Smart Test Moves
Math Detective
Reading Detective
Find the Trap
Challenge
100
You read a question but do not understand it the first time. What should you do before guessing?
Reread it slowly and identify what the question is asking.
100
A student solves 36 ÷ 6. What answer should the student get?

6

100
What should you look for when a question asks for text evidence?
A sentence or detail from the passage that directly supports the answer.
100
An answer choice sounds true in real life but is not supported by the passage. Should you choose it? Why?
No. Reading answers should be supported by the text.
100
Name two things you can do if you start feeling rushed during a test.
slow breathing, focus on one question, reread, skip and return, check time calmly.
200
You are unsure between two answer choices. What is one smart next step?
Return to the problem/passage and look for evidence or check the work.
200
A notebook costs $4.50. You buy 2.
What is the total cost?

$9

200
If a character slams a door and refuses to speak, what can you reasonably infer?
The character may be angry/upset/frustrated, supported by the behavior.
200
A math answer choice matches a number from the problem, but you did not use that number correctly. What kind of choice might this be?

A distractor/trap answer.

200
A problem says: Which statement is NOT true? What word should you mark or underline?

NOT

300
Why is it helpful to predict an answer before looking at the choices?
It helps you think independently and avoid being distracted by wrong choices.
300

Which is greater: 3/4 or 2/3?

3/4

300
What is the difference between a main idea and a supporting detail?
The main idea is the central point; supporting details explain or prove it.
300
A question asks for the BEST summary. One choice includes one small detail only. Is it likely the best summary?
No. A good summary includes the most important ideas, not one minor detail.
300
Why should you estimate before or after solving some math problems?
To check whether the exact answer is reasonable.
400
You notice the word EXCEPT in a question. What should you do?
Pay close attention because you are looking for the choice that does NOT fit.
400
A rectangle has a length of 9 units and width of 4 units. What is its area?

36

400

A passage explains both benefits and problems of school uniforms. What text structure may the author be using?

Compare/contrast or pros/cons, depending on the passage.

400
You solve 7 × 8 correctly but accidentally bubble 54 instead of 56. What test-taking habit could prevent this?
Check that the selected/bubbled answer matches the answer you calculated.
400
What should you do if a reading question asks about a specific paragraph?
Return to that paragraph and reread it, including nearby context if needed.
500
You have five minutes left and three unanswered questions. What should you do?
Prioritize answering the remaining questions, using elimination/educated choices, then check if time remains.
500
A class has 24 students. Three-fourths are present. How many students are present?

18

500
Why should you read the sentences around an unfamiliar word?
The surrounding context can provide clues to the word's meaning.
500
Two reading choices are both partly correct, but one answers the exact question more completely. Which should you choose?
The choice that most completely and directly answers the question.
500
Give a 3-step strategy you could use on a difficult multiple-choice question.
reread/identify the task, eliminate wrong choices, use evidence or work to select and check the best answer.
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