Uh Ohs!
I'm a Test-Taking Genius! - Part 1
Writing Responses
I'm a Test-Taking Genius! - Part 2
Friendly PSSA Reminders
100
Every student must bring one of these to read after he or she finishes PSSA testing for the day.
What is an independent reading book? IMPORTANT: You have to bring the independent reading book with you to the room where you are doing your PSSA testing! You won't be allowed to go back to your classroom to get one.
100
This is the best time to ask to use the bathroom.
What is use the bathroom BEFORE the PSSAs begin.
100
When I write a response, I need to make sure that I do this at the end of my response.
What is write a concluding sentence like, "These are the reasons that..." MAKE SURE YOU RESTATE THE QUESTION IN YOUR CONCLUDING SENTENCE!
100
These are the answers that the test writers use to try to trick you.
What are doofus answers? IMPORTANT: Read the entire question and all of the answers. If ONE part of the answer is wrong, it is a DOOFUS answer. Most questions will have only 1 right answer. READ EVERYTHING CAREFULLY.
100
Don't bring these things into the PSSAs. They can make a lot of noise!
What is a cell phone, iPod, iPad, or other electronic devices? THESE ARE NOT ALLOWED DURING PSSAS. The best thing to do is to leave them at home.
200
Don't do this with the TEST bubbles and your pencil!
What is color outside the bubbles, color too lightly, or color only the center? IMPORTANT: Fill in the whole circle. If you need to erase, make sure it is erased ALL THE WAY!
200
Guess what? You are allowed to ask your teacher to read to you on these sections of the PSSA!
What is the math PSSAs, the science PSSAs, and multiple choice/essay prompt for section 1? ASK YOUR TEACHER TO READ IT TO YOU! We can't just read it to you!
200
Don't forget to use _____, _____, and _____ when you write a response.
What is capital letters, punctuation, and complete sentences? DO YOUR BEST with spelling. You can't use a dictionary or thesaurus during the test.
200
Don't give your test booklet to the teacher until you do this!
What is check over ALL of your work and make sure that you have completed EVERY answer? IMPORTANT: The teacher cannot tell you to go back and change an answer. The teacher cannot tell you to go back and make sure that you filled in everything. YOU HAVE TO DO IT!
200
This is what I should do if I get stuck during the PSSAs.
What is take a deep breath, skip the question, and come back to it later? This is not a timed test. You don't have to rush. Some questions may be easy. Some questions may be medium-hard. Some questions may be hard. DON'T GIVE UP! JUST DO YOUR BEST!
300
You are not allowed to do this when you finish a section.
What is go back and work in a section that you did earlier for the PSSAs? IMPORTANT: Stay only in the section that you are working on today! Don't peek ahead and don't look back!
300
Before you take the PSSAs, you need to get a good one of these and have a good one of these.
What is get a good night's sleep and what is eat a good breakfast? IMPORTANT: You can't eat snacks, take a nap, or snore during the PSSAs. Show those test writers that YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO!
300
When I write a response, I need to include this information as part of my 3 reasons that support my answer.
What is use the line number, page number, and/or paragraph number? Yes, I know there are 2 questions about this topic! IT IS REALLY IMPORTANT to include this information to back up your answer.
300
When I take the PSSA test, I make sure that I put my _____ in the answer booklet. I can use _____ to help me focus on important words in the question part of my booklet.
What is put answers (NOT WORK) in the answer booklet, and what is highlighters in the question part? IMPORTANT: Don't use highlighters anywhere on the answer booklet. ONLY USE PENCIL! You can only write your answers in the spaces provided. Don't go outside any answer boxes.
300
Teachers will give you this resource to help you write down things or figure out things on the PSSAs.
What is scratch paper? USE IT to help you with writing responses.
400
Doing this is an absolute NO-NO on the PSSAs!
What is trying to copy someone else's answers or cheat! IMPORTANT: Trying to copy someone else's answer or cheat in any other way is a BIG PROBLEM. It is more than A RED CLIP. Mrs. Brucker will get involved. Make good choices and MYOB!
400
Don't do this with any gum or candy that you eat during the PSSAs.
What is unwrap it during the test? Have everything ready to go BEFORE the PSSAs start. Remember: gum and candy stay in your mouth. Don't swallow them, don't play with them, and definitely don't put them on your PSSA materials!
400
This is what I write about if the PSSAs ask me to give an opinion about something.
What is I write about my thoughts, feelings, or beliefs? DIG into the text and give details that back up your thoughts, feelings, or beliefs!
400
When I have to write a response to something that I have read, I want to make sure that I fill out one of these before I start writing!
What is make a writing organizer (the diamond or the 5-part one that Mrs. Johnson showed you)? The writing organizer helps you THINK BEFORE YOU WRITE!
400
DON'T do this with the students sitting near you while the PSSA testing is occurring!
What is talking to another student? If you are talking with another student once the PSSA section begins, it is considered CHEATING, and BOTH OF YOU will get in trouble. Raise your hand and ask the teacher a question.
500
Your teacher is not allowed to do this for you on the ELA PSSAs which come first.
What is read all of the questions and answers to you? IMPORTANT: The PSSAs measure what you know and can do WITHOUT teacher help. DO YOUR BEST! Teachers are allowed to repeat directions and read writing prompts. YOU CAN DO IT!
500
This is the MOST IMPORTANT THING that you can do to take all of the PSSAs!
What is reread, reread, reread? IMPORTANT: Go back and read the questions and answers carefully! Make sure you have answered every part of the question.
500
This is what I write about if the PSSAs tell me to write an informative or explanatory essay.
What is I teach the reader about a topic? I include words like, "first you..." "next you..." "then..." and "finally you..." Give steps in order. YOU are the EXPERT! Pretend that the reader doesn't know anything about your topic. Give details about what you see, hear, feel, or touch. Use your 5 senses!
500
I need 3 of these to support my answer when I have to write a response on the PSSAs.
What is 3 good reasons? Don't forget to give evidence by using the paragraph number, line number, and/or page number. REMEMBER: YOU ARE A READING DETECTIVE. YOU ARE DIGGING FOR CLUES THAT PROVE YOUR ANSWER! Reread, reread, reread to find the clues!
500
If your pencil point breaks during the PSSAs, you should do this.
What is use your second pencil and give your used pencil to the teacher? YOU CAN'T GET UP AND SHARPEN YOUR PENCIL DURING THE PSSAS. Your teacher will have extra pencils and will take care of sharpening your pencil later.
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