The Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills was replaced by the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness.Standardized tests are frightening.Practice good test taking habits and relax to reduce test anxiety.To pass the test, you need to study and be a good student all year long.
Step 1: A good night's sleep is important.
If you are well rested, you will do better on the test.You will have difficulty thinking if you are sleepy.If you are a teenager, you need between 8 and 10 hours of sleep a night.You need 9-11 hours of sleep if you are between the ages of 6 and 13.It won't help if you cram for the test the night before.Relax and get a good night's sleep.If you don't adjust your schedule the week of the test, you will not get enough rest.
Step 2: Do something that is enjoyable.
Don't worry about your test the night before it.You can take your mind off of things by doing an activity that you enjoy.Spend time with your friends or family, watch a movie, play video games, or read a magazine that isn't related to school.If you are in a good mood and relaxed, you will do better on the test.
Step 3: You should pack your bag the night before.
You don't want to be late for your test.This can make you feel even more anxious.Everything you will need for the day should be in your school bag the night before.Make sure you have everything you need for the test, including pencils and erasers.
Step 4: It is a good idea to eat a healthy breakfast.
You should wake up early to eat breakfast.You need food to fuel your brain.If you don't eat, you will have trouble concentrating on the test.Try new foods on the day of your test.Good breakfast choices include fruit and whole grain-cereal.Eggs, nuts, and yogurt.Don't eat cookies, cakes, etc.It's a good idea to avoid eating a carbohydrate.bread, pancakes, etc.It will make you sleepy and sluggish.If you don't feel like eating in the morning, try a smoothie or breakfast shake.
Step 5: Carefully read the questions.
Before you answer a question, read the entire question.If you already know the answer, it's important to do this.Mention any words that are important or that stand out to you.Try to rewrite the question so it makes sense to you.Follow the instructions you receive about the test.If you don't know what an answer is, eliminate the answers you know are wrong and choose between the other options.This will make it more likely that you will get the question right.
Step 6: You should monitor your time.
The test is timed.Make sure you can see the clock on your test.Your teacher will probably give you warnings about the time, but you should keep a record of it as well.Double check your answers if you have more time.Leave some time at the end to answer the questions that you missed.It is better to guess than not know.If you have 45 minutes to complete a section, try to finish in 40 minutes so you don't have to go back.
Step 7: You should stick with your first answer.
The best answer on a test is the first one you choose.When you begin to second guess yourself, you get into trouble.If you are absolutely sure, don't change your answer.If you don't remember a question, skip it and come back to it later.When you know the questions that you already know, you don't want to waste time thinking about one question.You can make a mark by the questions that you didn't ask.You don't want to forget to answer them.
Step 8: Take a deep breath.
Take a deep breath if you get anxious during the test.Close your eyes and breathe in through your nose and mouth.Get back to your test by taking a couple of breaths.If you practice deep breathing before your test, you will be more likely to do it.Take a deep breath and say that you are in control.Everything will be fine.You may be feeling anxious if you start sweating, feel like you might pass out, or start shaking.You should take a deep breath.
Step 9: If you experience fear, pause.
Test taking can be frightening.If you become overwhelmed during the test, stop and acknowledge it.Take a moment to remember the task at hand.The question needs to be answered in front of you.If your mind goes blank or you feel like you don't know what you're doing, you may be experiencing fear.Fear is normal.You can manage fear so that it doesn't affect your test.Take 3 deep breaths when you put your hand on your belly.As you exhale, notice how your belly gets smaller.The word "breathe" can be written at the top of your test booklet to remind you to take deep breaths when stressed out."I can do this," or "Just keep going."
Step 10: The focus should be on
It's easy to get worked up about a test.You may be thinking about what will happen if you don't pass the test.You might be thinking about the last question you answered.Answer one question at a time and stay in the present.If your mind wanders, tell yourself that you will only focus on one question at a time.If you have trouble focusing or getting nervous when you take a test, talk to a teacher, parent or school counselor.They can help you stay calm during the test.Tell yourself that you are smart.I can do this.
Step 11: Understand the test components.
Before your exam date, become familiar with the test subjects and format.You don't want to be surprised when you take the test.The structure of the test depends on what grade you are in.If you are in 3rd grade, your test will include reading and mathematics.If you are in 4th grade, your test will include reading, mathematics, and writing.If you are in 5th grade, your test will include reading, mathematics, and science.If you are in 6th grade, your test will include reading and mathematics.If you are in 7th grade, your test will include reading, mathematics, and writing.If you are in 8th grade, your test will include reading, mathematics, science, and social studies.If you are in high school, you will have end-of-course (EOC) assessments for English, English II, Algebra I, biology, and U.S history.
Step 12: Do practice questions.
At school, your teacher will give you practice questions, but you should also ask your own questions.The "Student Testing and Accountability" section can be found on the Texas Education Agency website.You can go to "Testing," "State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR)," and then click on the test questions.You can find the questions that correspond to your grade level.You can read the answers to the practice questions.Try to answer the questions without looking at the answers.You should commit to studying for a certain amount of time.You can do practice questions on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Step 13: Talk to your teacher about studying.
It is more effective to have a regular study schedule.You need to devote enough time to study for your exam.You can only study once a week or every other week in the beginning of the school year and then increase your study time as the test approaches.As your test date gets closer, you may be studying 3 or 4 times a week.Each student has their own study schedule.If you struggled in the test last year, you should devote more study time to those areas.If you didn't take the test last year, you should spend more time in the areas that you struggle in.You may spend more time studying mathematics than reading.
Step 14: Pay attention in class.
During the school year, your teacher will teach you how to take the test.The things that you need to know will be included in your curriculum.Paying attention in class, taking notes, and doing homework is important.In the weeks leading up to the test, your teacher may do more intense prep.You need to focus on this time.If you don't understand a concept or have a question, get help from your teacher.It may be too late if you wait until the test is over.Try to be a good student all year long, not just a few weeks before the test.This will increase your chances of passing the test.
Step 15: Work with a tutor.
A tutor with experience with standardized test taking can help you prepare.A tutor can teach you standardized test taking techniques.Your tutor can create a study plan for you based on your skills and when you need to take your exam.Private tutoring organizations such as 'Mathnasium' and 'Sylvester Learning' offer specific training.Ask your teacher or school counselor about any prep programs in your area.