Welcome, 5th Graders! 🌟
This slideshow will teach you powerful strategies to do your best on ANY test.
Remember: Test-taking is a SKILL you can learn and improve!
Test-taking is a SKILL, just like riding a bike or playing an instrument.
The more you practice these strategies, the better you'll get!
✓ How well you know specific material
✓ How well you can use test-taking strategies
✓ How you perform on that particular day
✗ NOT how smart you are!
✗ NOT your worth as a person!
1. Reading Questions Carefully & Underlining Key Words
2. Process of Elimination
3. Using Context Clues
4. Finding Evidence in the Text
5. Annotating & Marking Up Passages
6. Showing Your Work
7. Planning Before Writing
8. Managing Your Time
9. Checking Your Work
10. Making Educated Guesses
11. Skipping & Coming Back
12. Using All Information Given
13. Identifying Question Types
14. Double-Checking What Was Asked
15. Staying Calm & Managing Anxiety
16. What to Do When You're Stuck
Carefully reading every word in a question and underlining or highlighting the most important parts that tell you WHAT to do and HOW to answer.
• What to find: "calculate," "compare," "explain," "describe," "identify"
• How many: "two reasons," "three examples," "all that apply"
• Important details: specific numbers, names, or conditions
• Tricky words: "NOT," "EXCEPT," "LEAST," "MOST"
Don't skim! Read every single word, even if it seems long.
What is the question asking you to DO? (explain, solve, compare, etc.)
Circle numbers, underline what you need to find, highlight tricky words like "NOT"
If you're not 100% sure what it's asking, read it again!
Question: Sarah has 24 cookies. She wants to share them equally among her 3 friends and herself. How many cookies will EACH person get?
"I see 24 and 3... I'll divide 24 ÷ 3 = 8"
Wrong! They forgot Sarah is sharing too, so it's 4 people, not 3!
Underlined: "24 cookies," "equally among," "3 friends and herself," "EACH person"
"That's 4 people total (3 friends + Sarah). So 24 ÷ 4 = 6 cookies each."
Seeing numbers and immediately calculating without reading the whole question!
Question: Based on the passage, which statement is NOT true about dolphins?
A) They are mammals
B) They live in the ocean
C) They breathe underwater like fish
D) They are intelligent animals
"I know dolphins are mammals! I'll pick A."
Wrong! The question asks for what is NOT true!
Circled "NOT" in the question. "I need to find the FALSE statement."
"C is the answer - dolphins don't breathe underwater; they come up for air!"
Question: Which answer choice does NOT describe a characteristic of reptiles?
What should you do before looking at the answers? (Read the question twice and circle "NOT"!)
Question: Write a paragraph (at least 5 sentences) explaining TWO reasons why recycling is important. Use specific examples.
Student writes: "Recycling is good because it helps the Earth."
Problems:
• Only 1 sentence (needs 5+)
• Only gave ONE reason (needs TWO)
• No specific examples
Underlined: "at least 5 sentences," "TWO reasons," "specific examples"
Student writes a full paragraph with 5+ sentences, two distinct reasons, and specific examples for each.
"Bake for 25 minutes at 350°F" - If you miss "at 350°F" and use 450°F, disaster!
"Press A to jump, B to run" - Reading carefully helps you learn new games faster!
"Take out the trash AND recycling" - Miss one word, miss half the job!
Doctors, engineers, lawyers, and ALL professionals must read directions carefully!
Looking at each answer choice and crossing out the ones you know are definitely wrong, even if you're not sure which remaining choice is correct.
✓ Turns a 1 in 4 chance into a 1 in 2 or 1 in 3 chance
✓ Helps you focus on realistic options
✓ Makes guessing more educated
✓ Reduces test anxiety by giving you a clear strategy
Process of elimination works for math multiple choice, reading comprehension, science tests, social studies, and more!
Don't pick the first one that looks good - read them ALL first!
Look for choices that are clearly incorrect, too extreme, or don't make sense
• Doesn't answer the question asked
• Contains wrong information
• Uses words from the passage but in wrong context
• Includes words like "always," "never," "all," "none" (often too extreme)
Now pick the BEST answer from what's left!
Question: What is 45 × 8?
A) 53
B) 360
C) 540
D) 3,600
"I'm not sure, so I'll just pick C."
Result: 25% chance of being right
Step 1: Cross out A (53) - When multiplying two 2-digit numbers, answer won't be that small
Step 2: Cross out D (3,600) - That's way too big (would need 45 × 80)
Step 3: Now it's between B and C
Think: 45 × 10 = 450, so 45 × 8 should be less. B (360) is the answer!
Result: Used logic to find the right answer!
Passage excerpt: "The ancient Egyptians built the pyramids over 4,500 years ago. These massive structures took decades to build and required thousands of workers."
Question: Based on the passage, which is true?
