- Elementary Schools
- ELA Test Taking Strategies
Popular Links
4th Grade
Page Navigation
-
What can YOU do to improve your ELA test score?Multiple Choice:
-
Read directions carefully!
-
Read questions first, if allowed, so you know what you're looking for while reading.
-
Use your highlighter to highlight KEY words (important words) in the questions. For example, you should pay attention to words like who, what, where, when, why, how. Other phrases to look for include: most likely, the best, what happened first, what happened right before, what happened after.
-
Read the passage or text carefully!
-
Use your highlighter while reading to pick out important things that happened. (Do NOT highlight everything though because then you might not remember which parts were important).
-
LOOK back in the story for the answers. Many times the answers are "RIGHT THERE!"
-
Read ALL captions (pictures with words), charts, tables, and titles!
-
OMIT answers when you can. Many times there will be silly or "dumb" answers you can cross off. Cross them off, and then concentrate on the BEST or BETTER answer with what you have left.
-
Reread and skim paragraphs when you are unsure of answers. Again, the answer could be "RIGHT THERE!"
-
When skimming, look for words or phrases from the question in the text. That may be helpful in finding the answer. Then reread the paragraph when you find the words/phrases.
Writing:-
Read the ENTIRE question (including all bullets).
-
Highlight key words from the question(s).
-
LOOK back in the story (or your notes) to answer the question(s). Highlight words, phrases, and sentences that you will include in your writing.
-
Make sure you start with a topic sentence. Using words from the question can help you form a topic sentence.
-
One helpful tip in forming paragraphs would be to use each bullet as a new paragraph. This can work most of the time, but not always depending on the question (read the bullets to see if this will work). Remember a paragraph includes details and examples that are alike. Paragraphs are indented!
-
Use the passage or text to answer the questions. Your opinions DO NOT count !!!! Write about what you just read in the text!!!
-
If the question asks you to compare and contrast story events, characters, etc., from more than one story, then you must include examples from BOTH stories.
-
Include a closure in your writing.
-
Reread what you have written at least twice if time. Make sure you have complete sentences, capitals, end marks, correct punctuation, and check spelling (Did you mean to write were or where?).
-
Ask yourself: Is my writing readable? Does it make sense? Did I answer ALL questions in the bullets?
*****Have confidence in yourself and TRY your BEST!***** -
Last Modified on December 17, 2018