by Betty Collier, Retired Teacher July 7, 2012 SOL Test Taking Strategies

Sleep  One key to doing well on the SOL TEST is getting enough sleep the night before.  Most people need about 8 hours of sleep. You may need a little more or a little less. If you are well rested, you will be better able to concentrate and remember information.

On the day of the SOL test:  Wear comfortable clothing and dress for the temperature of your classroom.  You may want to dress in layers. This way you’ll be ready if it is warm or cool in the room.

On the day of the SOL test: Glasses  If you are supposed to wear glasses, wear them!!!

On the day of the SOL test:  Eat breakfast.  Food is what fuels your body and mind. That is why eating a well- balanced breakfast is one way to prepare for the SOL TEST.

On the day of the SOL test:  Stay away from negative people. They may decrease your confidence level.

On the day of the SOL test:  Reduce your anxiety by taking a moment to relax.

On the day of the SOL test:  BELIEVE IN YOURSELF!  Decide to do your best!

Have the teacher provide you with:  a pencil,  a calculator (for math and science), and  blank sheets of paper to use once the test begins.

 Read the SOL test directions carefully.  Be considerate of other test takers.  Be careful not to make any disturbing noises or motions.

 READ THE ENTIRE QUESTION.  It is very important that you take the time to read the entire question. If you don’t, you may miss important information and misunderstand the question.

 Do a quick " mind dump “ of information you don't want to forget on the blank sheet of paper.

Please excuse my dear aunt sally. (order of math operations) George Washington gets wild. (gravity, wind, glacier, water: agents of erosion) A= l w V = l w h My very energetic mom just served us nine pizzas. (order of planets from the sun)

 Read each SOL test question CAREFULLY to make sure you understand what is being asked.  Answer the easiest questions first. This will boost your confidence!

 Highlight italicized or CAPITALIZED words in the question. They can change the meaning of a question. Example: What is the best answer?

 Take your time! You have the entire school day to take the test if necessary.  Rushing may cause you to make a silly mistake.

 Don’t get discouraged if a SOL question is difficult.  Realize that some questions will be hard, and some will be easy. Most will be in-between.  Re-read the question or skip it and come back to it later.

 If you don’t understand the SOL question, REWRITE THE QUESTION on the blank sheet of paper in a form you can understand.

 If you don’t understand the SOL question, DRAW A PICTURE OR DIAGRAM to help you understand the question.

 Don’t panic during the SOL test!  Keep your positive attitude as you continue to take the SOL test.  Tell yourself you WILL do well on the SOL test. You have the tools to be successful!

 When a SOL question has a graph, table, or picture with it, YOU MUST USE IT to answer the question. It’s just not there to look pretty!

 Cover up the answers while reading the SOL test question.  How would you answer the question?

 Take a break for a few seconds.  Take a deep breath (don’t forget to let it out)!  Change your position. Stretch your arms, hands and neck. Make sure that you do this quietly. Then go back to taking the test.

 Try to decide what the answer to the SOL question is before you read all of the choices.  Remember to read all answers before selecting the BEST one.

 USE THE PROCESS OF ELIMINATION.  If you don’t know the answer to a SOL question, eliminate answers that you know are incorrect. This increases your chance of choosing the right answer.

 Don’t pay attention to anyone else. Everyone works at his or her own pace.  Remember that there is no prize for finishing first.

 Remember that for each SOL question, you are looking for the BEST answer.  If you don’t read all of the answers, you may pick a possible answer, but not the BEST answer.

 Some cue words you may see on the SOL Test: NOT EXCEPT  For both of these words, you are to find the answer that is unlike the others. Example: Which of these animals do NOT belong?

 Some cue words you may see on the SOL Test: MOST BEST  If you see one of these words, you are to find the answer that is the most logical or makes the most sense. Example: Choose the BEST answer.

 Some cue words you may see on the SOL Test: LEAST  When you see this word, you are to find the answer that is the least logical or makes the least sense. Example: What causes the LEAST harm?

 Try out every answer. By considering each answer, you can be more certain that you choose the BEST answer.  The first answer may sound good, but another choice may be a BETTER answer.

 Look within the SOL question for a clue to the answer.  Look within the test for answers to other questions. Example: Question #37 may help you answer an earlier question.

 Read all the SOL questions again with the answers that you have chosen.  Make sure you marked the correct answer.

 Make sure you answer every question.  Any question that isn’t answered is counted wrong.  Remember to take as much time as you need on the SOL test.

 CELEBRATE !!  You have successfully completed your SOL test! After the test

Links to Test Taking Strategies:  Brigham Young University  Austin Community College