A) The pyramids were built in just a few years
B) Only a few dozen people built the pyramids
C) Building the pyramids took a very long time
D) The pyramids were built in modern times
❌ Cross out A - Passage says "decades," not "a few years"
❌ Cross out B - Passage says "thousands of workers," not "few dozen"
❌ Cross out D - Passage says "4,500 years ago," not modern
✅ C is the only one left and matches "decades to build"!
Question: Which of the following is NOT a renewable energy source?
A) Solar power
B) Wind power
C) Coal
D) Hydroelectric power
A - Solar: Sun keeps shining = renewable ✓
B - Wind: Wind keeps blowing = renewable ✓
C - Coal: Once you burn it, it's gone = NOT renewable ✓✓✓
D - Hydro: Water cycle continues = renewable ✓
Answer: C - Coal is the only non-renewable option!
Question: Which planet is closest to the Sun?
A) Mars B) Venus C) Mercury D) Jupiter
Hint: First eliminate the ones you know are farther away!
Always read ALL choices before deciding. The best answer might be at the end!
Physically mark wrong answers with an X so you don't reconsider them!
Make sure you have a REASON to eliminate each choice. Don't just guess which ones are wrong!
If you can eliminate even ONE answer, your chances improve from 25% to 33%!
If you can eliminate TWO answers, you now have a 50-50 chance!
"I don't want Chinese food, and I had pizza yesterday... that leaves burgers or tacos!"
"This one's too expensive, that one's the wrong size... now I can choose between these two!"
"Not in the mood for action, already saw that one... now it's between comedy or adventure!"
Narrowing down choices by eliminating what you DON'T want helps you find what you DO want!
Using the other words, sentences, and information around an unknown word to figure out its meaning - like being a word detective!
Definition: The meaning is stated directly
Example: Examples help you understand
Synonym: A similar word is nearby
Antonym: An opposite word with "but," "unlike," "however"
Inference: Use logic from the whole sentence/paragraph
Don't stop at the unknown word - finish the sentence!
Such as, like, for example, means, or, but, unlike, however
Replace the unknown word with your guess and reread. Does it make sense?
Sometimes the clue is in the sentence before or after!
Sentence: "The protagonist, or main character, of the story faced many challenges."
Unknown word: protagonist
Clue word spotted: "or" signals a definition is coming!
Definition given: "main character"
Protagonist = main character!
Now if the question asks "Who is the protagonist?", you know they're asking for the main character!
Sentence: "The habitat included trees, bushes, rocks, and a small pond where the animals lived."
Unknown word: habitat
Examples given: trees, bushes, rocks, pond
What they have in common: They're all parts of nature
Sentence says: "where the animals lived"
Habitat = the natural place where animals live!
Sentence: "Unlike her timid brother who was shy, Maria was very bold when meeting new people."
Unknown word: timid
Clue word spotted: "Unlike" signals a contrast!
Also says: "shy" right after timid
Maria is described as: "bold" (opposite of her brother)
Timid = shy, not bold!
Sentence: "After the arduous hike up the mountain, we were exhausted and our legs were sore."
Unknown word: arduous
Result of the hike: exhausted, sore legs
Logical thinking: If a hike makes you that tired, it must have been hard!
Arduous = difficult, requiring a lot of effort!
"The ravenous dog devoured his food in seconds and looked for more."
What does "ravenous" mean? Use the context clues!
Hint: What must the dog be if he ate so fast and wanted more?
Problem: "Find the perimeter of the rectangle."
You forgot: What's perimeter again?
The word: "perimeter"
Look at the diagram: Shows all four sides labeled
The formula shown: Add all the sides
Context tells you: Perimeter = distance around the outside!
Context clues help in reading passages, science articles, social studies texts, AND understanding math vocabulary!
See a button you don't recognize? Context (where it is, what's around it) helps you figure it out!
Don't know a word they used? The rest of the conversation gives you clues!
Good readers use context clues constantly without even thinking about it!
Signs in other languages? Pictures and symbols provide context!
Going back to the passage to find specific sentences, phrases, or details that support your answer. Think like a lawyer providing evidence in court!
✓ Proves your answer is correct
✓ Helps you avoid choosing answers that "seem right" but aren't supported
✓ Often required for constructed response questions
✓ Keeps you from using outside knowledge that isn't in the text
What exactly is it asking you to find or prove?
Scan the passage for the same or similar words
The evidence might be in the sentence before or after the key word!
The evidence should directly support your choice
Use phrases like "According to the text..." or "The passage states..."
Passage: "Maya's hands trembled as she walked onto the stage. Her heart pounded and she took a deep breath before speaking into the microphone."
Question: How does Maya feel in this scene?
A) Excited B) Nervous C) Angry D) Bored
"She's on stage, so maybe she's excited? I'll pick A."
Problem: Didn't check the text for proof!
