WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 17 - 21

10 Test-Taking Tips

Students frequently take test comprised of multiple-choice questions.
These tips can help improve student performance on this type of test.

1. Follow test directions exactly.
2. Read the WHOLE question before looking at the answer choices.
3. Answer the easy question first; don’t spend too much time on any one question.
When skipping a question, remember to SKIP THAT NUMBER on the answer
sheet.
4. Anticipate the answer when you read the question.
5. Read all the answer choices.
6. If your answer is one of the choices, bubble it in and move on.
7. If your answer is not one of the choices, cross out the answers you know are
wrong; this will narrow your choices and make it more likely that you will pick
the right one.
8. For reading comprehension sections: scan the questions before you read the
passage.
9. On standardized test, the number of correct answers, not the number of wrong
ones, usually determines the score. Ask if guessing will count against you, then
use the narrowing down methods noted above and don’t leave any questions
blank.
10. Be sure to bubble in answers properly. Multiple-choice tests are often graded by
computer; stray marks on the answer sheet will count against you. Bubble in your
choice completely while staying within the oval.

What Parents Can Do At Home

Provided for parents by SAY San Diego’s PASS Project
Funded by the Edna McConnell Clark Foundation

• Acknowledge test-taking anxiety as normal, but stay positive.
• Encourage your child to think positive thoughts like “I can do this!”
• Give compliments for effort: “I’m proud of how hard you have studied.”
• Go over the test-taking tips with your child.
• Adequate rest makes a difference! Make sure your child goes to bed at a reasonable
time; being active earlier in the day (not right before bed) can help kids get to sleep.
• Nutrition also influences how well children do on test; a good breakfast is
important, but a large meal right before the test can be distracting.
• Your child should wear comfortable clothing for long test-taking periods.
• Help your child learn how to relax. Some find it helps to take a few deep breaths
before starting the test; others like to imagine a peaceful place like the beach or
park.

Taken from: http://www.saysandiego.org/documents/Microsoft%20Word%20-%20Test-TakingTips.pdf