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Effective SOL Test Taking Strategies

Helpful tips for preparing before and during the SOL test, including sleep, attire, mindset, and tactics for answering questions. Stay calm, focused, and confident!

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Effective SOL Test Taking Strategies

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  1. by Betty Collier, Retired Teacher July 7, 2012 SOL Test Taking Strategies

  2. TEST TAKING STRATEGIESPreparation before the test Sleep One key to doing well on the SOL TEST is getting enough sleep the night before.  Most people need about 8 hours of sleep.  You may need a little more or a little less.  If you are well rested, you will be better able to concentrate and remember information.

  3. TEST TAKING STRATEGIESPreparation before the test On the day of the SOL test: Wear comfortable clothing and dress for the temperature of your classroom.   You may want to dress in layers.  This way you’ll be ready if it is warm or cool in the room.

  4. TEST TAKING STRATEGIESPreparation before the test On the day of the SOL test: Glasses If you are supposed to wear glasses, wear them!!!

  5. TEST TAKING STRATEGIESPreparation before the test On the day of the SOL test: Eat breakfast. Food is what fuels your body and mind. That is why eating a well- balanced breakfast is one way to prepare for the SOL TEST.

  6. TEST TAKING STRATEGIESPreparation before the test On the day of the SOL test: Stay away from negative people. They may decrease your confidence level.

  7. TEST TAKING STRATEGIESPreparation before the test On the day of the SOL test: Reduce your anxiety by taking a moment to relax.

  8. TEST TAKING STRATEGIESPreparation before the test On the day of the SOL test: BELIEVE IN YOURSELF! Decide to do your best!

  9. TEST TAKING STRATEGIESPreparation before the test Have the teacher provide you with: a pencil, a calculator (for math and science), and blank sheets of paper to use once the test begins.

  10. TEST TAKING STRATEGIESOnce the test begins Read the SOL test directions carefully. Be considerate of other test takers. Be careful not to make any disturbing noises or motions.

  11. TEST TAKING STRATEGIESOnce the test begins READ THE ENTIRE QUESTION. It is very important that you take the time to read the entire question.  If you don’t, you may miss important information and misunderstand the question. 

  12. TEST TAKING STRATEGIESOnce the test begins Do a quick "mind dump“ of information you don't want to forget on the blank sheet of paper.

  13. MIND DUMP Please excuse my dear aunt sally. (order of math operations) George Washington gets wild. (gravity, wind, glacier, water: agents of erosion) A= l wV = l w h My very energetic mom just served us nine pizzas. (order of planets from the sun)

  14. TEST TAKING STRATEGIESOnce the test begins Read each SOL test question CAREFULLY to make sure you understand what is being asked. Answer the easiest questions first. This will boost your confidence!

  15. TEST TAKING STRATEGIESDuring the test Highlight italicized or CAPITALIZED words in the question. They can change the meaning of a question. Example: What is the best answer?

  16. TEST TAKING STRATEGIESDuring the test Take your time!  You have the entire school day to take the test if necessary.  Rushing may cause you to make a silly mistake.

  17. TEST TAKING STRATEGIESDuring the test Don’t get discouraged if a SOL question is difficult. Realize that some questions will be hard, and some will be easy. Most will be in-between. Re-read the question or skip it and come back to it later.

  18. TEST TAKING STRATEGIESDuring the test If you don’t understand the SOL question, REWRITE THE QUESTIONon the blank sheet of paper in a form you can understand.

  19. TEST TAKING STRATEGIESDuring the test If you don’t understand the SOL question, DRAW A PICTURE OR DIAGRAM to help you understand the question.

  20. TEST TAKING STRATEGIESDuring the test Don’t panic during the SOL test! Keep your positive attitude as you continue to take the SOL test.        Tell yourself you WILL do well on the SOL test. You have the tools to be successful!

  21. TEST TAKING STRATEGIESDuring the test When a SOL question has a graph, table, or picture with it, YOU MUST USE IT to answer the question. It’s just not there to look pretty!

  22. TEST TAKING STRATEGIESDuring the test Cover up the answers while reading the SOL test question. How would you answer the question?

  23. TEST TAKING STRATEGIESDuring the test Take a break for a few seconds. Take a deep breath (don’t forget to let it out)!  Change your position.  Stretch your arms, hands and neck.  Make sure that you do this quietly.  Then go back to taking the test.

  24. TEST TAKING STRATEGIESDuring the test Try to decide what the answer to the SOL question is before you read all of the choices. Remember to read all answers before selecting the BEST one.

  25. TEST TAKING STRATEGIESDuring the test USE THE PROCESS OF ELIMINATION. If you don’t know the answer to a SOL question, eliminate answers that you know are incorrect.  This increases your chance of choosing the right answer.

  26. TEST TAKING STRATEGIESDuring the test Don’t pay attention to anyone else.  Everyone works at his or her own pace.  Remember that there is no prize for finishing first.

  27. TEST TAKING STRATEGIESDuring the test Remember that for each SOL question, you are looking for the BEST answer.  If you don’t read all of the answers, you may pick a possible answer, but not the BEST answer. 

  28. TEST TAKING STRATEGIESDuring the test Some cue words you may see on the SOL Test: NOT           EXCEPT       For both of these words, you are to find the answer that is unlike the others. Example: Which of these animals do NOT belong? 

  29. TEST TAKING STRATEGIESDuring the test Some cue words you may see on the SOL Test: MOST         BEST         If you see one of these words, you are to find the answer that is the most logical or makes the most sense. Example: Choose the BEST answer.

  30. TEST TAKING STRATEGIESDuring the test Some cue words you may see on the SOL Test: LEAST     When you see this word, you are to find the answer that is the least logical or makes the least sense.  Example:  What causes the LEAST harm?

  31. TEST TAKING STRATEGIESDuring the test Try out every answer.  By considering each answer, you can be more certain that you choose the BEST answer.  The first answer may sound good, but another choice may be a BETTER answer. 

  32. TEST TAKING STRATEGIESDuring the test Look within the SOL question for a clue to the answer. Look within the test for answers to other questions. Example: Question #37 may help you answer an earlier question.

  33. TEST TAKING STRATEGIESBefore submitting your answers Read all the SOL questions again with the answers that you have chosen. Make sure you marked the correct answer.

  34. TEST TAKING STRATEGIESBefore submitting your answers Make sure you answer every question. Any question that isn’t answered is counted wrong. Remember to take as much time as you need on the SOL test.

  35. TEST TAKING STRATEGIES CELEBRATE !! You have successfully completed your SOL test! After the test

  36. TEST TAKING STRATEGIES Links to Test Taking Strategies: Brigham Young University http://ccc.byu.edu//learning/strategy.php Austin Community College http://library.austincc.edu/help/testtake/

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