Evidence #1: "hands trembled" - people shake when nervous
Evidence #2: "heart pounded" - sign of anxiety
Evidence #3: "took a deep breath" - trying to calm down
Answer: B) Nervous - Multiple pieces of evidence support this!
Passage excerpt: "Recycling helps reduce waste in landfills. It also saves energy because making products from recycled materials uses less energy than making them from new materials. Additionally, recycling reduces pollution."
Question: What is the main idea of this passage?
First sentence: Introduces recycling and one benefit
Second sentence: "also" signals another benefit
Third sentence: "additionally" signals yet another benefit
Pattern: Each sentence gives a different benefit of recycling
Main Idea: Recycling has multiple important benefits
Question: Why did the character feel proud at the end of the story? Use evidence from the text.
"The character felt proud because he did something good."
Problem: No specific evidence from the text!
"The character felt proud because he helped his team win. The text states, 'His final goal secured the victory,' and describes him as 'beaming with pride.' This shows he felt proud of his contribution to the team's success."
Why it's better: Quotes the text and explains how the evidence supports the answer!
"I know dolphins are smart, so..." - Stick to what the PASSAGE says!
"It says so in the text" - WHERE in the text? Be specific!
Make sure your evidence actually PROVES your answer!
If you can't find evidence for your answer, it's probably wrong! Pick an answer you CAN support with text evidence.
Lawyers must provide evidence for every claim - just like you do with reading questions!
Scientists back up their conclusions with data and evidence from experiments
"Can I have a pet?" works better with evidence: "I've been responsible with my chores for 3 months..."
"I'm a hard worker" is better with evidence: "In my last job, I never missed a day and received three awards..."
Actively reading by underlining, circling, starring, and writing notes directly on the passage as you read. This keeps your brain engaged and makes finding information easier later!
• Main ideas or topic sentences (underline or star)
• Important names, dates, and numbers (circle)
• Words you don't know (question mark next to them)
• Things that might be asked about (exclamation point)
• Transition words showing structure (box them)
Always be ready to mark important information!
Usually the first or last sentence of each paragraph
Names, dates, numbers, important vocabulary
"main idea," "example," "cause," "effect," "important!"
If the passage describes a process or lists things, number them!
⭐ Star = Super important!
___ Underline = Main idea or key sentence
○ Circle = Important name, date, or number
? Question Mark = Don't understand or need to reread
! Exclamation = Interesting or surprising fact
→ Arrow = This causes that, or connects to this
📦 Box = Transition words (first, next, because, however)
1,2,3 Numbers = Steps in order or examples being listed
Original Passage:
The water cycle is the continuous movement of water on, above, and below Earth's surface. First, water evaporates from oceans, lakes, and rivers, turning into water vapor. Next, this vapor rises and cools, forming clouds through condensation. Finally, the water falls back to Earth as precipitation - rain, snow, or hail. The cycle then repeats.
The water cycle is the continuous movement of water on, above, and below Earth's surface. [main idea]
1) First, water evaporates from (○oceans, lakes, rivers○), turning into (○water vapor○).
2) Next, this vapor rises and cools, forming (○clouds○) through (○condensation○).
3) Finally, the water falls back to Earth as (○precipitation○) - rain, snow, or hail.
The cycle then ⭐repeats⭐.
Passage: "Marcus hesitated at the door of the gym. He'd never tried out for a team before. What if he wasn't good enough? Taking a deep breath, he pushed the door open and walked inside. The coach smiled and welcomed him warmly."
"Marcus hesitated at the door of the gym. [nervous]
He'd never tried out for a team before. [first time!]
What if he wasn't good enough? [worried, self-doubt]
Taking a deep breath, he pushed the door open and walked inside. [→ overcomes fear]
The coach ⭐smiled and welcomed him warmly⭐. [positive! relief]"
Highlighting and taking margin notes helps you study for tests later!
Writing down key points = annotating what the teacher says!
Checking off steps or numbering them helps you not miss anything
Students and professionals annotate documents every day - it's a lifelong skill!
Writing down all the steps you take to solve a problem, not just the final answer. This includes equations, diagrams, labels, and explanations of what you're doing.
✓ Helps you earn partial credit if the answer is wrong
✓ Makes it easier to find mistakes
✓ Shows the teacher you understand the process
✓ Helps you organize your thinking
✓ Required on many test questions!
Start by showing what you're solving
Don't skip steps, even if they seem obvious to you
Use words to explain what each step is doing
If working with money, write $. If measuring, write cm, inches, etc.
Make it crystal clear which number is your answer!
Problem: Jake has $45. He earns $12 per hour babysitting. If he babysits for 3 hours, how much money will he have total?
12 × 3 = 36
36 + 45
81
Problems: No labels, no explanation, hard to follow
Money earned babysitting: $12/hour × 3 hours = $36
Starting money: $45
Total: $36 + $45 = $81
Answer: Jake will have $81 total
Why it's better: Labels, units, clear steps, boxed answer!
