Mary Fay Pendleton School Test Taking Tips Grades Reading

For each part of the test, read the directions carefully so you know what to do. Then read the directions again – just to be sure.

For questions about a reading passage, take a quick look at the questions first. Then you will know what to look for as you read the passage.

In each question, look for key words to help you decide what each question is asking. Examples of key words: who, what, when, where or how, or why.

You do not have to memorize the information is each passage before you answer the questions. Go back to the passage to find the answers you need

Be on the lookout for negative words or directions, such as not, opposite, except, unless, These words may be all CAPITAL letters, in bold type, italics, or underlined. Questions using these words can be confusing. Think carefully about what the question is asking before you choose an answer.

To find sequence of events, look for signal words, such as: first, then, next, last, before, after, later, or finally. You may also look for numbers, such as years or dates.

To find out the meaning of an unfamiliar word in a passage, look for context clues in the sentence. Be sure to look in the sentences before and after the word, too.

To find causes and effects, look for signal words and phrases, such as: because, so, since, as a result.

To find the main idea of a passage, decide what the whole passage is mostly about. Use the title and any pictures on the page to help you figure it out.

When answering a question, read all the answer choices carefully. Consider each possible answer before you choose one.

Remember, all other students in your grade are taking the same test at the same time as you in California. The test is important, but don’t worry too much if you just don’t know an answer. The best you can do is “your very best.”

To help stay relaxed, every now an then, sit up straight. Wiggle your fingers to relax the muscles in your hand. Take a deep breath to provide more oxygen to your blood and brain. Roll your shoulders back to release stress from being bent over your desk. Rotate your head around your neck. Use your fingers to massage your face to release tension. Get a drink from time to time without causing a disturbance to other students. Sigh, without distracting other students.

Test Taking Tips Grades Mathematics

For each part of the test, read the directions carefully so you know what to do. Then read the directions again – just to be sure.

Look for key words to help you decide what each question is asking. What kind of operation - addition, subtraction, multiplication, division or more than one of these – do you need to do?

key words: addition:“and,” “more than,” “in addition,” "plus" subtraction:“take away,” less than” multiplication:“times,” “twice,” division:“into,” “by,” “divided by,”

To help you solve a problem, write a number sentence with numbers and operation signs or an equation. Examples: 3 X 4 = 12; 12 ÷ 4 = 3 (3 + 5) = - 8

Use the scrap paper given to you or extra space on the test page to write down numbers and operation signs you need to solve the problem.

If a question has a picture or diagram, study it carefully. You can also draw a picture or write you own idea on paper to help you solve a problem.

Try to solve each problem before you look at the answer choices. Sometimes the correct answer may be “Not Given: or “Not Here,” or even “NG” so you need to be sure of your answer.

Check you work carefully before you say “I’m done.” Make sure you answered every question. One way to check you work is to do the opposite operation to be sure you are correct.

If you are not sure of an answer, cross out every answer choice you know is wrong. Then make your best guess.

To complete a number sentence or equation, try all of the answer choices until you find one that works.

When working with fractions, always write the answer in simplest form. When working with decimals, always make sure to “line up” the decimals numbers to add or subtract.

Take your time. The test is not a race. There is no reward to finish first. Often, the students who finish first are just rushing to get done. The student who finishes first is not always the “smartest student.” You do not have “free choice,” “free time,” or a “break” by finishing before other students.

Finally, be sure to use your number two pencil to fill in the “circle” or “bubble” for each answer. Erase all pencil marks that are not inside a “circle” or “bubble.”