Test Taking Tips for Students 
 

• Read ALL directions, questions, and answer choices before making a selection.
• If you do not know the answer right away, try to narrow down your choices to two and choose wisely. Do not waste too much time on one question.
• Make sure to match the number in your booklet to the same number on your answer sheet.
• Use all available time. If you finish early, go back and make sure that your marks and erasures are clear and in the correct place.
• Do not waste time and energy being nervous, just try to focus and do the best you can!
• If time allows, review both questions and answers. It is possible you misread questions the first time.
• Change your answer only if you have a reason to do so. Most of the time, your first answer is correct.
• Cover the answers with your hand before you look at them.
• Read the question carefully and silently to yourself.
• Find the key words (subject and verb) in the question.
• Eliminate answer choices you know are wrong.
• When the question itself has blank spaces to fill, place each answer in the blank space and read everything silently to yourself. Choose the answer that fits best in the blank space.

 Test Taking Tips for Parents

• Make certain your child gets a good night’s sleep.
• Provide a wholesome breakfast or get your child to school early enough to have breakfast at school.
• Dress your child comfortably.
• Get up early enough to avoid rushing and arguing. Try and avoid stressful situations if possible the day or week of the test. Send your child to school HAPPY!
• Acknowledge that tests are important and that he/she should his/her best.
• Talk about the test to reassure and encourage your child. At the same time, do not talk too much about it.
• After the test……………..discuss the test and remember to praise your child for his/her effort.
• Be sure to follow-up with your child’s school and review your child’s results.

  Test Strategies for Teachers

• Don’t skimp on practice tests—these are vital to prepare students for the mechanics of the tests and to practice bubbling in answers.
• Promote Positive Attitudes About Testing: When discussing tests with students, make three recommendations: be serious, be confident, and be strategic.
• Deal with Basic Roadblocks: Do your best to circumvent problems such as inadequate breakfast, lack of sleep, and chronic tardiness prior to testing week.
• Talk About Those Last Few Minutes: The final moments of a test period are valuable for checking work and guessing on remaining questions.