Mary Fay Pendleton School

Test Taking Tips

Grades 2 - 6

Reading

• For each part of the test, read the directions carefully so you know what to do.

• Then read the directions again – just to be sure.

• For questions about a reading passage, take a quick look at the questions first.

• Then you will know what to look for as you read the passage.

• In each question, look for key words to help you decide what each question is asking.

• Examples of key words: who, what, when, where or how, or why.

• You do not have to memorize the information is each passage before you answer the questions.

• Go back to the passage to find the answers you need

• Be on the lookout for negative words or directions, such as not, opposite, except, unless, These words may be all CAPITAL letters, in bold type, italics, or underlined.

• Questions using these words can be confusing. Think carefully about what the question is asking before you choose an answer.

• To find sequence of events, look for signal words, such as: first, then, next, last, before, after, later, or finally.

• You may also look for numbers, such as years or dates.

• To find out the meaning of an unfamiliar word in a passage, look for context clues in the sentence.

• Be sure to look in the sentences before and after the word, too.

• To find causes and effects, look for signal words and phrases, such as: because, so, since, as a result.

• To find the main idea of a passage, decide what the whole passage is mostly about.

• Use the title and any pictures on the page to help you figure it out.

• When answering a question, read all the answer choices carefully.

• Consider each possible answer before you choose one.

• Remember, all other students in your grade are taking the same test at the same time as you in California.

• The test is important, but don’t worry too much if you just don’t know an answer. The best you can do is “your very best.”

• To help stay relaxed, every now an then, sit up straight.

• Wiggle your fingers to relax the muscles in your hand.

• Take a deep breath to provide more oxygen to your blood and brain.

• Roll your shoulders back to release stress from being bent over your desk.

• Rotate your head around your neck.

• Use your fingers to massage your face to release tension.

• Get a drink from time to time without causing a disturbance to other students.

• Sigh, without distracting other students.

Mary Fay Pendleton School

Test Taking Tips

Grades 2 - 6

Mathematics

• For each part of the test, read the directions carefully so you know what to do.

• Then read the directions again – just to be sure.

• Look for key words to help you decide what each question is asking.

• What kind of operation - addition, subtraction, multiplication, division or more than one of these – do you need to do?

• key words:

• addition: “and,” “more than,” “in addition,” "plus"

• subtraction: “take away,” less than”

• multiplication: “times,” “twice,”

• division: “into,” “by,” “divided by,”

• To help you solve a problem, write a number sentence with numbers and operation signs or an equation.

• Examples:

• 3 X 4 = 12; 12 ÷ 4 = 3

• (3 + 5) = - 8

• Use the scrap paper given to you or extra space on the test page to write down numbers and operation signs you need to solve the problem.

• If a question has a picture or diagram, study it carefully.

• You can also draw a picture or write you own idea on paper to help you solve a problem.

• Try to solve each problem before you look at the answer choices.

• Sometimes the correct answer may be “Not Given: or “Not Here,” or even “NG” so you need to be sure of your answer.

• Check you work carefully before you say “I’m done.”

• Make sure you answered every question.

• One way to check you work is to do the opposite operation to be sure you are correct.

• If you are not sure of an answer, cross out every answer choice you know is wrong. Then make your best guess.

• To complete a number sentence or equation, try all of the answer choices until you find one that works.

• When working with fractions, always write the answer in simplest form.

• When working with decimals, always make sure to “line up” the decimals numbers to add or subtract.

• Take your time.

• The test is not a race.

• There is no reward to finish first.

• Often, the students who finish first are just rushing to get done.

• The student who finishes first is not always the “smartest student.”

• You do not have “free choice,” “free time,” or a “break” by finishing before other students.

• Finally, be sure to use your number two pencil to fill in the “circle” or “bubble” for each answer.

• Erase all pencil marks that are not inside a “circle” or “bubble.”