Problem: Add 2/5 + 3/10
2/5 + 3/10
7/10
Problem: Doesn't show how 2/5 became 4/10!
Find common denominator: 10
Convert 2/5: 2/5 × 2/2 = 4/10
Keep 3/10 as is: 3/10
Add: 4/10 + 3/10 = 7/10
Answer: 7/10
Problem: Find the area of a rectangle with length 8 cm and width 5 cm.
8 × 5 = 40
Problem: No formula, no units, no labels!
Formula for area of rectangle: A = length × width
Given information:
Length = 8 cm
Width = 5 cm
Calculate: A = 8 cm × 5 cm = 40 cm²
Answer: The area is 40 cm²
Problem: A store has 156 books. They sell 43 books on Monday and 38 books on Tuesday. How many books are left?
Starting amount: 156 books
Step 1 - Books sold Monday: 156 - 43 = 113 books left
Step 2 - Books sold Tuesday: 113 - 38 = 75 books left
OR (Alternative method):
Total sold: 43 + 38 = 81 books sold
Books remaining: 156 - 81 = 75 books
Answer: 75 books are left
Before: "I think the answer is A."
After showing work: "I think the answer is A because in paragraph 2, the text states that... This shows that..."
When solving science problems, show:
• Your hypothesis
• The data you're using
• Your calculations
• Your conclusion based on evidence
In ANY subject, explain your reasoning and show the steps you took to reach your answer!
When the store adds up your items, they show each item and price - that's showing their work!
Architects and engineers show ALL their calculations so others can check their work
Programmers write "comments" explaining their code - showing their thinking!
Lawyers and doctors must document EVERYTHING to show their reasoning and process
Spending time BEFORE you write to brainstorm ideas, organize your thoughts, and create an outline or plan. This might feel like extra time, but it actually SAVES time and improves your writing!
✓ Prevents writer's block and "blank page panic"
✓ Helps organize ideas logically
✓ Ensures you don't forget important points
✓ Makes writing faster because you know what to say
✓ Results in better, clearer writing
Just jot down all your ideas in bullet points. Then number them in the order you'll write about them.
Draw boxes for introduction, each main idea/paragraph, and conclusion. Fill in key points.
Use Roman numerals (I, II, III) for main ideas and letters (A, B, C) for supporting details.
Write the topic in the center, draw branches for main ideas, and smaller branches for details.
Underline what it's asking you to do (explain, persuade, describe, etc.)
Write down ANY ideas related to the topic - don't judge them yet!
Pick 2-3 main points you'll focus on
Decide what order makes sense. Number your points.
For each main point, jot down 1-2 supporting details
Prompt: Should students have homework on weekends? Write an essay explaining your position with at least three reasons.
My position: NO homework on weekends
Reason 1: Students need rest and downtime
- Example: Brain needs breaks to learn better
Reason 2: Family time is important
- Example: Some families only have weekends together
Reason 3: Time for sports/activities/hobbies
- Example: These teach important life skills too
Conclusion: Weekends for rest, family, activities = better students
Question: Explain how the character changed from the beginning to the end of the story. Use two examples from the text.
Starts writing immediately: "The character changed a lot. At first he was... um..."
Realizes they don't have examples. Has to stop and think. Wastes time. Forgets the second example.
Beginning: Character was shy, scared
- Example: Wouldn't speak in class
End: Confident, brave
- Example: Gave speech to whole school
Now write! Clear, organized answer with both examples!
Plan for 20-30 seconds
Just jot down the key point and one example
Plan for 1-2 minutes
Write topic sentence idea + 2-3 supporting points
Plan for 3-5 minutes
Create outline with main ideas for each paragraph + details
Directors don't just start filming! They plan every scene with storyboards first
Architects create blueprints (plans) before construction starts
You read the recipe, gather ingredients, and prep - all BEFORE mixing!
Successful people plan projects, presentations, and meetings before executing them
Being aware of how much time you have, dividing it smartly among questions, and keeping track so you don't spend too long on one part or rush at the end.
✓ Ensures you attempt every question
✓ Leaves time for checking your work
✓ Reduces panic and stress
✓ Helps you earn as many points as possible
When the test starts, note the time or ask how long you have
Flip through to see how many questions and what types (30 seconds)
Set rough time goals for each section. Save 5-10 minutes at the end for checking!
Every 10-15 minutes, glance at the time. Are you on track?
