The Five Step Plan!!! ~ Jack Matasker

1. Read and Think 2. Select a Strategy 3. Solve 4. Write or Explain 5. Reflect

 Read the problem carefully  Know what is being asked  Locate the keywords

 What strategy should I use??  Choose the best strategy Some strategies to choose from: 1. Draw a picture of graph 2. Make a list or table 3. Look for a pattern 4. Guess and check 5. Work backward

Check your answers and calculations Label your work with the correct units (ex: lbs, cm, feet, months)

Explain, in words, how you got your answer Explain the strategy you chose Your writing must be clear and neat and don’t leave out any steps

 REVIEW YOUR WORK!!!! Answer questions like these:  Did I answer the problem being asked?  Did I explain why I chose the strategy I used?  Did I explain how I solved the problem?

If you can follow these steps you will have a great chance to do well on Open-Ended Questions!!