FCAT TEST TAKING TIPS

MATHEMATICS TIPS Ask “What do I know?”, “What am I being asked to do?”, and “What procedure do I use?” Eliminate the obviously wrong answers. Make sure you show your work on your test booklet. Even if your answer is wrong you will get credit for the work you did correctly. Do not spend too much time on one problem. Mark it and return to it later.

Reading Tips Review the questions before reading the selection. Read the passage. While reading, underline any words, phrases or sentences you think are important to the meaning of the passage. Put a check mark in the margin across from key phrases. Mark out the obviously wrong answers.

MORE READING TIPS For Extended Response Questions you will receive the best grade if you put the answer in your own words. The graders want to know that you understand the answer. Don’t merely pull a sentence out of the text and use it as the answer. On these questions you can receive from 0-4 points per question, depending on your answer.

Make sure you read the article carefully Make sure you read the article carefully. The test makers have selected articles for the test that they think you don’t know very much about. That is because FCAT is a “thinking test”. It is made to test the strategies that you use when you read. Pace yourself. You will have about 20 minutes to finish each article and questions. Make sure you read the headings and captions that go with the pictures. They contain important information.

PLEASE REMEMBER If you score below 300 on the Reading section of FCAT, you will be required to take an Intensive Reading class. If you score below 200 on the math section of FCAT, you will be required to take an Intensive Math class. Try to do your very best so that you do not have to take intensive classes next year.

FCAT WRITING + TIPS Determine the purpose of the prompt: persuasive or expository Plan your response with a graphic organizer or notes. Stay focused in your response. Do not stray into other topics. Make sure you are addressing the prompt. Make sure you are organized in your response.

MORE WRITING TIPS Use transitions. Vary your sentence structure. Use vivid language. Check your paper for spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and usage errors. Make sure your paper has a well defined beginning, middle and end.

GENERAL TEST TAKING TIPS Be prepared to “stick with it” throughout the entire test. Stay focused on your test taking strategies. Spend time on the Extended Response Questions; they can have a huge impact on your final FCAT score. Ignore what others are doing. Pace yourself. Do not spend too much time on one question. Circle it and come back to it later if you have the time.

Practice reading nonfiction articles at home prior to test day Practice reading nonfiction articles at home prior to test day. This might include newspaper articles, FCAT materials, encyclopedia articles, nonfiction books, etc. Try to find the main idea, key words and phrases, etc. Answer all questions! Don’t give up! Don’t just answer the easy questions and skip the hard questions. The hard questions are worth more points. If you skip all the hard ones you will not score well.

Work hard and you will win the race. Presentation prepared by Maxine Mangus, Tavares Middle School Literacy Coach