Show:
Uh Ohs!
I'm a Test-Taking Genius! - Part 1
Writing Responses
Fun Facts
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

How many times more likely are giraffes to be struck by lightning than people? (within 10)

30 times

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

True or False, Identical Twins have the same fingerprint

False

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 a question says show and explain, what does that mean?

SHOW all of your work and EXPLAIN why you chose to solve that way.

300
How many months can a chicken live without a head?

18 Months

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 any other way is a BIG PROBLEM. 

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

Should I always include my work in open response questions?

Yes! It will not hurt the amount of points you can get, even if you aren't sure.

400

True or false, ants have lungs

False, they instead breathe through spiracles, nine or ten tiny openings, depending on the species.

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

In a written response should you include all details?  If not, what should you include?

The key points or main ideas, specifically ones relating to your ideas.

500

What season do your nails grow the fastest?

Summer! This is probably due to increased blood supply to the fingertips. It could also be because you’re less stressed while on holiday so less likely to gnaw away at ‘em.

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.