1. Test Taking Strategies
CRCT is on the way!

2. The Day Before Eat a healthy dinner.
Prepare your clothes and backpack for the next day.
Pack #2 pencils and an eraser.
Sleep for 8 hours or more.
Have a relaxing evening.

3. The Day of the Test Wear comfortable clothes.
If it is cold in your classroom, bring a sweater or jacket.
If it is warm in your room, wear cool clothing.
Do not wear jewelry that is noisy or distracting.
Wear your glasses.
Pull your hair back, so it is not in your face.

4. Breakfast, Breakfast , Breakfast
Eat a healthy breakfast.
Drink something, but not too much.
Avoid being hungry or thirsty during the exam

5. Prepare Before the Test
Use the restroom before the test begins.
Arrive early.
Place pencils and erasers on the desk.
Make yourself comfortable.
Try some breathing and relaxation exercises.

6. Relax
Take deep breaths, in through your nose and out you’re your mouth.
Slowly count to 10 to yourself.
Imagine yourself in a peaceful place.
Think positive thoughts.

7. During the Test Read the directions carefully.
Stop and think before answering questions.
Pay attention to test time. For example 60 minute test with 30 questions = approx. 2 minutes per question.
If you get stuck, move on to the next question and come back!

8. Read, Read, Read Read the directions carefully.
Read all of the answers before selecting your choice.
Read for clues such as key words.
Read charts, graphs, diagrams, captions…
Read the entire passage.
Underline important information in the passage and the question.
Review. Go back to check your answers.
Make sure you did not leave any answers blank.

9. Reading Focus Words and phrases Main Idea Plot & Conflict
Author’s Purpose
Comparisons
Cause & Effect Relationships
Reference & Research

10. Types Of Questions Right there – in the text
Think & Search – put together different parts of the text
On My Own – Relates to the text; use your own ideas and experience
Author & Me – not in the text; how does the text fit together with what you already know?

11. Process of Elimination When you are not sure what the correct answer is on a multiple choice question:
Eliminate answers you know are wrong.
Try to find the right answer in the text, don’t depend on your memory.
Look for clues.
Take your best guess from the answers that remain.
It’s better to take an educated guess, than to leave an answer blank.

12. Check Your Answers!
Make sure you are in the right section. Also, make sure your question and answer numbers match.
Don’t spend too much time on one question.
Use your time wisely.
Don’t look for answers to fall into a pattern.
Do not change your answers unless you are sure they are wrong. Remember that your first hunch is usually correct!
Use extra time to re-read questions and make sure the answers make sense.
Answer any questions that you left blank.
Erase any stray marks.

13. After the Test Relax. It’s over! Reward yourself for trying your best.
Never stop learning!

14. Additional Information
Studies have shown that independent reading is crucial to improvement in reading. As a fifth grade student, you should complete 20 minutes of reading every night. Of course, more time would be even better. CRCT Reading passages are about 60 minutes in length. You will be expected to sit quietly and read independently for that amount of time.
Here is a chart detailing the amount of independent reading time and its impact on reading percentile ranking.
Percentile Min/day