1. Test-Taking Tips
By: Mr. Burkett

2. Why is it important to have good test-taking tips?
It is important to know how to take tests well because you can:
Use your time wisely
Reduce stressful situations
Be prepared
Be more successful
Feel more confident taking tests in the future

3. Before the Test Get a good night’s sleep- go to bed on time or early
Eat a healthy and hearty breakfast so you will not get hungry during the test
Eat a snack before the test if you are allowed
Use the restroom in advance
Keep a water bottle on the floor if your teacher allows it
Prepare an outfit with many layers so you can take off a layer if you get hot or put one back on if you get cold

4. Before the Test, cont
Be prepared: study for a few nights before the test, don’t cram the night before! This is too stressful and you are less likely to remember the information
Get materials: sharpen at least 2 pencils, have a reliable eraser, make sure your highlighter works, make sure your calculator works, etc.
Ask Questions if you have any before the test is handed out

5. During the Test
Read through the directions carefully before solving any problems. Understand the directions fully!!
Ask for clarification if you don’t understand what you are being asked to do
Pace yourself- know how much time you have and don’t rush!
Take a deep breath before you begin and again periodically through the test to help you relax.

6. During the Test, cont
Solve the questions you feel confident about first.
Come back to ones you are not sure about.
Don’t spend too much time on any one problem- come back to it at the end
Use scratch paper… that’s what it’s there for!!

7. Multiple Choice Items Understand the Question
Look back at the story (if the question is about a story)
Eliminate wrong choices and narrow your choices down
Choose the best answer

8. Filling In The Blanks Understand the sentence- notice key words
Look back at the selection (if there is one to refer back to)
Narrow your choices down
Choose the best word you can think of or use from the word box
Example: I felt _______ in school.

9. Open-Ended Response Understand the Question
Get Ready to Write- brainstorm ideas, use a web, or create a list
Write your Answer- rewrite the question, use your brainstorming ideas in your response, write clear, concise sentences- include a concluding sentence or paragraph
Read through your work- check for spelling, punctuation, and grammatical mistakes.

10. True-False Items
Read the directions- you may be asked to change false sentences and make them true… don’t forget!!
Read each statement carefully
Notice words such as always, never, every time, no, not, etc. These words are often clue words.

11. After the Test Double check your work. Ask yourself:
Did you answer all the problems?
Did you do your best work?
Is your name on your test??
You made it!! Celebrate all of your hard work and preparation!!
Think about what you did well and what you need to work on for future tests.