Tips For Taking the Test: Part One

• Read the questions first. 
• Write a few key words describing what you are looking for. For example, if the question asks for the main idea of the passage, write main idea. 
• Remember what you are looking for as you read the passage. 
• Mark up the questions - underline, circle, box, you name it. Write all over the test. 
• Read the directions. Sometimes there will be clues in the directions that tell you vital information about the passage like what time period it was written in or what genre it is. 
• Mark up the passage - write 3 words next to every paragraph that summarizes the paragraph. This will help you find what you're looking for when you go back to the passage to answer the questions. 
• Go back to the passage for every question. You need to have a justification for you answer. 
• Wear a watch.
• Wear a rubber band too. If you feel yourself getting distracted, pluck it gently. 
• Concentrate on the test. Nothing matters but the test. 
• Pretend that the entire world is contained within the test. There exists nothing outside of or beyond the world of the test. Everything you know or ever knew is in the test. 
• You can find the answer to every question in the passage, if you look hard enough. 
• If you feel you miss important details when you read, read the passage twice. This is especially important for my ESL students and my students who get extra time. 
• Don't guess!!! Everything you need to know is in the passage. 
• Take a small snack to eat before-hand so you don't get hungry during the test.
• Eat a good breakfast of protein and carbs. That means no sugary snacks or Lucky Charms. 
• Read every choice before answering the question. B might seem like a great answer, but D might be the perfect - and the right - answer. 
• Use context clues when dealing with unfamiliar words. 
• Find the main idea and themes of every passage. 
• Take your time. Don't rush. 
• Do some chair stretches before the test. Roll your shoulders. Lift your legs. Do arm circles. Sit up straight and stretch your back. It doesn't matter if you look silly; it'll help you loosen up and relax. 
• Visualize yourself getting you goal grade. Picture a 3 in your mind, and work towards that goal. 
• Remember that I believe in you. You're going to do great!