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Top 10 Ways to Score Higher On State Testing

  1. Answer Easy Questions First
    Every Question is worth the same number of points-no matter how difficult it is. So make three passes through the test:
    • Answer the easy questions right away
    • Go back to the questions that will take some work, but that you know you can solve
    • Save the hardest questions for least, even if you have to guess or run out of time

  2. Reason Backwards from the Answers
    • Sometimes if you're stuck you can just plug in the possible answers to see which on works. reread the question to look for clues that match.

  3. Mark UP the Book
    • Underline key words and ideas. Circle the question and the main idea.
    • Mark up the tables and charts to get to the answer. List math facts from examples.

  4. Eliminate Answers You Know Are Wrong
    • With four choices, there are almost always two that are really wring, on e that sounds kinda right, and one that really is right.
    • If you can get past the obvious errors, even if you have to guess, you have a much better chance. If all else fails, guess anyway...the score is the number correct answers, a wrong answer and an unanswered question are treated the same.

  5. Summarize Ideas
    In passages involving reading comprehension, there will always be questions like:
    • What was the main idea of this?
    • What would be the best title for this story?
    These kinds of questions require you to summarize information. Practice this with your teacher.

  6. Compare And Contrast
    All subject tests will have questions like:
    • Which of these is least like the others
    • Which one of these does not belong?
    • Which is the most important reason...
    These questions require you to compare and contrast choices and establish patterns. Ask your teachers for more examples.

  7. Watch For Questions With Negatives Or Exceptions
    These are easy traps:
    • Which of these is not a reason for...?
    • All of these statements are true except...
    • Which factor was least important in reaching this conclusion?
    • Be careful in reading questions like this to make sure you know what they're asking!

  8. Use the State Standards To Get Ready
    Your classrooms have standards posted and your teachers have overhead copies of the test blueprints.
    Use these to check against your work. They spell out the topics covered and how many questions on each subject you should expect.

  9. Use Diagrams, Charts, Maps, Tables
    Questions in all subject areas will refer to a visual representation that accompanies information or questions.
    Look at the text and the graphics and how they work together.
    Look at the axes of a chart or table and ask yourself what story it is telling.
    Then go to the question to see what it is asking.

  10. Take a Practice Test With A Partner Or SMall Group
    Talk through how questions are structured.
    You practice for your driver's test, the game or the play- practice for this and you'll do better.
    Teachers have practice question or tests.
    Look for examples of questions or traps listed here.