If running behind, skip ahead and come back to hard questions later
• 20 multiple choice (quick)
• 5 short answer (medium)
• 2 long response (takes time)
Multiple Choice: 20 minutes (1 min each)
Short Answer: 15 minutes (3 min each)
Long Response: 15 minutes (7-8 min each)
Checking Work: 10 minutes at the end
Total: 60 minutes ✓
• Start with questions you know
• Move on when stuck (come back later)
• Check the clock every 10-15 minutes
• Save time at the end for checking
• Pace yourself - don't rush OR dawdle
• Spend 10 minutes on one hard question
• Ignore the clock completely
• Rush through everything to finish early
• Leave questions blank without attempting
• Panic if you're a few minutes behind
Going back through your test after finishing to look for errors, make sure you answered every question, and verify your answers make sense.
✓ Catches careless errors (wrong sign, misread, calculation mistakes)
✓ Finds questions you accidentally skipped
✓ Helps you notice if you bubbled wrong answer
✓ Can add points to your score!
✓ Reduces regret ("I knew that but put the wrong answer!")
Scan the whole test - did you skip any by accident?
Start with the ones you marked or guessed on
Redo the arithmetic or work backwards from your answer
Reread the question - did you actually answer it?
Wrong sign? Misread a word? Forgot units? Skipped a step?
Problem: 456 ÷ 4 = ?
Your answer: 114
Method 1 - Work Backwards:
114 × 4 = 456 ✓ (Correct!)
Method 2 - Estimate:
450 ÷ 4 is about 112-113, so 114 makes sense ✓
Method 3 - Redo the Division:
Do the division again to see if you get the same answer
If you had written 1,114 or 11.4, checking by multiplying back would show the error!
Question: Which statement is NOT supported by the passage?
You picked: Choice C
Step 1: Reread the question - it asks for NOT supported
Step 2: Go back to the passage
Step 3: Check if Choice C is actually mentioned
Discovery: "Wait! The passage DOES mention this! So C IS supported, which means it's WRONG for this question!"
Fix: Change to an answer that truly ISN'T in the passage
Prompt: Write a paragraph (5+ sentences) describing TWO main causes of the Revolutionary War.
You wrote: A paragraph with 6 sentences about taxes.
Check 1: 6 sentences ✓ (meets "5+" requirement)
Check 2: TWO causes... wait! ❌
Problem found: Only wrote about ONE cause (taxes)
Fix: Add sentences about a second cause (British control, lack of representation, etc.)
• Didn't answer all parts of the prompt
• Missing required number of examples
• Forgot to include evidence or quotes
Always reread before hitting send - catch typos, wrong names, forgotten attachments!
Count your change! Check receipts! Make sure the price is right!
Drivers check mirrors, blind spots, and dashboards - not checking causes accidents!
Doctors, engineers, pilots, and ALL professionals double-check their work to avoid mistakes!
Using logic, partial knowledge, and elimination to make your best guess on questions you don't fully know - rather than leaving them blank or picking randomly.
✓ Blank = 0% chance of being right
✓ Random guess = 25% chance (on 4 choices)
✓ Educated guess after eliminating 2 wrong answers = 50% chance!
✓ No penalty for wrong answers on most tests
Even partial knowledge can eliminate some choices!
Cross out choices you're SURE are wrong
Extremely long or short answers, answers with "always/never," answers that don't match question format
Does this answer make sense in the real world?
Go with your gut from the options left!
Question: In what year did Christopher Columbus reach the Americas?
A) 1292 B) 1492 C) 1692 D) 1892
You think: "I have NO idea! Should I just skip it?"
What you might know: It was a long time ago, and America celebrates things in 1776...
Eliminate D (1892): Too recent - that's only ~130 years ago
Eliminate A (1292): That seems TOO long ago (700+ years)
Between B & C: 1492 sounds more familiar (maybe from a rhyme?)
Educated Guess: B - And that's correct! "In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue"
Question: Which planet is the largest in our solar system?
A) Earth B) Jupiter C) Mars D) Neptune
You think: "I'm not 100% sure..."
Eliminate A (Earth): We live here and know there are bigger planets
Eliminate C (Mars): Mars is called the "Red Planet" and is smaller than Earth
Between B & D: Jupiter is a name you've heard more often in "biggest" contexts
Educated Guess: B (Jupiter) - Correct!
Problem: 7 × 13 = ?
A) 20 B) 71 C) 91 D) 910
You think: "I don't remember my 13 times tables!"
Eliminate A (20): 7 × 3 is already 21, so 7 × 13 must be WAY bigger
Eliminate D (910): That would be 7 × 130, way too big
Estimate: 7 × 10 = 70, so 7 × 13 should be a bit more than 70
Between B (71) and C (91): 91 is closer to our estimate
Educated Guess: C (91) - Correct!
When you don't know the right move, you make your best guess based on what you DO know!
"I'm not sure which way, but this street LOOKS familiar, so I'll try this direction first"
We make educated guesses constantly: "I don't know if it'll rain, but those clouds look dark, so I'll bring an umbrella"
Sometimes professionals have to make decisions without perfect information - using educated guessing!
