Mastering the Test

Mastering the Test : 

Mastering the Test Getting wise to question-types, red-herrings, and what the scorers are looking for

Mastering the Test – 4 Key Points : 

Mastering the Test – 4 Key Points Test-taking is a skill that can be learned. Knowing what to expect goes a long way towards easing testing anxiety. You should be knowledgeable about the test’s construction as well as what test-scorers are looking for. There are several ways test-makers will try to trick or distract you away from the right answer.

Skillful Test-Taking : 

Skillful Test-Taking Test taking is a learned skill, not a natural gift. Your attitude towards the test will either enhance or limit your skills. You can improve your testing performance by Preparing for the test in advance Using various resources that are available to you for study Taking practice tests (remember though, that these tests are often more difficult than the actual test) Praying for peace and wisdom before and during the test Joining a study group, or enlist friends/family to be cheerleaders

Know What to Expect : 

Know What to Expect The subject matter tested on the CSET comes from the California State Standards for each grade level. The multiple-subject test will measure how well you know subject matter content from grades K-8. There are areas that are more heavily tested than others on the test. This course will review those areas. Your coursework in theHuman Development program has prepared you to perform well on the CSET!

Test Construction : 

Test Construction The multiple-subject CSET test is comprised of three subtests: Subtest 1: English & History Subtest 2: Math & Science Subtest 3: Human Development, Art, Physical Education Each subject area on the subtests are equally weighted, and your score is cumulative. Each subtest is comprised of multiple choice and short-answer questions.

Tricks of the Test : 

Tricks of the Test The CSET Test was designed to measure what you know and do not know. You are being tested on how well you read the question, as well as whether you know the correct answer. In multiple-choice questions, the answer choices have been strategically designed. In short-answer questions, you are being tested not only on whether you know the correct answer, but whether you can explain it as well. If you are confident and knowledgeable, you can avoid the tricks of the test!

Trick of the Test #1 : 

Trick of the Test #1 Trick: Confusing or deceptive wording of the question Treat: Read the question and answers VERY carefully. Sometimes the clue to the correct answer will lie in the wording of the question. Look for key words that will help you correctly answer the question. Look for examples of those concepts in the answer choices.

Tricks of the Test #1 : 

Tricks of the Test #1 Some common VOWEL PATTERNS are associated with MORE THAN ONE pronunciation (e.g. steam and bread). Which of the following nonsense words illustrates a vowel pattern that is HIGHLY CONSISTENT in its pronunciation? a. stook c. spow b. troan d. mough

Tricks of the Test #2 : 

Tricks of the Test #2 Trick: Tempting wrong answers. Treat: 1. In almost every set of answer choices, there is going to be The right answer Close to the right answer The opposite of the right answer A tempting wrong answer 2. If you do not know the right answer right away, work on eliminating the wrong answers. 3. DO NOT be distracted by the wrong answers. They are “red herrings”.

Tricks of the Test #2 : 

Tricks of the Test #2 An extensive oral vocabulary is most likely to contribute to a reader’s decoding skills by helping the reader Apply phonics generalizations to sound out a word Use syntactic cues to determine the meaning of an unfamiliar word Relate an unfamiliar word to known words with similar spellings Recognize a word after sounding it out

Tricks of the Test #3 : 

Tricks of the Test #3 Trick: Complicated short-answer questions that ask for multiple answers. Treat: Read the whole question, noting what exactly your answer should entail. Outline your answer to the question before you start writing. However, do not include the outline in lieu of the essay. When you are done answering, go back and make sure you answered every part of the question.

Tricks of the Test #4 : 

Tricks of the Test #4 Trick: “Short” answer questions whose answers seem to be anything but short. Treat: While most college writers would be tempted to write a traditional 5-paragraph essay answer, in this scenario, you have, at best, half a page in which to answer. Skip the introduction and conclusion. Skip the metaphor and flowery answer. Get right to the point. Remember that the graders read hundreds of these essays every day. They are more concerned with content than style. Make it easy-to-read for them. Use jargon if you know it, skip it if you do not.

Tricks of the Test #3 & #4 : 

Tricks of the Test #3 & #4 A second grade teacher notices that when writing out an assignment, one of her student misspells the words as shown below: Target Word Student Spelled FLOW FLO SEW SO DOUGH DO Write a response in which you IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM this student is having. EXPLAIN which specific activities would assist this student.