Important ideas to help you survive Test Taking Skills Important ideas to help you survive

1. Read the question. Basic skills for any test involve the taker REALLY reading the question. Look at the words – which words do you know for sure, and which ones can you figure out from context clues? If you don’t know a key word in a question, look at the answers for clues.

2. Use what you know. You aren’t going to know everything, but you can increase your chances of being right by using what you know and using context clues. Ex: “Jabberwocky” Look at prefixes and suffixes Look at root words

3. Form an answer in your mind. Come up with an answer on your own first, and then look at the answers given.

4. Eliminate any answers that cannot be correct. Use what you know along with the answer you formed before looking at what is given to eliminate what you know is wrong. You should be able to eliminate 1to 3 answers right away. Look at the answers left and determine which is the best answer.

6. Guess If you have used what you know formed an answer in your mind eliminated the answers that will not work and you still have no idea - guess. Your chances should be as good as 1 out of 2, or 1 out of 3.

Reading Passages Read the questions at the end of the passage to give you an idea of the information for which you are looking. Read the entire passage first. If possible, mark up the passage by underlining main ideas and important facts. Use the tools available to you. Go back to the passage as often as possible to find the answer.

GO BACK TO THE PASSAGE!!

Math Skills Skim the test quickly. If it requires you to use any formulas that are not given, take time to jot down those formulas on your paper. When copying a problem onto a sheet of scratch paper, double-check the accuracy of your numbers before beginning your computation.

Review your work!! Math Skills Draw pictures, graphs, or any visual aids that will help you better understand any problems, especially word problems, that you are having difficulty understanding. Review your work!!

Reading Charts and Graphs Note the labels on the charts and graphs. Sometimes a scale on one axis will provide a valuable clue. Read all graphs twice.   Think carefully about the meaning of the science concepts used in the items. For example, if you know what the term consumer means you may be able to figure out how this term Keep your eyes peeled on the verbs in the items. These will help focus your response.   Draw or sketch out the question item. Often a question will become clear to you if you diagram the process, list what you know, and identify what you are to determine.  

Reading Charts and Graphs When reading diagrams, follow the entire cycle to understand the process. Read diagrams twice.   Use common sense and logic. Many times important clues for the information you need to know to be able to answer a question are found in the question you are answering or are found in another question within the group of questions you are answering, or, these clues may be found in the informational reading section prior to some of the test items.   Many parts of tests assess your ability to reason--how you use and think about what you know regarding science-- more than measuring facts you have memorized.

Reading Charts and Graphs Read each question CAREFULLY. CHECK the verbs. CHECK all the parts of the question including the supporting graphs, charts diagrams, and informational reading. CHECK the data. CHECK the text. Understand the task.   BRAINSTORM using a concept map or outline as you begin to construct your response. Using this strategy will access your prior knowledge.

On Test Day Get plenty of sleep the night before. Eat a good breakfast. Bring a book to read after you are finished. Leave your cell phone, smart watches and all technology off and in your locker.

Minimum Time Per Section(s) Maximum Time Per Section(s) Content Area/Course Test Section(s) Minimum Time Per Section(s) Maximum Time Per Section(s) English Language Arts, Reading and Evidence-Based Writing 1 70 90 English Language Arts 2 and 3 60 75 Mathematics 1 and 2 85 Science 45 Social Studies

Extended Constructed Response Extended Writing Response Content Area/ Number of Sections Selected Response 1 point Constructed Response 2 points Extended Constructed Response  4 points Extended Writing Response 7 points ELA (3 sections) x Math (2 sections)   Science (2 sections) 8th only Social Studies (2 sections)

Response Length Constructed Response: 3-5 Sentences. Make sure you are answering all portions of the question. Extended Constructed: 3 Paragraphs. Extended Response: 5 Paragraphs.  On Wednesday (Your big essay!)

Argumentative Essay Format Claim 2-4 Sentences Reason 1 Transition Word Quote & Explain 4-6 Sentences Reason 2 Transition Word Quote & Explain 4-6 Sentences Counterclaim Rebuttal Together these should be 4-6 sentences Conclusion Transition Word 2-4 sentences

Informational Essay Format Claim 2-4 Sentences Reason 1 Transition Quote & Explain 4-6 Sentences Reason 2 Transition Quote & Explain 4-6 Sentences Reason 3 Transition Quote & Explain 4-6 Sentences Conclusion Transition 2-4 Sentences