Test-taking Strategies

Reading HSPE

Read carefully and mark what is being asked!

• Use circles, underlines, and other methods of marking to emphasize important parts of the question:–The ?Question? to be answered.–The Bolded Words telling how many

pieces of evidence they need to write to support.–The Important information pertaining

to the question.–The Vocabulary/Terminology in the

question. • Ex. Analyze, Apply, Predict, Summarize, etc.

READING—Multiple Choice

• There will be at least two answers that might be *arguably* correct.

• Be sure you return to the passage to choose the one that is the BEST choice.

• If any part of the answer is not correct, it’s NOT your best choice.

Optional Tip:• Look at the questions before

you begin reading the passage.

READING—Multiple Choice

• Always look at every possible answer.

• Try to eliminate the wrong answers.

• Remember that you are answering based on what is in the passage—not giving your opinion about the truth or accuracy of the passage.

READING—Multiple Choice

• The correct answer is guaranteed to be among your choices.

• If you don’t see an answer you think might be correct, you may have misunderstood the question or the reading. – Go back and reread.

READING—Multiple Choice

• Always answer every question—if you don’t know the answer, GUESS! Don’t leave anything blank.

READING—Multiple Choice

If you have to guess:

• Answers with responses that use absolute words, such as "always" or "never" are less likely to be correct than ones that use conditional words like "usually" or "probably."

• “All of the above" is often a correct response. If you think that two of the answers are correct, choose this.

READING—Multiple Choice

• The LONGEST response is sometimes the correct one…

EXAMPLE:What is a thesaurus?a. Almanac b. Encyclopedia c. User Guided. Volume giving a list of words with their synonyms, antonyms and related words

READING—Multiple Choice

• Look for verbal associations. A response that repeats key words from the question is likely to be correct.

READING—Multiple Choice

• "Funny" responses are usually wrong. Ha!

READING—Multiple Choice

Final M.C. Tip:

• Fill in the bubbles completely.

• If you have to erase, erase completely.

• You do not have to write in complete sentences or paragraphs.

• You may use a bulleted list or a chart.

READINGShort Answer Questions

• When asked for support from the passage, use direct quotations backed with commentary or thoughtfully paraphrase.–Do NOT “text drop”!

• Always give one more detail than you are asked for. If asked for 2, supply 3-4, etc.

READINGShort Answer Questions

READINGShort Answer Questions

• Make sure you stay within the lines!

• Anything written outside of the lined portion of the test will not be scored.

GOOD LUCK!!