Test Taking Tips
What can you do if you start to get tired or frustrated on the test?
Take a break and just sit and relax for a minute, breathe / meditate, highlight important info, skip the questions and come back to it, remember the GROWTH mindset
What is a claim / thesis?
an answer; what a writer is trying to prove, the argument you plan to make, the three main sentences of your body paragraph
Name one strategy for multiple choice questions.
1.Eliminate answers you know are not right.
2.Read all the choices before choosing your answer.
3.Always take an educated guess and select an answer vs. leaving blanks.
4.Don't keep on changing your answer, just ensure that you’ve read the question correctly
What will you see on the SBA test?
- Reading and writing multiple choice
- Reading and writing performance task (essays)
- Math
What should any essay / letter start with?
Use an attention grabber!!
Bonus points: Restate and answer the question (or make a claim) as part of you introduction paragraph.
How do high school counselors use your middle school state tests?
The counselors will use the tests to determine what classes you will be in / need to take in high school. The better you do on your tests the more choices you have.
What is skimming?
Reading the 1st and last paragraphs, then the 1st and last sentences of each paragraph
What is evidence?
facts about if something is true; proof
What do you need in a short response answer?
Answer, detail, detail
Where do your backpacks go during the test and can you leave the classroom during the test?
How do you provide details to support your answer?
Look at the text and cite exact words the author uses as details / supports in your essay.
How do state tests impact your record?
State tests are a permeant part of your record, cannot be undone, and will never change. You cannot redo a state test and all state tests are required by law.
Why should you always answer the question?
You won't get any points if you do not answer; 25% chance of getting a multiple choice correct, or you could get partial credit on a written response
What is a topic sentence?
The first sentence of a body paragraph; it describes what the paragraph is about and is one part of the claim / thesis.
What should you do if the text is very difficult?
Any one of these:
Don't read every word
Say the first letter of proper nouns/names
Slow down, reread and try to get the gist, skim if needed
Skip and comeback
How many questions are on the first reading test?
There are around 18 to 27 questions on the reading test as it is adaptive and will change depending on how well you perform.
Give an example of a transition word or words?
one example, this proves, one detail, in conclusion, etc.
Consequently, Contrast, however, in example, hence, therefore, etc.
Can you move out of ELD classes by doing well on state and federal testing?
YES!!! ELD classes are for students who are generally newer to the country and perform poorly on state and federal testing. If you do well on these tests you will move out of ELD!
If an answer is taking you a long time, what should you do?
Skip it and come back to it
What is a support?
to back up your answer with textual evidence in an essay, quoted material from the author, each body paragraph should have at least 2 supports, quotation marks often used
What happens if you see an all of the above answer choice, and you see two other likely correct answers?
The all of the above choice is likely the correct answer.
What type of questions will you see on the CAT
•Reading passages with connected questions
•Multiple choice
•Highlighting/annotating
•Checkboxes
•True/False
•Short answer
How many paragraphs should an essay have on a state test and what type should they be?
You want 5 paragraphs since you can take your time if needed. You should have an introduction, 3 body paragraphs, and a conclusion paragraph. If you really run out of time you can have 4 paragraphs (intro, 2 body, and conclusion). Full points is usually 5.
How do state tests impact college?
State testing can impact which colleges you will be able to attend. Scores on state tests are used by community colleges to determine if you can apply to their programs. If you have done poorly on state tests, you may have to take extra classes at community colleges before you can apply. Larger four year schools may not even consider your application if you poor test taking history.
What should you do before test day and the morning of test day to be prepared?
Get a very good night's sleep (7 to 9 hours or more), eat a good breakfast the morning of the test, be on time to school so you do not have to rush
What is an example of a thesis / claim?
Many answers
Harry Potter and friends use the power of love, friendship, and choice to overcome adversity.
What is something that you should NOT do during test?
Any one of these:
sleep
give up
guess on everything
leave things blank
What do you need to bring to the test (must answer all 4 to get full points).
1. Charged Laptop
2. Charger
3. Headphones if you have them
4. A book / something to do after (non electronic)
Name some of the most important things to get full points on an essay?
- Have 5 paragraphs
- Have a good claim / thesis
- Cite the author / sources your read as details in your body paragraphs
What is another reason why state tests are important?
There are many answers that can work here; but pride, the ability to say you did well and worked hard might be the best.