van nuys middle school star testing strategies understanding the challenge test taking strategies...

Van Nuys Middle School Van Nuys Middle School STAR Testing StrategiesSTAR Testing Strategies

Understanding the Understanding the challengechallenge

Test taking Test taking strategies that strategies that workwork

Doing our bestDoing our best Being confidentBeing confident

Tools and Strategies to Prepare for the CST• Measuring Up – ELA, MATH

• CST Released Test Questions – ELA, MATH, HISTORY, SCIENCE• Kaplan Test-Taking Strategies – ELA, MATH• Periodic Assessments – ELA, MATH, HISTORY SCIENCE• Jeopardy and millionaire math games• History Jeopardy Power Points• Study Island – ELA, MATH, HISTORY, SCIENCE• Daily warm-ups as a way of accessing prior knowledge• Dialogue with your fellow teachers• Instilling confidence in our students by recognizing their hard work, not their intelligence

Commonly asked Commonly asked questions questions regarding regarding

standardized tests.standardized tests.

Why do we spend so Why do we spend so much time reviewing the much time reviewing the

instructions?instructions? If you do not If you do not understand how to take understand how to take the test, YOU could the test, YOU could make a major mistake make a major mistake that could negatively that could negatively affect your score.affect your score.

If you have any If you have any questions about how to questions about how to take the test ASK THE take the test ASK THE TEACHER. It’s our job TEACHER. It’s our job to answer the to answer the questions you have.questions you have.

Can my test score be Can my test score be lowered if I do not lowered if I do not

bubble in the right way?bubble in the right way? YES! Make sure you are bubbling in YES! Make sure you are bubbling in

the answer completely.the answer completely. Use a dark, #2 pencil.Use a dark, #2 pencil. Keep track of skipped answers and Keep track of skipped answers and

make sure your questions and make sure your questions and answers match up on the answer answers match up on the answer sheet. sheet.

Every fifth question (5,10, 15, so on) Every fifth question (5,10, 15, so on) check to make sure your test booklet check to make sure your test booklet and answer sheet match up.and answer sheet match up.

Getting StuckGetting Stuck

What should I What should I do if I get stuck do if I get stuck on a question? on a question? Should I work Should I work at it for a while, at it for a while, or should I skip or should I skip it?it?

Getting StuckGetting Stuck Skip it. If you don’t get it Skip it. If you don’t get it

within a minute you are within a minute you are wasting time.wasting time.

Leave that space blank and Leave that space blank and move on to the next problem.move on to the next problem.

When you get to the end of When you get to the end of the test, come back and use the test, come back and use the strategies for guessing.the strategies for guessing.

If you run out of time, make If you run out of time, make sure you answer every sure you answer every questionquestion..

GuessingGuessing

If I don’t know If I don’t know the answer the answer should I guess, should I guess, or is it better or is it better to leave the to leave the answer blank?answer blank?

GuessingGuessing YES!!! Guess, but only if YES!!! Guess, but only if

you don’t know the you don’t know the answer. answer. Guessing is the Guessing is the last thing you do, not last thing you do, not the first!the first!

Try to eliminate any Try to eliminate any obviously wrong answers obviously wrong answers first.first.

You are not marked You are not marked down for wrong answers, down for wrong answers, so a guess is better than so a guess is better than a blank space.a blank space.

GuessingGuessing ““All of the Above” and “None of All of the Above” and “None of

the Above” should be considered the Above” should be considered carefully.carefully.

If the choice uses words like If the choice uses words like ““nevernever” and “” and “alwaysalways” it is usually ” it is usually wrong.wrong.

Once you guess, stick with your Once you guess, stick with your answer. Only change if you are answer. Only change if you are absolutely sure you are wrong.absolutely sure you are wrong.

If you get 5 “All or None of the If you get 5 “All or None of the above” in a row….you may want to above” in a row….you may want to go back and double check.go back and double check.

Why do we have to take Why do we have to take these tests?these tests?

The state of California The state of California wants to know how wants to know how much you know much you know compared to other compared to other students in the same students in the same grade.grade.

Your teachers need to Your teachers need to know what you know know what you know and what you still need and what you still need to learn. That way, to learn. That way, they will be able to they will be able to teach you better.teach you better.

