Download Tips for Taking Tests

Tips for Taking Tests
Some of these might work for you. Good luck on your test!
Any test:
 If you don’t understand some of the vocabulary that is used, first see if the word is
defined in the sentence/paragraph. If it’s not, ask me! I will tell you what the
words mean. If several people ask, I will write the word and the definition on the
board.
Grammar Tests:
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Bring a pencil. (A pen is not forgiving if you change your mind!)
Bring a back-up pencil, in case yours breaks or runs out of lead.
Bring your own eraser.
Bring a highlighter.
Read the directions. I can’t emphasize this enough.
Highlight key words (type of verb tense, specific instructions) in the directions.
Highlight signal words/time words.
In margins, write the “formula” for the verb tense in a section, or write any tricky
things you tend to forget.
o Examples:
 Have + Past Participle
 Don’t forget the “ing”!!!
 “s” ending
After you finish a section, look at any notes you wrote in the section (see above).
Check your verbs for both tense and form.
After you finish the test, if you have time, take a minute or two to just relax or
calm down. Then, look through the test again and check for mistakes.
Writing Tests:
 Some of the above suggestions apply for writing tests, too. Also:
 After you finish writing, read your paragraph again. Look for mistakes or places
you can clarify. Self-editing will lead you to better scores!
 Make SURE your topic sentence has no mistakes. It’s the most important
sentence in your writing!
 If you have time, begin reading from the last sentence to the first. Read one
sentence at a time and check for grammar/spelling/punctuation errors.
Before the test:
 Sleep enough the night before. It will help your brain!
 Eat breakfast. It will help your brain!
 Do your best to relax.