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

2. 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.

3. 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

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

5. 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. 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.

7. 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.

8. GO BACK TO THE PASSAGE!!

9. 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.

10. 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!!

11. 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.  

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. 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

16. 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)

17. 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!)

18. 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

19. 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