Recognizing when you're spending too much time on one question, moving on to answer others you know, then returning to the hard one at the end.
✓ Ensures you get points for questions you DO know
✓ Prevents wasting time and panicking
✓ Coming back with fresh perspective often helps
✓ Other questions might give you clues
✓ Reduces test anxiety and time pressure
• You've been on the same question for 2-3 minutes
• You've read it 3 times and still don't understand
• You feel yourself getting frustrated or panicked
• You have NO idea where to even start
• You're stuck between two answers and can't decide
1. Put a star or checkmark next to the question
2. If multiple choice, eliminate wrong answers before moving on
3. If bubble sheet, leave it blank (don't forget!)
4. Move on confidently - you'll be back!
5. After finishing everything else, return to starred questions
You're on question #5, and it's really hard. You've spent 4 minutes on it already!
"I HAVE to get this one before moving on!"
Result: Spend 10 minutes on question 5, panic, rush through the rest, miss questions you would have known
"This is taking too long. I'll skip it and come back."
✓ Puts a star next to #5
✓ Confidently answers questions 6-30 (knows most of them!)
✓ With 8 minutes left, returns to #5 with fresh perspective
✓ Either figures it out or makes educated guess
Result: Got way more questions right overall!
• Mark skipped questions clearly so you can find them
• Make a quick guess before moving on (you can always change it)
• Return to ALL skipped questions before time runs out
• Trust that coming back will help
• Skip TOO many questions (don't skip more than 5-10)
• Forget to come back to them!
• Feel bad about skipping - it's a smart strategy!
• Skip just because it looks long (it might be easy!)
Stuck on one clue in a crossword? Move to others and come back - often the crossing words help!
If you're stuck on problem #3, do the others first - you might see a pattern that helps!
Can't beat a level? Move to a different part of the game and come back stronger later!
Professionals often put challenging problems aside and come back with fresh perspective!
Carefully examining and using ALL the information provided in a question, including visuals like graphs, charts, diagrams, maps, and of course the text.
• Graphs and charts (bar, line, pie, etc.)
• Diagrams and illustrations
• Maps and timelines
• Tables and data
• Reading passages
• Formulas or example problems shown
What is the graph/diagram showing? What are the axes labeled?
What do the colors, symbols, or patterns represent?
Are numbers in hundreds? Thousands? What units are being used?
What's increasing? Decreasing? Staying the same?
How does this visual help answer what's being asked?
A bar graph shows:
• January: 20 books sold
• February: 35 books sold
• March: 30 books sold
Question: How many more books were sold in February than January?
"I don't know, I'll just guess..."
Problem: The answer is RIGHT THERE in the visual!
Find February: 35 books
Find January: 20 books
Calculate difference: 35 - 20 = 15
Answer: 15 more books
Diagram shows: A rectangle labeled with length = 12 cm and width = 5 cm
Question: What is the perimeter of this rectangle?
Information from diagram: Length = 12 cm, Width = 5 cm
Formula: Perimeter = 2(length) + 2(width)
Calculate: P = 2(12) + 2(5) = 24 + 10 = 34 cm
Answer: 34 cm
For reading comprehension, ALWAYS go back to the passage to find answers. Don't rely on memory!
1. Read the passage first (annotate as you go!)
2. For EACH question, return to the passage
3. Find the paragraph or section that addresses the question
4. Reread that part carefully
5. Find evidence for your answer
"I remember reading something about that..." then picking an answer from memory. ALWAYS verify in the passage!
Apps have help buttons, tooltips, and tutorials - use the information provided to learn!
The recipe includes timing, temperatures, and ingredient amounts - use ALL that info!
Use the legend, scale, and compass rose - all are there to help you!
Doctors use charts and test results, engineers use blueprints - using all available information is crucial!
Multiple Choice: Pick the best answer from options
True/False: Decide if a statement is correct
Fill-in-the-Blank: Provide a specific answer
Short Answer: Write 1-2 sentences
Extended Response: Write a paragraph or essay
Matching: Connect related items
Show Your Work: Demonstrate the process
• Read ALL answers before choosing
• Use process of elimination
• Look for "most correct" not just "sounds good"
• Watch for "NOT," "EXCEPT," "LEAST"
• Eliminate extreme answers ("always," "never," "all," "none")
• Cover answers, think of your own answer, then look for a match
• Answers that use words from the passage but wrong context
• Partially correct answers (need COMPLETELY correct)
• First answer that sounds good (always read all options!)
