Test Taking Strategies

Slide 1: 

Iowa Counselor with permission Hatch. T. (2005) Strategies for Taking Standardized Tests

S_U_Y : 

S_U_Y V R J Z T V D T

pancake : griddle :: hamburger : : 

pancake : griddle :: hamburger : lettuce grill bun ketchup

Gathering information is important to being successful on a test. : 

Gathering information is important to being successful on a test. Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree

Gathering Information : 

Gathering Information The first step to good test preparation is collecting all the materials you need to study for the test. Textbook Class notes Prior quizzes Review sheets

I know what my study style is.This is the way in which you study. : 

I know what my study style is.This is the way in which you study. Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree

Know and use your own personal study style : 

Know and use your own personal study style Different students develop different styles for studying What style or techniques works best for you? How do you learn best? Auditory Kinesthetic Visual

Know and use your own personal study style, cont. : 

Know and use your own personal study style, cont. Some students prefer: Studying alone with their iPod Studying alone with silence Maybe your parents should help by asking you questions for review Study with your best friend and classmate Make flashcards or charts Make or use several different methods and pick the one that’s best for you and the test you’re preparing to take.

I can ask my teacher for suggestions on how to prepare for the test : 

I can ask my teacher for suggestions on how to prepare for the test Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree

Yes, ask your teacher! : 

Yes, ask your teacher! Your teacher can help save you a lot of time studying by helping you learn how to effectively study for a particular, upcoming test. As you prepare for a specific test, ask the teacher questions several days before.

Yes, ask your teacher, cont. : 

Yes, ask your teacher, cont. Ask your teacher if the materials you plan to review are the right ones. The day before the test or the morning of the test, go to school early and ask any last-minute questions.

My sleep can affect my test taking skills : 

My sleep can affect my test taking skills Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree

‘Twas the Night Before Testing : 

Iowa Counselor with permission Hatch. T. (2005) ‘Twas the Night Before Testing Go to bed on time. A good night’s sleep will help you think more clearly and focus on the questions. Talk to your parents about any concerns that you might have about the test.

‘Twas the Night Before Testing, cont. : 

Iowa Counselor with permission Hatch. T. (2005) ‘Twas the Night Before Testing, cont. Record your favorite shows. Don’t allow any distractions as you study. Video games…come on, the night before a big test? Get some sleep!

It makes no difference what I eat the morning of a test. : 

It makes no difference what I eat the morning of a test. Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree

The Morning of Testing : 

Iowa Counselor with permission Hatch. T. (2005) The Morning of Testing Be sure to eat a good breakfast. ENERGY! No need to overdue it, but taking time for breakfast can help you think more clearly. A growling stomach may distract you from focusing on the test questions.

My morning routine at home may help me do well on my test : 

My morning routine at home may help me do well on my test Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree

The Morning of Testing : 

Iowa Counselor with permission Hatch. T. (2005) The Morning of Testing Start your day calmly. Listen and obey your alarm. Don’t be rushed. Think of what you will do to relax after you get home from school. Think Positive!

Now let’s talk about HOW you actually take the test! : 

Now let’s talk about HOW you actually take the test!

Multiple choice questions scare me : 

Multiple choice questions scare me Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree

Multiple Choice Questions : 

Iowa Counselor with permission Hatch. T. (2005) Multiple Choice Questions If you do not understand the directions, ask for help. Read the question and all answer choices before marking anything.

Multiple Choice Questions : 

Iowa Counselor with permission Hatch. T. (2005) Multiple Choice Questions Do not change your answers unless you are very uncertain about your first answer choice. Try to answer every question. Make the most intelligent guess you can.

It’s okay to eliminate or “rule out” answers in my mind. : 

It’s okay to eliminate or “rule out” answers in my mind. Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree

The Process of Elimination : 

Iowa Counselor with permission Hatch. T. (2005) The Process of Elimination After you have been through all of the questions once, go back and find questions you have some knowledge about and eliminate choices that you know are incorrect.

The Process of Elimination : 

Iowa Counselor with permission Hatch. T. (2005) The Process of Elimination If you can eliminate two wrong answers, your chance of choosing the right answer is greater.

An Example of Elimination : 

Iowa Counselor with permission Hatch. T. (2005) An Example of Elimination 2+2 = ___ A. 3 B. 4 C. blue D. red

I know I’ll freak about how much time I’m spending on a question. : 

I know I’ll freak about how much time I’m spending on a question. Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree

Pace Yourself : 

Iowa Counselor with permission Hatch. T. (2005) Pace Yourself Don’t spend too much time on any one question. Do your best and then move on. Answers the easiest questions first, but be sure to go back to those questions you skipped.

Answering Questions : 

Iowa Counselor with permission Hatch. T. (2005) Answering Questions Don't guess blindly, but if you have time to think about the best answer choice, make it!

