Test-taking tricks
What should you do first when you get a test?
Read the questions.
*This is helpful to see which ones you can start answering first.
What math words tell you to add?
add
plus
total
sum
altogether
in all
combined
how many more?
increase
Where can you find answers to reading questions?
In the passage.
What does every sentence need at the end?
Punctuation.
True or False: The longest answer is always correct
False.
If you don’t know an answer, should you guess or leave it blank?
Make a smart guess.
*An answer is better than no answer and you have a chance of getting it correct.
What words tell you to take away?
subtract
minus
take away
left
how many are left?
difference
fewer
decrease
remain
What should you do before answering a question?
Reread the question.
When do we use capital letters?
For names and beginnings.
Places
Dates
Languages
True or False: You should read all answer choices
True!
What should you do if a question feels confusing?
Reread it / ask yourself what it’s asking.
What words tell you to multiply?
multiply
times
groups of
each
repeated addition
product
equal groups
What does “main idea” mean?
What the passage is mostly about.
What should you check before turning in writing?
Capitals, spaces, punctuation.
What should you do if a math problem looks hard?
Break it into steps.
Why is it important to check your work?
To catch mistakes.
What words tell you to divide?
divide
split
share equally
each gets
equal parts
quotient
What should you do if two answers look right?
Reread the passage.
What helps your writing stay on topic?
A topic sentence.
True or False: You can cross out wrong answers
True!
Should you rush through a test or take your time?
Take your time!
What words tell you the problem is asking for the end answer/total?
total
in all
altogether
how many
how much
What does it mean to use text evidence?
Use words from the text.
What does it mean to “answer the question”?
Write about what was asked
What is one thing tests try to trick you with?
Tricky words / extra information