Standardized Test-Taking Strategies

Always take the time to thoroughly read the directions before answering the questions.

One way to narrow down possible choices for ELA questions is to look at the part of speech.

The correct response to reading questions is ALWAYS in the text evidence.

Although the directions are to select the best answer, there is truly only ever one correct answer.

Never second guess your answer once you have made your choice.

You should never estimate when solving math problems.

There is a 25% chance of randomly guessing the correct answer if you pick the same letter choice every time.

Diagrams that are included in questions are drawn to scale.

When solving math problems, sketch figures if no diagram is provided.

If you become stuck on a question, leave it blank so that you can return to it after answering the other questions.

Never skim the reading passages.

Many math questions can be answered by using the multiple choices to work backwards.

Don't devote too much time to a single question.

A good strategy for ELA and math is to eliminate the choices that are obviously wrong.

If you must guess, choose a different multiple choice each time.

If you are torn between two responses after answering a question, you should change your answer.

You should submit your test immediately after you finish and ensure that all questions are answered.

If you become stuck on a question, leave it blank so that you can return to it after answering the other questions.

After ensuring that every question has been answered, you should submit your test.

For reading questions, the correct response might require inferences or background knowledge.

You should never leave a question unanswered, even if you plan to return to it later.

To answer vocabulary questions, you can substitute each multiple choice for the unknown word.

If you must guess, you should guess the same multiple choice every time.

For geometry questions, any diagrams which are necessary will be provided to you.