Test Taking Tips
What is the most important thing you should do that morning that provides energy to prepare you for the PSSA test?
Eat something for breakfast
"I am at school and in my testing room by 7:45
Responsible
I am not sure of the answer but I know I need to bubble in an answer
What is Risk-Taker?
Use the words around an unknown word to help you figure it out
Context clues
Something I can do when I am finished taking my PSSA while others are still working?
Read a book silently
While I am testing, I am in my seat and not leaning back in my seat while I'm thinking
Safe
I have finished early and am being respectful of those who are not finished by sitting quietly so that they can do their best.
What is caring?
Read all the options and eliminate the ones that don’t make sense.
Process of elimination
Something you should do if you are stuck on a question while taking the test?
Flag the question and come back to it later.
Before I begin my PSSA, I put my cell phone and electronic devices in my locker
Responsible
I was able to answer the question correctly with confidence.
What is knowledgeable?
What is a strategy that can help you answer your TDA?
Rewrite in your own words
Highlight or mark key words
Organize your thoughts
Scenario: I am getting frustrated on a question because none of the multiple choice answers match my response. What should I do?
Reread question, highlight key words or phrases, review your steps.
After I finish my test, I sit quietly and relax or read
Respectful
I know that I am starting to become unfocused so I decide to put my pencil down and take a brain break before I begin again.
What is balanced?
A strategy you can use to help you understand what the text is about as you are reading.
marking up your text
margin notes
annotating the text
What can you do to help you to be successful on the PSSA?
Take your time and don't rush through the test
Get a good night's sleep
Use strategies your teacher taught you
take a brain break to help you think
When I finish my PSSA, I quietly put my testing materials together and I raise my hand for my teacher to collect my test
Respect and/or Responsibility
I decide that I am going to try my hardest to empower myself for this PSSA.
What is Open-minded?
You don’t know which response you should choose to a particular prompt.
Reread the question and figure out what it is asking OR go back into the text to look for evidence.