It’s okay to skip a question : 

It’s okay to skip a question Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree

Skip, Return, Check : 

Iowa Counselor with permission Hatch. T. (2005) Skip, Return, Check If you finish early, check to make sure you have answered all questions.

I know how to find key words in a test : 

I know how to find key words in a test Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree

Key Words : 

Iowa Counselor with permission Hatch. T. (2005) Key Words Find key words or phrases in the question that will help you choose the correct answer. Be sure to study them the night before.

Reading all directions will help me go faster on the test. : 

Reading all directions will help me go faster on the test. Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree

Are We Communicating? : 

Iowa Counselor with permission Hatch. T. (2005) Are We Communicating? Make sure you understand what the question is asking. THIS MEANS READ THE DIRECTIONS! Be sure you are responding to the question that is being asked.

If I have to read a passage before answering the question, it’s best to read the answer choices first. : 

If I have to read a passage before answering the question, it’s best to read the answer choices first. Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree

Reading Passages : 

Iowa Counselor with permission Hatch. T. (2005) Reading Passages If the test requires you to read passages and then answer questions about what you read, read the questions and answer choices first! By doing this, you will know what you are looking for as you read. This also helps you go faster on the test.

Reading Passages, cont. : 

Iowa Counselor with permission Hatch. T. (2005) Reading Passages, cont. When there are several questions about a reading passage or chart, look for clues in other questions that will help you with those items about which you are unsure.

Math Computation : 

Iowa Counselor with permission Hatch. T. (2005) Math Computation When using scratch paper on a math test, double check to make sure that you have copied the problem correctly from the test booklet!

Math Computation : 

Iowa Counselor with permission Hatch. T. (2005) Math Computation Line up place value correctly on your scratch paper (thousands, hundreds, tens, ones) or the answer will be incorrect.

Math Computation : 

Iowa Counselor with permission Hatch. T. (2005) Math Computation If your answer does not match one of the choices, reread the problem, recopy the numbers, and try solving it again.

A Matter of Time : 

Iowa Counselor with permission Hatch. T. (2005) A Matter of Time If any time remains, spend it on those questions about which you know nothing or almost nothing. As you go back through, do not change all answers. Remember: Your first guess is usually right.

It’s About Time : 

Iowa Counselor with permission Hatch. T. (2005) It’s About Time Don’t spend too much time rewriting or obsessing about neatness. Don’t worry if you run out of time.

Final Tips : 

Iowa Counselor with permission Hatch. T. (2005) Final Tips Fill in bubbles fully, write neatly, and erase stray marks. Double-check the test number in your test booklet against the answer sheet every few questions to be sure you haven’t gotten on the wrong number.

I can tell when I’m stress while taking a test : 

I can tell when I’m stress while taking a test Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree

The Death Grip : 

Iowa Counselor with permission Hatch. T. (2005) The Death Grip If your arm tires during testing it is probably due to the grip that you have on your pencil. Relax the grip and give those muscles a break. Do not do arm exercises during testing as this disturbs others.

Thank you, Mr. Know-it-all! : 

Iowa Counselor with permission Hatch. T. (2005) Thank you, Mr. Know-it-all! Remember it's okay not to know everything — unlike class tests, these tests will have some questions designed to challenge the limits of your knowledge at a grade level above your current grade.

Gathering information is important to being successful on a test. : 

Gathering information is important to being successful on a test. Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree

I know what my study style is.This is the way in which you study. : 

I know what my study style is.This is the way in which you study. Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree

I can ask my teacher for suggestions on how to prepare for the test : 

I can ask my teacher for suggestions on how to prepare for the test Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree

My sleep can affect my test taking skills : 

My sleep can affect my test taking skills Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree

It makes no difference what I eat the morning of a test. : 

It makes no difference what I eat the morning of a test. Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree

My morning routine at home may help me do well on my test : 

My morning routine at home may help me do well on my test Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree

Multiple choice questions scare me : 

Multiple choice questions scare me Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree

It’s okay to eliminate or “rule out” answers in my mind. : 

It’s okay to eliminate or “rule out” answers in my mind. Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree

I know I’ll freak about how much time I’m spending on a question. : 

I know I’ll freak about how much time I’m spending on a question. Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree

It’s okay to skip a question : 

It’s okay to skip a question Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree

I know how to find key words in a test : 

I know how to find key words in a test Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree

Reading all directions will help me go faster on the test. : 

Reading all directions will help me go faster on the test. Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree

If I have to read a passage before answering the question, it’s best to read the answer choices first. : 

If I have to read a passage before answering the question, it’s best to read the answer choices first. Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree

I can tell when I’m stress while taking a test : 

I can tell when I’m stress while taking a test Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree