1. TEST TAKING SKILLS Helpful Hints And Procedures for the Math MCAS Test

2. FOCUS POINTS Restate the question when applicable Read carefully – Pace Yourself Write neatly Read questions carefully before answering Consider each M/C answer before choosing one Break down multiple-section questions prior to beginning you answers Don’t spend to much time on one question Use context clues NEVER LEAVE AN ANSWER BLANK

3. Problem Solving Strategies Make an organized list or table Use Guess and Check Work backwards Draw a diagram Solve a simpler problem Use logical reasoning

4. Math MCAS Strategies Multiple-Choice Questions Complete the work for each question in your question book, you cannot use any scrap paper Eliminate wrong answers (POE – Process of Elimination) Mark the correct letter/bubble in your Answer Book

5. Short-Answer Questions Complete the work in your question book you cannot use any scrap paper Write only the answer in the box in your Answer Book Include units and labels as necessary

6. Open Response Questions Open response questions are multiple-step problems consisting of 3 or 4 parts. Each part should be answered in the order it is given, as answers to one part may rely on the answers that came before it. You may be asked to explain your answers in one or two paragraphs or to create a table, chart, graph, diagram, or illustration.

7. Be sure to answer and label all parts of the question, (a) (b) (c), etc… BE NEAT Use the grid to show graphs and charts. Include labels, tack marks, and titles. Complete a Rough Draft in your Question Book then write your FINAL DRAFT in your Answer Book. An open response question is scored using 0 to 4 point scale. It is important that you show ALL YOUR WORK and EXPLAIN in writing how you did your work. Write what you know even if you cannot answer the entire question. You will earn partial credit.

8. Final Thoughts Remember you may use the Reference Sheet and the MCAS Ruler during the test. You will be given a calculator to use during the Math/Session 2 Test only RELAX ! HAVE CONFIDENCE ! ! DO YOUR BEST ! ! ! GOOD LUCK ! ! ! !