1. The Test-Taking Strategy
Created by T. Lanier

2. THE 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
Created by T. Lanier

3. STEP 1: PREPARE TO SUCCEED
Put your name and PIRATES on the test.
Allot time and order to sections.
Say affirmations.
Start within 2 minutes.
PASS
Created by T. Lanier

4. STEP 2: INSPECT THE INSTRUCTIONS
Read instructions carefully.
Underline what to do and where to respond.
Notice special requirements.
RUN
Created by T. Lanier

5. 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.
Created by T. Lanier

6. STEP 3: READ, REMEMBER, REDUCE
Read the whole question.
Remember what you studied.
Reduce the choices.
RRR
Created by T. Lanier

7. STEP 4: ANSWER OR ABANDON
Answer the question.
Abandon the question for the moment.
Created by T. Lanier

8. All Always Every No None Never Only
ABSOLUTE WORDS
NON-ABSOLUTE WORDS
All Always Every No None Never Only
Few Some Seldom Sometimes Most Many Often Usually
Created by T. Lanier

9. STEP 6: ESTIMATE Avoid absolutes.
Choose the longest or most detailed choice.
Eliminate similar choices.
ACE
Created by T. Lanier

10. STEP 7: SURVEY Survey to ensure all questions are answered.
Switch an answer only if you are sure.
Created by T. Lanier

11. TEST-TAKING STRATEGY AFFIRMATIONS
I look for ways to use the Test- Taking Strategy everyday.
I believe that when I use the Test-Taking Strategy, I will be successful.
I believe that use of the Test-Taking strategy will help me achieve my goal: ___________.
I look forward to taking tests and using the Test-Taking Strategy.
Created by T. Lanier

12. TEST-TAKING STRATEGY AFFIRMATIONS
I enjoy using “PIRATES” and showing what I know on tests.
I work through tests easily using “PIRATES.”
When I use the “Remember” step of “PIRATES,” answers come to me quickly.
I am a successful test-taker when I use “PIRATES.”
Created by T. Lanier