TAKSTAKSTest-TakingTest-Taking

Tips!Tips!

What is Passing?Based on the 2007 panel recommendations, passing scores

are:

  Passing Commended

9th Reading 67% 86%

9th Math 60% 87%

10th ELA 60% 88%

10th Math 57% 89%

10th Science 64% 91%

10th Soc. St. 58% 90%

11th ELA 58% 85%

11th Math 55% 88%

11th Science 53% 89%

11th Soc. St. 51% 89%

What the Tests Look Like

Reading – Grade 9

• 33 Multiple Choice Questions• 3 Open-ended Reading Items

– One from the literary selection– One from the expository selection– One that connects the two selections

ELA – Grades 10 & 11

• 48 Multiple Choice Questions• 3 Open-ended Reading Items

– One from the literary selection– One from the expository selection– One that connects the two selections

• 1 Writing Prompt

A dictionary and/or thesaurus may be used on all parts except Revising & Editing.

Math – Grades 9, 10 & 11

• Grade 9 = 52 Multiple Choice Items• Grade 10 = 56 Multiple Choice Items• Grade 11 = 60 Multiple Choice Items

Each grade level has 1 fill-in-the-blank item.

A formula chart and graphing calculator will be supplied and may be used on all parts of the test.

Science – Grades 10 & 11

• 65 Multiple Choice Items – (includes 10 field test items not included in

score)– Each grade level has 1 fill-in-the-blank item.

A formula chart, periodic table, and four-function calculator will be supplied and may be used on all parts of the test.

Social Studies – Grades 10 & 11

• Grade 10 = 50 Multiple Choice Items

• Grade 11 = 55 Multiple Choice Items

When you get your test, follow these steps for your

best score:

If it’s ELA day, ask your test administrator for a dictionary and a highlighter.(Dictionaries may not be used on math, science, or social studies tests.)

Brain Dump

As soon as you are given permission to begin your test, turn the test booklet over, or find a blank spot on the inside cover, etc., and immediately write down anything you are afraid of forgetting (Venn diagrams, test strategies…). This will take pressure off and you can concentrate on the problem solving without worrying about forgetting something.

Brain Dump, cont.

• In the essay section, jot down a few of the tips from class: magic 3’s, full circle ending, start with a definition, start by describing something in detail, start with a quote…

• Write out the hints for the short answer and crossover answer.

Brain Dump, cont.

• In the math and science sections, write whatever “rules” you can think of.

• In the social studies section, write down dates or series of events that you might forget.

• Nobody will ever read this part of your test so write what you need to!

Break Lines

• Before you begin your test, go through and make stars, lines, or smiley faces every five or six questions.

• As you are taking your test, when you get to one of your symbols, stop and take a mental break.

• Take a few deep breaths and then continue.

Read the Test

• Read the questions and underline key words. • On math and science days, you

may use your formula chart as a line guide to help you stay focused. • Use your highlighter to identify

key words in every question.

Modify YourReading/ELA Test

• When you start your test, do not immediately start with the reading selections.

• Read the questions first to know what you are looking for as you read the selection.

Modify YourReading/ELA Test, cont.

• Turn to question #1 and mark the key words in the question. – If #1 says, “Why does Mark change

his mind,” underline, circle or highlight the words Mark, change and mind.

• Repeat for each multiple choice question.

Modify YourReading/ELA Test, cont.

• Now, begin the first reading selection.

• As you find answers (“Mark changed his mind when…”), highlight that sentence and put a star in the margin.

Modify YourReading/ELA Test, cont.

• Transfer the information from the questions to the reading selections.

• If #8 says, “What is the main idea in paragraph 23,” go to paragraph 23 and write “MAIN IDEA” out to the side.

• Know what you are looking for before you read.

• Remember, you are not reading for fun. Read for a purpose on TAKS day!

ELA Essay Strategy

• When instructed to open your test booklet, flip through and find the essay prompt.

• Now – start jotting down ideas that you can use in your essay.

• Remember, tell a story. • Write. • Now, write some more and make it

interesting!

ELA Essay Strategy, cont.

• Tell a story that will make the reader say, “Wow, that kid can write!”

• Remember, you may use the pages in your test booklet to pre-write but your final essay must be written in the answer document.

• After you complete your test, go back and re-read your essay, editing as necessary.

From Easiest to Hardest

• Remember, on the math, science, and social studies tests, the hardest questions are in the middle.

• Work carefully and get as many of the first third and last third (the easiest ones) correct!

Math & Science Strategies

• Look for the key word and see if that word is on the formula chart supplied. – area, volume, velocity, acceleration…

• Show work on every problem.• Draw a picture, a chart, a diagram

-- draw, draw, draw!• Show computations. • Write the formula you used.

Math & Science Strategies, cont.

• If you have no idea what to do, start drawing a picture of what the problem is about.

• Often, getting started will remind you of what to do to solve the problem.

Charts and Graphs

All charts and graphs contain the answers. They do not require prior knowledge!

• Cover the question.• Read the title of the chart.• Read all of the words on the chart. • Figure out what information the

chart gives.

Charts and Graphs, cont.

• After analyzing the chart, read the question.

• If you took your time analyzing the chart, you will know the correct answer with reading multiple choice answers.

X Marks the Spot

• When considering answer choices, put a mark by each answer choice.

• If you are certain that the answer is NOT correct, put an X by the answer choice.

• If you are considering choosing that answer, they put a “?” by the answer choice.

X Marks the Spot

• When you have finished considering each answer, if there is only one “?” then that is your choice. If there is more than one “?”, then you need to use additional strategies to choose between the answers. Consider all answer choices before choosing one. Avoid putting a checkmark by an answer right off - consider all choices.

Read All Answer Choices

• Each question has four answers. • Two answers are completely wrong. • One answer is called the

“distracter” and is close to the right answer. (For example, if you forget that last step of the problem, that number will be the distracter.)

• Finally, there is one right answer.

Answered all the Questions?

• Now it’s time to proofread. • Read through and check spelling

and punctuation on writing portions.

• Be sure every sentence goes with your main idea.

• If you have a sentence that does not go with the rest of your paper, put a line through it.

Plenty of Time

• Remember that all TAKS tests are un-timed.

• Work at your own pace.• If others in your room are finished

and distracting you, ask your teacher if you may move to a quieter area to finish your test.

Good luck!

Link to practice tests:http://www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/resources/release/index.html#pdf

Link to state scoring info:http://www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/scoring/pstandards/perfst07.pdf#xml=http://www.tea.state.tx.us/cgi/texis/webinator/search/xml.txt?query=sboe+taks+passing+standards+2007&db=db&id=a80910124880d4cb