Cobb County Cobb County CRCTCRCT

April 22-26, 2013April 22-26, 2013

Test Taking Strategies Test Taking Strategies and Tipsand Tips

E.Q.: E.Q.: How can I be more successful on the CRCT?How can I be more successful on the CRCT?

Key Words: Key Words: Attitude KnowledgeAttitude Knowledge PreparationPreparation DirectionsDirections StudyStudy OrganizeOrganize Time ManagementTime Management

Before the testBefore the test

Good attendanceGood attendance Pay attention in class and ask questionsPay attention in class and ask questions Do your homeworkDo your homework Study regularly in a quiet organized spaceStudy regularly in a quiet organized space Get a good night’s sleepGet a good night’s sleep Eat a healthy breakfastEat a healthy breakfast Be on timeBe on time Have materials neededHave materials needed

During the testDuring the test

Listen carefully to directionsListen carefully to directions Read directions and questions carefullyRead directions and questions carefully Underline key words in directionsUnderline key words in directions Sit comfortablySit comfortably If you have time left, go back over the If you have time left, go back over the

questions you had the most difficulty withquestions you had the most difficulty with Only change your answer if you are absolutely Only change your answer if you are absolutely

suresure

Types of TestsTypes of Tests

Multiple ChoiceMultiple Choice EssayEssay MatchingMatching True/FalseTrue/False Fill in the blankFill in the blank Reading PassagesReading Passages Math ComputationMath Computation

Strategies for Multiple Strategies for Multiple choice testchoice test

Read all of the answer choices, even if Read all of the answer choices, even if you know the correct answer.you know the correct answer.

If you don’t know the answer, eliminate If you don’t know the answer, eliminate the answers you know that are not the answers you know that are not correct.correct.

Be aware of statements that use key Be aware of statements that use key words like: always, never, or absolute words like: always, never, or absolute statements (they are generally false).statements (they are generally false).

Essay TestEssay TestPrepare for probable questions by:Prepare for probable questions by: Checking your notes and looking for items that Checking your notes and looking for items that

your teacher spent a lot of time on in class.your teacher spent a lot of time on in class. Using a study guideUsing a study guide

During the test:During the test: Use a graphic organizerUse a graphic organizer Develop an outlineDevelop an outline Write a clear, well organized essayWrite a clear, well organized essay Proofread your essayProofread your essay

Matching questionsMatching questions

Don’t begin until you have read both Don’t begin until you have read both columns completelycolumns completely

Begin with the ones you know or the Begin with the ones you know or the easiest itemseasiest items

Cross out the items you have usedCross out the items you have used Look for root words to help define the Look for root words to help define the

meaning of a wordmeaning of a word

True/ FalseTrue/ False

Be aware of statements that use key Be aware of statements that use key words like: always, never, or absolute words like: always, never, or absolute statements (they are generally false)statements (they are generally false)

Look for key words or phrases in the Look for key words or phrases in the question that will help you choose the question that will help you choose the correct answercorrect answer

Reading PassagesReading Passages

Read the questions first, by doing this Read the questions first, by doing this you will know what you are looking for as you will know what you are looking for as you readyou read

Look for clues in the question, that will Look for clues in the question, that will help you with the items about which you help you with the items about which you are unsureare unsure

Math ComputationMath Computation

When using scratch paper, double check to When using scratch paper, double check to make sure you have rewritten the problem make sure you have rewritten the problem correctlycorrectly

Line up space value correctlyLine up space value correctly

If your answer does not match one of the If your answer does not match one of the choices, reread, rewrite and rework the choices, reread, rewrite and rework the problemproblem

Test AnxietyTest Anxiety

How can I prevent test anxiety?How can I prevent test anxiety?

What is anxiety?What is anxiety?

Fear of the unexpected and self-doubtFear of the unexpected and self-doubt

Anxiety is normalAnxiety is normal

You can never be “anxiety free”You can never be “anxiety free”

Know your stuffKnow your stuff

Good attendanceGood attendance Listen, pay attention, and ask questionsListen, pay attention, and ask questions Take good notesTake good notes

OutlineOutline AbbreviateAbbreviate Identify main pointsIdentify main points Review notes that dayReview notes that day Use a graphic organizerUse a graphic organizer

Get organizedGet organized

Study and do your homework.Study and do your homework. Avoid distractionsAvoid distractions Be comfortable Be comfortable Organize work areaOrganize work area Manage time wiselyManage time wisely

Join a study groupJoin a study group

Be preparedBe prepared

Plan aheadPlan ahead Get a good night’s sleepGet a good night’s sleep Eat a well-balanced breakfastEat a well-balanced breakfast Have materials needed for classHave materials needed for class Be on time; don’t rushBe on time; don’t rush

What if I still have anxiety?What if I still have anxiety?

Techniques to deal with stress and anxiety:Techniques to deal with stress and anxiety: Sit comfortable, close your eyes and tell Sit comfortable, close your eyes and tell

your muscle to your muscle to relax.relax. Concentrate on Concentrate on breathingbreathing calmly for 2- calmly for 2-

5mins.5mins. FocusFocus on success and tell yourself “You on success and tell yourself “You

can do well on the test”can do well on the test”

Why is the CRCT important?Why is the CRCT important?

In middle school 8In middle school 8thth grade students are grade students are required to meet standards in Reading required to meet standards in Reading (800) and Math (800) for promotion to the (800) and Math (800) for promotion to the 99thth grade. grade.

It is always important to prepare and do It is always important to prepare and do your very best on any test; it is a your very best on any test; it is a reflection of what you have learned or reflection of what you have learned or should knowshould know

Don’t STRESS!!!Don’t STRESS!!!

Students should not stress about the test, Students should not stress about the test, but should be prepared, organized, and but should be prepared, organized, and know their stuff. know their stuff.

The CRCT is a test reflecting your grade The CRCT is a test reflecting your grade level curriculum standards (things you level curriculum standards (things you are being taught).are being taught).

This one test does not determine whether This one test does not determine whether you pass or fail a grade.you pass or fail a grade.