1. PSSA Tips

2. Be Physically Ready Get a good night’s sleep before the test. Eat a good breakfast Bring a bottle of water and/or a snack. Go to the bathroom before homeroom Paper & Pencil test- bring a #2 pencil, a highlighter, and an AR book Online testing- bring your laptop, charger, earbuds, a mouse, and an AR book LEAVE EVERYTHING ELSE IN YOUR LOCKERS!!!!!!!

3. Be Mentally Prepared O Being nervous or not caring, ruins your performance. O Relax and maintain a positive attitude. O Do your best on every question!

4. Test Taking Tips O TAKE YOUR TIME!!! There is no time limit for these tests. Take the time to check your answers and show your work. O Don't worry about what other students are doing. The tests are not all the same. O If you get to a question you don’t know or understand, close your eyes, take a deep breath, think happy thoughts, and give it a try. O Read the questions carefully, underline or highlight parts of the question or story in the booklet if necessary to help you remember, and understand the passages.

5. O Remember, there are two types of writing prompts. O When answering the TDA… O It’s all about the text; no guessin’! O Remember, you will be scored on reading comprehension, analysis, and writing! O Identify details from the story and explain what they mean and how they relate to the question.

6. O When answering the Argumentative, Informative/Explanatory, and Narrative writing prompt… O Make sure you understand what the prompt is asking you to do. O Remember, you will be scored on focus, content, organization, style, and conventions O Use a 5-paragraph format O Introduction (hook, background information, thesis) O Body 1- example 1 with explanation O Body2- example 2 with explanation O Body 3- example 3 with explanation O Conclusion (summarize main ideas, end strong)

7. For ALL essays O Create a graphic organizer to help you plan and organize your thoughts before you start writing. O Review the rubric. O Make sure you have a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. O Use specific details. O Use transitions! O Don’t assume the scorer knows what you mean. O Be sure to write your essay only in the area that is given. Do not write outside of the box. O Write legibly. If the person scoring your exam can't read your answer it may be marked wrong!

8. DO….. The best you can throughout every testing session!!!

9. CELL PHONES You cannot have a cell phone or any other electronic device in the testing room

10. QUESTIONS?