
*Use your highlighter
*Look for key words - boldfaced or italicized
*Read section headings

Improve Math Test Scores
*Try to estimate before you start to solve a problem
*If you're having difficulty with a problem, try drawing a picture or a diagram
*Don't spend too much time on one problem; come back to it later
*Work out problems; don't just guess

Increase your odds on multiple-choice questions
*Try to come up with the answer in your head before looking at the choices
*Read all of the answer choices before making your selection
*Eliminate choice you know are wrong with your striker
*If two of the choices are similar or opposite, one of them is probably the correct answer