Writer's Choice Grade 7

Unit 25: Taking Tests

Overview

Getting ready for a test requires planning and organization. The best way to prepare is to pay careful attention to your daily assignments, class notes, quizzes, and discussions. You can also get ready by knowing the form of the test you'll be taking and budgeting your time accordingly before and during the test.

Before the test, while you are reviewing your materials, you should write out a list of study questions. This helps you to focus on the most important items from your notes and quizzes. During the test, to help you budget your time, you should read the directions carefully and answer all items that you are sure of first. You can then go back and try the items you skipped initially. Finally, allow time to check your answers before you turn in the test.

You take many kinds of tests while you are in school. A true-false test asks you to decide whether statements are true or false. In a multiple-choice test, you choose the responses that best answer the questions or complete the statements. A matching test asks you to match items from one list with items in another list. A fill-in-the-blank test asks you to fill in one or more blanks to complete the sentences. A short-answer test requires that you write out specific information.

Standardized tests are exams given to large groups of students across the country. They may contain several of the kinds of tests mentioned above. A language arts- or writing-based standardized test usually covers one or more of the following: reading comprehension; vocabulary; analogies; and grammar, usage, and mechanics.

On any test, it is important that you understand the types of questions being asked and the types of answers required. Taking practice tests can help you feel more confident when you take real tests.