Standardized Test-Taking Strategies

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

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

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

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

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

Never skim the reading passages.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

Diagrams that are included in questions are drawn to scale.

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

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

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

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

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

You should never estimate when solving math problems.