Test Taking Tips

1. (Write EVERYTHING down) Test Taking Tips

2. Read ?’s first • Even though the story comes first, then the questions, you should ALWAYS read the questions first, then go back to the story. • This helps you get an idea of what you will be looking for as you read.

3. Highlight “mini” sentences in ?’s • For each question, highlight only the important words. • Example: • What is the author’s attitude towards slavery in the south? • What is the author’s attitude towards slavery in the south?

4. Mark ? # next to paragraph & vice versa • For some questions, put the question number next to the paragraph that the answer is found in. • For some paragraphs, put the paragraph number next to the question that asks about the information found in that paragraph.

5. Read paragraphs while selective highlighting • Do not highlight every word you see. • Do not highlight because it looks cool. • ONLY highlight information in the reading that deals with the questions.

6. CAVEMAN notes • Next to each paragraph, write 2-3 words (maximum) that describes what that paragraph is about. • Fewest words to say what the paragraph is about.

7. Process of elimination • You can usually get rid of 2 answers pretty quickly. Mark out those answers so they do not distract you. • A 50% chance of getting the answer right is better than 25%.

8. Powerline • Circle the questions that you know 100%. • Answer those first. • Helps to start the equal distribution chart.

9. Equal distribution • Every standardized test is usually created equal. Which means, each letter answer is going to be equally distributed. • For example, a test with 100 questions will have answers that equal out to 25 A’s, 25 B’s, 25 C’s, and 25 D’s (give or take a few).

10. Equal Distribution Chart A IIII B III C I D III

11. Equal Distribution Chart A IIII B III C IIII D IIII

12. TAKE BREAKS, TAKE BREAKS, TAKE BREAKS!