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

What are some supplies that are good to have with you during a test. 

Paper and pencil to take notes 

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 formulas, dates, quotation or acronym.)

500

What are the 4 parts of the ELPAC that you will be tested on? 

Reading, Speaking, Listening, Writing - it is important to know what you will be tested on. 

Multiple Choice Strategies

100

Define what process of elimination is? 

When you get rid of the answer choices you think are wrong, put a question mark by the ones you think are correct and narrow it down to the BEST answer. 

200

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

Not right away, you should skip the questions 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, underline anything important (if you're allowed to write on the test), 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

What should you do before you look at the answer choices? 

Think about the answer FIRST, before looking at the choices. 

Test strategies

100

What should you do if you feel like your mind has went 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 should you do on the listening portion of the ELPAC? 

Take notes as you listen

300

As you are reading what are some things you should look for? 

words or ideas that have been repeated

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 should you do with a question before you begin to answer it? 

highlight important words

Mental/Physical Preparation

100

What should you do if you feel like your mind has went 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)healthy foods that will fuel your brain. 

400

Should you stay up late the night before a test, trying to prepare? 

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 do what you want or make a routine that helps you prepare physically and mentally before a test. True or False?

True! You should do whatever you 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.