Test-taking strategies & tips

Practicing test-taking strategies can help your student in tutoring and in school, as well as reducing anxiety around testing.

• Read directions carefully before starting each section or question. Make sure you understand what is being asked of you before you try to answer.
• Stay focused. Find a quiet, comfortable place to work where you can concentrate fully on the assessment. If something distracting happens, ask if you can pause the assessment.
• Take your time. Re-read the directions, a passage, or the answer choices when you need to.
• Stay calm. If you get to a difficult question or feel overwhelmed, take a deep breath. Try to stay calm and remember that as long as you are doing your best, you are doing great!
• Form your own answer before looking at the answer choices. If one of the options matches your answer, select it, and move on!
• Eliminate answer choices. If you’re unsure of an answer, try to eliminate any obviously wrong answer choices, then focus on choosing from the ones that are left.
• For reading comprehension questions:
  • Read the question first, then read the passage. This way you know what information to look for in the passage!
  • Use context clues. Look for hints, keywords, and supporting details to guide you towards the right answers.
• For math questions:
  • Use scratch paper. Jot down notes, calculations, or brainstorm ideas before answering questions.