How well are we How well are we expected to do on the expected to do on the

test?test? You should always You should always

try to do your best.try to do your best. Your scores on Your scores on

these tests will these tests will influence the influence the classes you are classes you are assigned next year. assigned next year.

How well are we How well are we expected to do on the expected to do on the

test?test? You should show You should show

improvement from last improvement from last year’s score to this year’s year’s score to this year’s score; that means you have score; that means you have learned more than you were learned more than you were expected to learn in 1 year.expected to learn in 1 year.

If your score remains the If your score remains the same, that means you have same, that means you have learned 1-years worth of learned 1-years worth of work.work.

Your score should not go Your score should not go down.down.

Remember, this test is used toRemember, this test is used tomeasure what you do know, measure what you do know, not to make you feel bad not to make you feel bad because because of what you don’t know.of what you don’t know.

What if there is a What if there is a question we haven’t question we haven’t

covered in class?covered in class? That is expected. The standardized That is expected. The standardized

tests are designed to test every State tests are designed to test every State Standard. Standard.

Since the test is administered before Since the test is administered before the end of the year, some of the the end of the year, some of the information may not have been information may not have been covered yet in your classes. covered yet in your classes.

Do your best on what you do know Do your best on what you do know and remember from class.and remember from class.

What about test What about test anxiety?anxiety?

Test anxiety!Test anxiety! It is normal to be It is normal to be

nervous. nervous. Just slow down and relax.Just slow down and relax. Take a few deep breaths. Take a few deep breaths. Very few people get it all Very few people get it all

right.right. Remember: No one has Remember: No one has

ever died from taking the ever died from taking the standardized test.standardized test.

Take the tests one day at Take the tests one day at a time.a time.

Fight Test Anxiety!Fight Test Anxiety!

If you have a If you have a positive attitude positive attitude going into the going into the test, chances are test, chances are you will do better.you will do better.

Having a positive Having a positive attitude will only attitude will only make you feel make you feel better.better.

What can I do to be What can I do to be physically ready?physically ready?

Get a good night’s sleep! You need to be Get a good night’s sleep! You need to be rested and ready for the challenge of the new rested and ready for the challenge of the new day. day.

This does not mean sleep in and get to school This does not mean sleep in and get to school late, it means go to bed earlier.late, it means go to bed earlier.

Eat a good breakfast. The school will even Eat a good breakfast. The school will even see that you have one; we will feed you for see that you have one; we will feed you for free.free.

Stay away from soda, candy and coffee. They Stay away from soda, candy and coffee. They will make you too hyper to take the test.will make you too hyper to take the test.

Strategies for Strategies for Language Arts Language Arts

TestsTests

Read the questions Read the questions first!first!

When you read the questions first you When you read the questions first you prepare your mind for reading the selection.prepare your mind for reading the selection.

Study any graphs, charts and/or diagrams.Study any graphs, charts and/or diagrams. Get an idea of what the passage will be about.Get an idea of what the passage will be about. Pay attention to any vocabulary words they Pay attention to any vocabulary words they

give. Write them on your scratch paper.give. Write them on your scratch paper. Make sure you understand what each Make sure you understand what each

question is asking you.question is asking you. The best reason for reading the questions The best reason for reading the questions

first is…first is… Many questions can be answered Many questions can be answered

without reading the selected text!without reading the selected text!

69. Read this sentence.

Hallidie believed that the cables would be strong enough to pull the cable cars up the steep slopes of the city.

Which words from this sentence are adjectives?A strong, steepB would, enoughC slopes, cityD believed, pull

70. Which of the following sentences from paragraph 3 would make the most logical concluding sentence for that paragraph?

A As a result, Hallifie began making wire cables.B He hired William E. Eppelsheimer, a German engineer, to design the first cable-car line.C Now he was ready to “go onboard.”D Hallidie also needed a franchise to build the system.


About one month after the test run, the Clay Street Hill line opened for public use. (Kessler 21)

What is the correct way to punctuate the in-text citation?A use (Kessler, 21)B use. (Kessler, 21)C use (Kessler 21).D use. (Kessler 21).


