1. Steps of the Test-Taking Strategy
Step 1: Prepare to Succeed
Step 2: Inspect the Instructions
Step 3: Read, Remember, Reduce
Step 4: Answer or Abandon
Step 5: Turn Back
Step 6: Estimate
Step 7: Survey 1

2. Step One: Prepare to Succeed
P ut name and Pirates on the test
A llot time and order to sections
S ay Affirmations
S tart within 2 minutes 2

3. Step Two: Inspect the Instructions
R ead the instructions carefully
U underline what to do and
where to respond
N otice special requirements 3

4. Underline WHAT to do and WHERE to respond
Circle the letter next to the most appropriate choice.
Write “T” in front of statements that are true. Write “F” in front of statements that are false.
Make a “+” in front of statements that are true. Make a “-” in front of statements that are false. 4

5. Underline WHAT to do and WHERE to respond
Circle the letter next to the most appropriate choice. 4

6. Underline WHAT to do and WHERE to respond
Circle the letter next to the most appropriate choice.
Write “T” in front of statements that are true. Write “F” in front of statements that are false. 4

7. Underline WHAT to do and WHERE to respond
Circle the letter next to the most appropriate choice.
Write “T” in front of statements that are true. Write “F” in front of statements that are false.
Make a “+” in front of statements that are true. Make a “-” in front of statements that are false. 4

8. Step Three: Read, Remember, Reduce
R ead the whole question
R emember what you studied
R educe the choices 5

9. Step Four: Answer or Abandon
A nswer the question
A bandon the question for the
moment 6

10. Absolute Words Non-Absolute Words All Few Always Some Every Seldom No
None
Never
Only
Non-Absolute Words
Few
Some
Seldom
Sometimes
Most
Many
Often
Usually 7

11. C hoose the longest or most E liminate similar choices
Step Six: Estimate
A void absolutes
C hoose the longest or most
detailed choice
E liminate similar choices 8

12. Step Seven: Survey Survey to ensure all questions are answered
Switch an answer only if you
are sure 9

13. Test-Taking Strategy Affirmations
I look for ways to use the Test-Taking Strategy every day.
I believe that when I use the Test-Taking Strategy, I will be successful.
I am a successful test-taker when I use PIRATES. 3