• PLAN before writing (spend 1-3 minutes)
• Make sure you're answering ALL parts of the question
• Include specific examples and evidence
• Organize clearly (introduction, body, conclusion for essays)
• Show your reasoning and explain your thinking
• Check you met length requirements (# of sentences/paragraphs)
Explain: Tell WHY or HOW with details
Describe: Give characteristics and details
Compare: Show similarities AND differences
Analyze: Break down and examine parts
Justify: Give reasons and evidence to support
• Read the sentence with each possibility to see what fits
• Grammar can give clues (a vs. an, singular vs. plural)
• The length of the blank might hint at answer length
• Context clues from the whole sentence help
• Answer the question directly in your first sentence
• Add one supporting detail or example
• Use complete sentences
• Be specific - avoid vague answers like "it was good"
Some questions are multiple choice (select all that apply), others ask for written explanations
Mix of checkboxes, short answers, and detailed history - each needs different info!
Rating scales, multiple choice, and comment boxes - different formats for different info
Knowing when to send a quick yes/no vs. a detailed explanation is an important skill!
Before submitting or moving on, rereading the original question to make absolutely sure your answer addresses what was actually asked - not what you THOUGHT was asked.
Students often:
• Answer "what" when the question asked "why"
• Explain the process when asked for just the answer
• Give one example when asked for two
• Find area when asked for perimeter
Complete your work first, then check
Focus especially on the action word (explain, calculate, compare, etc.)
"Does my answer directly address what this question asked?"
If it asked for 2 examples, did you give 2? If it asked for units, did you include them?
If you answered wrong thing, fix it before moving on!
Feeling nervous, worried, panicked, or overwhelmed before or during a test. This is NORMAL and happens to many students!
• Racing heart
• Sweaty palms
• Upset stomach
• Mind going blank
• Trouble focusing
You CAN learn to manage anxiety with specific techniques!
How: Breathe in slowly for 4 counts, hold for 4, breathe out for 4
Why: Slows your heart rate and tells your body to relax
When: Anytime you feel panic rising
Instead of: "I can't do this!"
Say: "I've prepared. I can use my strategies. I'll do my best."
Why: Your thoughts affect your feelings!
• Sit up straight (posture affects mood!)
• Roll your shoulders
• Flex and relax your hands
• Take a sip of water if allowed
If you feel overwhelmed, pause for 30 seconds. Close your eyes, breathe, then start again.
"I don't know this question? That's okay! I'll do the ones I DO know first."
One test doesn't define you. You're more than a score. You can learn and improve!
✓ Study a little each day (not all the night before)
✓ Get good sleep (8-10 hours)
✓ Eat a healthy breakfast
✓ Exercise or move your body
✓ Tell yourself "I'm prepared, I'll do my best"
✓ Arrive early so you're not rushed
✗ Cramming all night
✗ Skipping breakfast
✗ Comparing yourself to others
✗ Negative self-talk ("I'm bad at tests")
✗ Focusing on past bad test experiences
Tell WHY or HOW something happens. Give reasons and details.
Example: "Explain why plants need sunlight" = Tell the REASONS why
Give details about what something is like. Use sensory words.
Example: "Describe the setting" = Tell what it looks, sounds, feels like
Show how two or more things are similar AND different.
Example: "Compare frogs and toads" = Tell similarities AND differences
Break something down into parts and examine them closely.
Example: "Analyze the poem" = Look at specific parts (word choice, meaning, structure)
Give reasons and evidence to back up your answer.
Example: "Justify your answer" = Prove why you're right with evidence
Briefly state the main ideas - shorter than the original!
Example: "Summarize the passage" = Main ideas only, no small details
Judge the quality or value of something. Give your opinion with reasons.
Example: "Evaluate the solution" = Was it good/bad? Why?
Usually: Mix of question types, teacher-made
Strategy: Review class notes and homework
Questions often focus on: What was taught in class
Tip: Pay attention to what teacher emphasized!
Usually: Lots of multiple choice, strict timing
Strategy: Time management is critical
Questions test: General knowledge and skills
Tip: Don't spend too long on any one question!
Special features: May have scratch paper tool, calculator, highlighter
Strategy: Learn the tools before test day
Tip: Can't see all questions at once - use navigation carefully
Remember: Typing answers takes longer than writing!
Don't be fooled: Still need to know the material!
Strategy: Tab/bookmark important pages before test
Tip: Can't waste time searching - be organized!
Usually test: Application and analysis, not just facts
• Ensure good sleep the night before (8-10 hours)
• Provide healthy breakfast on test day
• Stay positive and calm yourself
• Say "Do your best!" not "You better get an A!"
• Review materials together days before (not night before)
• Listen if they're nervous and validate their feelings
• Help them gather materials (pencils, calculator, etc.)
• Cramming the night before
• Adding pressure ("This test determines your future!")
• Comparing to siblings or other kids
• Being upset about past test scores
• Letting them stay up late studying
• Making test day feel like a huge deal
Your calm, positive support helps more than any last-minute studying!
Tests show what students know NOW - not their worth or future success!
✓ Write your name on every page
✓ Read all directions carefully
✓ Quick preview: How many questions? What types?