San Francisco, ____________________, isthe only city today where the cable car still operates.

Which word or phrase could best provide a transition in this sentence that would unify its ideas with the previous sentence?

A howeverB for exampleC as a result D nonetheless

73.73. Read this sentence Read this sentencePuppet theaters can be traced Puppet theaters can be traced back to ancient Egypt, Greece, back to ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, and China;__________,Rome, and China;__________,some people believe that puppet some people believe that puppet theaters may have been the first theaters may have been the first theatre of any kind.theatre of any kind.

Which word or phrase could Which word or phrase could best best provide an effective provide an effective transition between the two transition between the two parts of the sentence?parts of the sentence?AA in fact in fact BB even so even soCC besides besides D D additionallyadditionally

74.74. Read this sentence Read this sentenceThere isThere is four common types of four common types of puppets: shadow figures, rod puppets: shadow figures, rod puppets, marionettes, and hand puppets, marionettes, and hand puppets.puppets.

What is the correct way to What is the correct way to write the underlined words?write the underlined words?AA There is There is B B There areThere areCC There are There are D D They’re They’re

75.75. Read this sentence. Read this sentence.The puppets are The puppets are quite quite memorablememorable because because theirtheir shadows are so shadows are so intricate.intricate.

Which underlined word is Which underlined word is spelled incorrectly?spelled incorrectly?AA quite quite B B memoriblememoribleC C theirtheir C C intricateintricate

75.75. Which statement in Which statement in paragraph 3 of Kelsey’s paragraph 3 of Kelsey’s draft should be supported draft should be supported with facts and details?with facts and details?

A A The Chinese used shadow The Chinese used shadow figures made of animal skins or figures made of animal skins or cardboard.cardboard.

BB Rod puppets are more lifelike Rod puppets are more lifelike figures.figures.

CC The third kind of puppet, the The third kind of puppet, the marionette, is difficult to marionette, is difficult to manipulate.manipulate.

D D Hand puppets are the fourth Hand puppets are the fourth type of puppet.type of puppet.

When you must read the When you must read the text to find the answer, text to find the answer,

read carefully!read carefully! Try reading only the Try reading only the

first and last first and last paragraphs as well as paragraphs as well as the first sentence of the first sentence of all other paragraphs.all other paragraphs.

Use your scratch Use your scratch paper to write down paper to write down any important words.any important words.

Use your scratch Use your scratch paper to take notes paper to take notes about important ideas.about important ideas.

Look for Context CluesLook for Context Clues!! Check the text and Check the text and

question for clues to question for clues to the meaning.the meaning.

Look for relationships Look for relationships between words in between words in definition questions.definition questions.

Break down large Break down large words to figure out words to figure out their meaning.their meaning.

Use the reading Use the reading strategies you learned strategies you learned in class.in class.

Vocabulary-in-Context QuestionsVocabulary-in-Context Questions

Reading words in Reading words in contextcontext makes figuring makes figuring out tough vocabulary much easier. The test out tough vocabulary much easier. The test makers use makers use Vocabulary-in-ContextVocabulary-in-Context questions to test this important skill. Every questions to test this important skill. Every time you read challenging text (a difficult time you read challenging text (a difficult novel or a quality newspaper), you figure out novel or a quality newspaper), you figure out the meaning of unfamiliar words from the the meaning of unfamiliar words from the context. context. The context of a word is the The context of a word is the words that surround itwords that surround it. .

If you’re stuck on an unfamiliar word, focus If you’re stuck on an unfamiliar word, focus on any familiar words in the same sentence.on any familiar words in the same sentence.

Vocabulary in Context Vocabulary in Context (Example)(Example)

For example, try to use the context clues For example, try to use the context clues in the following sentences to figure out in the following sentences to figure out the meaning of the word the meaning of the word feignedfeigned::

Keith Keith ffeignedeigned being sick so he could being sick so he could stay home from school.stay home from school.

Using the clues Using the clues sicksick and and stay home from stay home from schoolschool makes it easier to understand makes it easier to understand that that feigned feigned means… means… fakedfaked. .


