Online PSSA Test Taking Strategies!

Before a test

100

Look through and preview the test and questions before starting on it to get a sense of what you're going to be doing. True or False?

True, because if you get a sense of what you're taking on the test you are able to note questions that you may have an idea of how to answer or mark ones that you would come back to later in test taking period.

200

Should you arrive early to your testing destination and get comfortable or arrive late?

You should arrive early with spare time on your hands to be able to avoid the stress of running late right before your test.

300

Create negative affirmation about test taking such as "I am going to fail" or "I am not prepared for this test at all. True or False?

False! You should never create negative affirmation; it should be positive. You should have thoughts such as "I am fully prepared for this test" or "I am confident to pass and earn the highest score". (Never put yourself down, you can do it!)

400

Before taking your test, should you write down anything you remember that will help you or should you just wing it and go by what you think would be right.

You should write down whatever you remember (which is also known as Memory Cues); never wing it. Always chose the best thing to do over just "getting by". (Possible cues include definitions, phrases, and acronym.)

500

What should you do before the test?

Check that your test ticket has your name on it, raise your hand if it does not. Follow all directions given by the teacher.

Multiple Choice Strategies

100

If you know two of three options seem correct in a question then choose "all of the above" as your answer choice. True or False?

True, because if you know that the two choice are correct then it leaves it to be "all of the above".

200

Should you guess on a question that you are unsure of?

Not right away, you should flag the question and move onto a different one then come back to it because it is possible that you might see something later on in the test that could possibly help you answer that question you were stuck on.

300

What is the first thing you should do when coming across a lengthy question?

Look for keywords throughout the question, highlight anything important, analyze and see what relates to any of your answers.

400

Once you finish your test with time to spare you should turn it in. True or False?

False, because it is possible that you may have miss-read a question the first time around. It is always good to go back and look it over so you get the best score.

500

The question that has an answer that is a bit lengthy than the others is usually the one to be the correct one. True or False?

True, because it can be the one that is most informative and the others can just be something to do with the question but they're not specified or in detail.

Test strategies

100

What should you do if you feel like your mind has gone blank or you just need to refocus?

(Answers may vary) There are many different ways from turning your test over and closing your eyes just to pause momentarily or take a deep breath, you could roll your head in a circle slowly or even have a mental talk with yourself to regroup, etc.

200

What is the name of the strategy that makes you plug in answer choices to see if you can come up with the correct answer.

Working Backwards.

300

What are several ways to improve your chances of getting the right answer on a multiple choice question?

(Answers may vary) Eliminate any answers that do not make sense or go with the question. Cover your answers and read the question over again and look for key words. Etc..

400

If you're having difficulties with a certain question, what should you do about it?

Skip the question and move on to a different one. Do not stay on that question for so long because it will take away from your test time. You can circle it and then come back to it at the end.

500

What shouldn't you do when you have finished your test?

You should NOT distract others from their work.

Mental/Physical Preparation

100

What should you do if you feel like your mind has gone blank or you just need to refocus?

(Answers may vary) There are many different ways from turning your test over and closing your eyes just to pause momentarily or take a deep breath, you could roll your head in a circle slowly or even have a mental talk with yourself to regroup, etc.

200

How many hours of sleep should you get before a test the next day?

8 hours.

300

List some foods that you should eat before a test that will wake up your brain and body to do their actions.

(Answers may vary) Nuts, apples, yogurt, blueberries, dark chocolate, peanut butter, eggs, oatmeal, milk, orange juice, grapefruit, etc.

400

Should you cram hard a night before an exam or should you stop and get your rest?

You should NOT cram a night before a test because you need approx. 8 hours of sleep and if you do cram, you won't really remember anything because of how tired you are. You need your focus and recognition.

500

You should maintain your routine that helps you prepare physically and mentally before a test. True or False?

True! You should do whatever you normally do, if it's jamming to music then jam to music or if you like to do yoga with calming wave sounds then do that. Whatever helps you focus and gets you into preparation then do it.