Test Taking Strategies

1. Test Taking Strategies Are you ready?

2. 1. Read the directions carefully. • This may be obvious, but it will help you avoid careless errors. If there is time, quickly look through the test for an overview. Note key terms, jot down brief notes.

3. 2. Read the questions first. • Look for key words in the questions and make sure you understand the questions.Watch for words like "all," "always," "never," "none," "few," "many," some,"

4. 3. Read the passage. • Make sure you understand what you have read. If you don’t read it again.

5. 4. Underline Important Ideas • Underline important ideas in the text that will help you answer questions.

6. 5. Go back to the questions. • Come up with the answer in your head before looking at the possible answers, this way the choices given on the test won't throw you off or trick you.

7. 6. Read ALL the choices before choosing your answer.

8. 7. Eliminate answers you know aren't right.

9. 8. If you are unsure go back to the passage.

10. 9. Take an educated guess. • When you take an educated guessyou make a guess at the answer based on your own experience and factual knowledge. If there is no guessing penalty, always take an educated guess and select an answer.

11. 10. Don't keep on changing your answer. • Usually your first choice is the right one, unless you miss-read the question.

12. 11. Review • Resist the urge to turn your brain off as soon as you have completed all the items. Review your test to make sure that you have answered all questions, bubbled correctly and neatly, and not left any stray marks on the test form.

13. 12. Change answers to questions if you originally misread them or if you have encountered information elsewhere in the test that indicates that your first choice is incorrect.

14. All of the Above/None of the Above Questions • In "All of the above" and "None of the above" choices, if you are certain one of the statements is true don't choose "None of the above" or one of the statements are false don't choose "All of the above". • In a question with an "All of the above" choice, if you see that at least two correct statements, then "All of the above" is probably the answer.

15. Bubbling • Fill in bubbles fully, write neatly, and erase stray marks.

16. Purpose of State Testing • The STAR-CST test is based on California State Standards. This test is designed to help teachers and administrators determine areas of strength and areas to improve upon. • The purpose of the CST's is to determine students’ achievement of the California Academic Content Standards for each grade or course. Students’ scores are compared to preset criteria to determine if the students’ performance on the test is advanced, proficient, basic, below basic, or far below basic. The state target is for all students to score at the proficient and advanced levels. The API score is also used to rank schools through out the state.

17. DO YOUR BEST!!!! YOU CAN DO IT!

18. Reducing Test Taking Anxiety Relax! Relax! Relax!

19. 1. Try to maintain a positive attitude while preparing for the test and during the test.

20. 2. Exercising for a few days before the test will help reduce stress.

21. 3. Get a good night's sleep before the test.

22. 4. Show up to class early so you won't have to worry about being late.

23. 5. Stay relaxed, if you begin to get nervous take a few deep breaths slowly to relax yourself and then get back to work.

24. 6. Read the directions slowly and carefully.

25. 7. If you don't understand the directions on the test, ask the teacher to explain it to you.

26. 8. Skim through the test so that you have a good idea how to pace yourself.

27. 9. Don't worry about how fast other people finish their test; just concentrate on your own test.

28. 10. If you don't know a question skip it or bubble in what you think to be the correct answer and come back to it later.

29. 11. Focus on the question at hand; don't let your mind wander on other things.

30. Think Positive and Relax! You can do it!