The thief kept his The thief kept his illicitillicit wealth in a wealth in a closet in the basementcloset in the basement. .

We’re looking at a We’re looking at a thiefthief who is who is keeping illicit keeping illicit wealthwealth in a in a closetcloset in the in the basementbasement.. Using these clues, we come Using these clues, we come to the conclusion that to the conclusion that illicitillicit means means illegalillegal..

Vocabulary in Context Vocabulary in Context (Practice)(Practice)

IncensedIncensed by his opponent’s behavior, by his opponent’s behavior, the tennisthe tennis

player smashed his racket on the player smashed his racket on the ground.ground.

IncensedIncensed means… means…

AA. interested. interested BB. amused. amused

CC. unmoved. unmoved DD. enraged. enraged


We’re looking at someone who has We’re looking at someone who has smashed his racketsmashed his racket on the ground. This on the ground. This person is not interested in or amused by person is not interested in or amused by his opponents behavior. And he is his opponents behavior. And he is definitely not unmoved (his reaction is definitely not unmoved (his reaction is highly emotional.) highly emotional.)

We can conclude that he is We can conclude that he is enragedenraged. . DD (enraged)(enraged) would be the correct answer would be the correct answer choice. choice.


Since I had lost a few checker pieces, Since I had lost a few checker pieces, I used pennies to I used pennies to representrepresent the the missing ones.missing ones.

RepresentRepresent means to… means to…

A.A. replace replace B.B. reject reject

C.C. support support D.D. revise revise


The speaker had The speaker had lostlost some some checker checker piecespieces and used and used pennies pennies instead. To instead. To use one thing instead of another is to use one thing instead of another is to replacereplace it. it.

AA.. Would be the correct answer. Would be the correct answer.


Though I was the one who came up Though I was the one who came up with the with the conceptconcept for the design, she for the design, she came up with the final product.came up with the final product.

ConceptConcept means… means…

A.A. color color B.B. idea idea

C.C. money money D.D. sketch sketch


A major clue in this sentence is found in A major clue in this sentence is found in the word the word thoughthough because it indicates the because it indicates the speaker did something that was the speaker did something that was the opposite of the person who came up with opposite of the person who came up with the the final productfinal product. Looking at the possible . Looking at the possible answers, I can see that the opposite of answers, I can see that the opposite of coming up with the final product would be coming up with the final product would be coming up with the initial coming up with the initial ideaidea. .

BB Would be the correct answer. Would be the correct answer.

Answer the questions!Answer the questions!

Eliminate any obviously Eliminate any obviously wrong answers.wrong answers.

Choose the best Choose the best answer from the answer from the remaining choices.remaining choices.

Bubble in the answer Bubble in the answer on your answer sheet; on your answer sheet; make sure you bubble make sure you bubble in the correct space.in the correct space.

Double Trouble Answer Double Trouble Answer ChoicesChoices

In the Language section of the In the Language section of the Language Arts Test, Language Arts Test, underlined underlined questionsquestions test your ability to test your ability to correct grammatical errors in a correct grammatical errors in a sentence. The test makers sentence. The test makers underline only the specific phrase underline only the specific phrase being tested. This is where you being tested. This is where you focus your attention.focus your attention.


A great strategy for underlined A great strategy for underlined questions is to eliminate questions is to eliminate Double Double TroubleTrouble answer choices answer choices. . On On underlined questionsunderlined questions,, there is there is rarely more than one error in a rarely more than one error in a sentencesentence,, but these questions will but these questions will usually have one and sometimes two usually have one and sometimes two answer choices that correct more answer choices that correct more than one error. These are Double than one error. These are Double Trouble choices. Trouble choices.


Double Trouble answer choices trick you Double Trouble answer choices trick you into believing that because they correct into believing that because they correct more than one error, they more than one error, they mustmust be the right be the right answer choice. But they are not. The answer choice. But they are not. The strategic thing to do is to strategic thing to do is to immediately immediately eliminate those answer choices that eliminate those answer choices that correct more than one error.correct more than one error. Don’t even Don’t even consider them. By doing this you greatly consider them. By doing this you greatly increase your chances of choosing the right increase your chances of choosing the right answer. answer.

