TEST TAKING SKILLSTEST TAKING SKILLS

Helpful Hints Helpful Hints

And ProceduresAnd Procedures

for the Math MCAS Testfor the Math MCAS Test

FOCUS POINTSFOCUS POINTSRestate the question when applicableRestate the question when applicable

Read carefully – Pace YourselfRead carefully – Pace Yourself

Write neatlyWrite neatly

Read questions carefully before answeringRead questions carefully before answering

Consider each M/C answer before choosing oneConsider each M/C answer before choosing one

Break down multiple-section questions prior to Break down multiple-section questions prior to beginning you answersbeginning you answers

Don’t spend to much time on one questionDon’t spend to much time on one question

Use context cluesUse context clues

NEVER LEAVE AN ANSWER BLANKNEVER LEAVE AN ANSWER BLANK

Problem Solving StrategiesProblem Solving Strategies

Make an organized list or tableMake an organized list or tableUse Guess and CheckUse Guess and CheckWork backwardsWork backwards

Draw a diagramDraw a diagramSolve a simpler problemSolve a simpler problemUse logical reasoningUse logical reasoning

Math MCAS StrategiesMath MCAS Strategies

Multiple-Choice QuestionsMultiple-Choice Questions

Complete the work for each question in Complete the work for each question in your your question book, question book, you cannot use any you cannot use any scrap paperscrap paper

Eliminate wrong answers (POE – Process Eliminate wrong answers (POE – Process of Elimination)of Elimination)

Mark the correct letter/bubble in your Mark the correct letter/bubble in your Answer BookAnswer Book

Short-Answer QuestionsShort-Answer Questions

Complete the work in your question book Complete the work in your question book you cannot use any scrap paperyou cannot use any scrap paper

Write Write only the answer in the boxonly the answer in the box in your in your Answer BookAnswer Book

Include units and labels as necessaryInclude units and labels as necessary

Open Response QuestionsOpen Response Questions

Open response questions are multiple-step Open response questions are multiple-step problems consisting of 3 or 4 parts. Each problems consisting of 3 or 4 parts. Each part should be answered in the order it is part should be answered in the order it is given, as answers to one part may rely on given, as answers to one part may rely on the answers that came before it. You may the answers that came before it. You may be asked to explain your answers in one be asked to explain your answers in one or two paragraphs or to create a table, or two paragraphs or to create a table, chart, graph, diagram, or illustration.chart, graph, diagram, or illustration.

Be sure to answer and label all parts of the Be sure to answer and label all parts of the question, (a) (b) (c) , etc… BE NEATquestion, (a) (b) (c) , etc… BE NEAT

Use the grid to show graphs and charts. Include Use the grid to show graphs and charts. Include labels, tack marks, and titles.labels, tack marks, and titles.

Complete a Complete a Rough Draft in your Question BookRough Draft in your Question Book then write your then write your FINAL DRAFT in your Answer FINAL DRAFT in your Answer Book.Book.

An open response question is scored using 0 to 4 An open response question is scored using 0 to 4 point scale. It is important that you show ALL point scale. It is important that you show ALL YOUR WORK and EXPLAIN in writing how you did YOUR WORK and EXPLAIN in writing how you did your work. Write what you know even if you cannot your work. Write what you know even if you cannot answer the entire question. You will earn partial answer the entire question. You will earn partial credit.credit.

Final ThoughtsFinal Thoughts

Remember you may use the Reference Remember you may use the Reference Sheet and the MCAS Ruler during the test.Sheet and the MCAS Ruler during the test.

You will be given a calculator to use during You will be given a calculator to use during the Math/Session 2 Test onlythe Math/Session 2 Test only

RELAX !RELAX !

HAVE CONFIDENCE ! !HAVE CONFIDENCE ! !

DO YOUR BEST ! ! !DO YOUR BEST ! ! !

GOOD LUCK ! ! ! !GOOD LUCK ! ! ! !