Test Taking Tips

Work Backwards Always read the questions first, then read the passage. Some questions can be answered WITHOUT reading the passage. Look for key words or phrases in the question, and then underline or the word or phrase when you see it in the text. Next, you should go back to the question and answer it. circle

Multiple Choice Questions Read the question before you look at the answer. Come up with an answer in your head, and then check to see if it’s one of the choices listed. Choose the answer that most closely represents your own words.

Process of Elimination Read all the choices before choosing your answer. Eliminate answers you know aren't right. Physically cross off wrong answer choices so you’re not tempted to go back at the end of the test and change your answer. Cross off any answer that doesn’t fit grammatically with the question on your multiple choice test.

Wrong Answers Use a process of elimination to get rid of as many wrong choices as you can before answering a question. Wrong answers are often easier to find. Look for extremes like "never" "only" or “always". Options that use the words "always," "none" or "never" are less likely to be true than "usually" or "probably." Look for opposites like a substitution of –1 for 1.

None or All In "All of the above" and "None of the above" choices, if you are certain one of the statements is true don't choose "None of the above" or one of the statements are false don't choose "All of the above". In a question with an "All of the above" choice, if you see that at least two correct statements, then "All of the above" is probably the answer. Choose “All of the above" ONLY if you know that multiple options are correct.

The True – False Test Make each option a"true-false" test. Cross out any options that are not true. Example: Which landform is formed by the sediment from a stream? A. Delta True B. Canyon False C. Fault line False D. Waterfall False

Read Carefully They will try to trick you, so read the question carefully. Pay careful attention to the wording of each question. You may be asked to select the BEST or MOST LIKELY answer. Underline key words in the question: are you looking for a synonym? Antonym? Which one is NOT? Look at articles: “a” – next word begins with a consonant, “an” – next word begins with a vowel.

Guessing Take an educated guess. If you can narrow down your choices to three or two selections, pick the best one. You will always get the answer wrong by skipping it. You at least have a shot if you answer the question. Remember that you’re looking for the best answer. Often, more than one answer choice will be technically correct on a multiple choice test. So, you have to choose which one best answers the question. A positive choice is more likely to be true than a negative one.

Final Hints Use your test booklet or scratch paper. It often helps to write as your work, so outline, paraphrase and underline to help you read. Use the scratch paper to help you think. Pace yourself. If you get stuck on a question, guess, circle it (on the test booklet), and move on. Come back at the end of the test if you have time to review. This way you don’t waste precious time on something you may not get right anyway.

Some More Hints Trust your gut. Definitely go back through your test to make sure you’ve answered everything, but keep your answers the same, unless you’ve discovered new information in a later part of the test to disprove your answer. Go to bed early the night before and get a good night’s sleep. Eat a healthy breakfast.