Test Success
Share test-taking secrets with your teen for success
Standardized tests: The very words strike terror into the hearts of many teens. Teens know that a lot is riding on their test scores_from class placement to admission to college or technical school to graduation.
Many teens find standardized tests difficult because the tests ask questions about familiar topics in unfamiliar ways. Something as simple as 4 + 6 could show up as a word problem, an algebraic equation or even a multiple choice question.
Teach your teen these strategies to conquer standardized tests:
- Read the directions carefully. You may lose points if you don't follow the directions exactly!
- Skim questions before you begin.
- Read the entire question – and all of the answer choices – before responding. Look for words like not, only, except for, all of the above or none of the above.
- Realize that only one answer is the "best" answer.
- Answer the questions you_re sure of before moving on to the ones you're less sure of.
- Circle key words in long questions to find the main point.
- Restate complicated questions in your own words.
- Answer every question – unless you'll lose more points for an incorrect answer than for not responding.