✓ Note the time and plan your pacing
✓ Take 3 deep breaths to calm yourself
✓ Tell yourself: "I'm prepared. I'll do my best."
✓ Start with questions you know
✓ Read each question carefully, underline key words
✓ Show your work on math, find evidence for reading
✓ Use your strategies (elimination, context clues, etc.)
✓ Skip hard questions, come back later
✓ Check the clock every 10-15 minutes
✓ Stay calm - breathe if you feel anxious
✓ Keep steady pace (not too fast, not too slow)
✓ Go back to skipped questions
✓ Make educated guesses on anything still blank
✓ Check your work on every question
✓ Verify you answered what was asked
✓ Look for careless mistakes
✓ Make sure every question has an answer
✓ Erase any stray marks
✓ Feel proud you did your best!
Let it go! You did your best, and that's what matters!
• Light review of notes (15-30 minutes max)
• Organize materials (pencils, erasers, calculator)
• Set out clothes for tomorrow
• Get 8-10 hours of sleep
• Eat a good dinner
• Do something relaxing (not stressful!)
• Tell yourself positive messages
• Cram for hours and hours
• Stay up late studying
• Start learning completely new material
• Stress yourself out
• Wake up with enough time (don't rush!)
• Eat a healthy breakfast with protein
• Use the bathroom before the test
• Bring all needed materials
• Arrive a few minutes early
• Take deep breaths if nervous
• Think positive thoughts
• Skip breakfast
• Arrive late and rushed
• Compare yourself to other students
• Cram in the hallway right before
Situation: You're taking a reading test. You come across a question about a character's motivation, but you don't remember that part of the passage well.
1. Go back to the passage (Use all information given)
2. Look for evidence (Find text support for answer)
3. Reread carefully (Read key words strategy)
4. If multiple choice, eliminate (Process of elimination)
5. Check your answer (Did I answer what was asked?)
Combining strategies = Better answers!
Situation: It's a timed math test. You're stuck on question #7 and have spent 5 minutes on it. You're starting to panic.
1. Recognize you're stuck (When to skip & come back)
2. Take a deep breath (Staying calm)
3. Mark it with a star (Skip strategy)
4. Move on to other questions (Time management)
5. Return to it at the end (With fresh perspective)
6. Make educated guess if needed
Result: You don't waste time AND you stay calm!
Situation: Essay question asks you to "Compare two different ecosystems with specific examples."
1. Underline key words "Compare" (both similar & different), "two ecosystems," "specific examples"
2. Plan before writing (Make quick outline - 2 min)
3. Show your knowledge (Include specific facts)
4. Check requirements (Did I compare TWO? Did I give examples?)
5. Double-check what was asked (Before finishing)
Smart use of multiple strategies = Complete, organized answer!
Using these strategies consistently will make them automatic!
1. Reread it carefully
2. Use process of elimination
3. Look for context clues or evidence
4. Make an educated guess
5. Move on and come back if time allows
1. Read twice, underline key information
2. Show ALL your work with labels
3. Include units
4. Box your final answer
5. Check: Does my answer make sense?
1. Go back to the passage
2. Find evidence for your answer
3. Eliminate wrong choices
4. Pick the BEST answer
✨ Tests measure what you know RIGHT NOW, not your potential!
🌱 Test-taking skills IMPROVE with practice!
💪 Effort and strategies matter more than natural "talent"!
🎯 Every test is a chance to practice these skills!
1. Read questions carefully & underline key words
2. Use process of elimination
3. Find context clues for unknown words
4. Look for evidence in text
5. Annotate & mark up passages
6. Show your work in math
7. Plan before writing
8. Manage your time wisely
9. Check your work thoroughly
10. Make educated guesses
11. Skip & come back to hard questions
12. Use all information given
13. Identify question types
14. Double-check what was asked
15. Stay calm & manage anxiety
16. Know what to do when stuck
✓ Test vocabulary (explain, analyze, compare, etc.)
✓ How different test types require different strategies
✓ How to prepare the night before and morning of tests
✓ A complete test-day timeline strategy
✓ How to combine multiple strategies
✓ Emotional regulation techniques
✓ Real-world applications of every strategy
✓ How parents can help (and what not to do!)
✓ Flowchart for when you're completely stuck
You learned that test-taking is a SKILL you can improve!
These strategies work, but only if you:
✨ Practice them regularly
✨ Stay positive and patient with yourself
✨ Remember that improvement takes time
✨ Believe in yourself!
Do your best and be proud of your effort!
Tests don't measure your worth - they're just one way to show what you know right now. Keep learning, keep growing, and keep believing in yourself! 💫
Test-Taking is a SKILL
The more you practice these strategies,
the better and more automatic they'll become!
💡 Pro Tip:
Review this slideshow before your next big test!
Practice one strategy at a time until they all become automatic!
You are capable!
You are prepared!
You've got this! 🌟📚✨