Double TroubleDouble TroubleHere is a sample question to practice on.Here is a sample question to practice on.

The film The film Jaws Jaws was release in the 1970’s.was release in the 1970’s.

A A werewere release in the 1970’s. release in the 1970’s. BB was was releasedreleased in the in the 1970’s. 1970’s.

CC werewere releasedreleased in the 1970’s. in the 1970’s. DD Correct as Correct as isis

You can automatically eliminate answer You can automatically eliminate answer CC because it makes two corrections; because it makes two corrections; waswas is is changed to changed to werewere, and , and releaserelease is changed to is changed to releasedreleased. This is double trouble. Don’t waste . This is double trouble. Don’t waste your time considering this answer.your time considering this answer.

Try these Double Trouble Try these Double Trouble problemsproblems

Did you know thatDid you know that doctor Lu is goingdoctor Lu is going to to receive an award next week?receive an award next week?

A A Doctor Lu is goingDoctor Lu is going BB Doctor Lu are going Doctor Lu are going C C doctor Lu, is goingdoctor Lu, is going DD Correct as is Correct as is

What answer choice can you What answer choice can you automatically eliminate.automatically eliminate.

Double Trouble Double Trouble

You can automatically eliminate You can automatically eliminate choice choice B B because it makes two because it makes two corrections: corrections: Doctor Doctor Lu Lu areare going. going. That’s Double Trouble. There should That’s Double Trouble. There should only be only be one one correction in the correction in the answer. You’ve just increased your answer. You’ve just increased your chances of getting the right answer chances of getting the right answer by 25 %by 25 %

Double Trouble (practice)Double Trouble (practice)

As she entered the office, Rachel asked, As she entered the office, Rachel asked, “Hello, is anyone “Hello, is anyone there?there?

A A there”.there”. B B therethere C C there?”there?” D D Correct as isCorrect as is

What answer choice can you What answer choice can you automatically eliminate?automatically eliminate?

Double TroubleDouble Trouble

You can automatically eliminate You can automatically eliminate answer choice answer choice AA because it makes because it makes two changes.two changes.

Double Trouble Double Trouble (practice)(practice)

TravelTravel East on Route 90East on Route 90 to get from to get from Boston to Seattle.Boston to Seattle.

AA East on route 90 East on route 90 BB east on route 90 east on route 90 C C east on Route 90east on Route 90 D D Correct as isCorrect as is

Which answer choice can you Which answer choice can you automatically eliminate?automatically eliminate?


You can automatically eliminate You can automatically eliminate answer choice answer choice B.B.

Double Trouble Double Trouble (practice)(practice)

Please give the information to Please give the information to him and I him and I soso we can use it later on. we can use it later on.

A A he and me sohe and me so B B him and me sohim and me so C C he and I. Sohe and I. So DD Correct as is Correct as is

Which answer choice can you Which answer choice can you automatically eliminate?automatically eliminate?


You can automatically eliminate You can automatically eliminate answer choice answer choice A A and answer choice and answer choice C C because they both make two because they both make two corrections each. corrections each. These types of These types of questions never need more than one questions never need more than one correctioncorrection. By eliminating these two . By eliminating these two choices you increase your chance of choices you increase your chance of getting the right answer by 50%.getting the right answer by 50%.

Elimination strategies.Elimination strategies.

Very often on standardized tests, Very often on standardized tests, whether it’s Math, English, Science, or whether it’s Math, English, Science, or Social Studies, you will see Social Studies, you will see correct as is, correct as is, all of the above, all of the above, or or none of the abovenone of the above as as the last answer choice given. the last answer choice given. If you If you don’t know the answer to the question, don’t know the answer to the question, immediately eliminate these answers.immediately eliminate these answers. Most of the time they are wrong. Test Most of the time they are wrong. Test makers use these options to trick you. makers use these options to trick you. They are answers that make you feel They are answers that make you feel comfortable. comfortable.

Elimination StrategiesElimination Strategies

In the Language section of the In the Language section of the English Language Arts Test, English Language Arts Test, correct correct as is, all of the aboveas is, all of the above, , or or none of the none of the aboveabove are often used with are often used with Double Double TroubleTrouble answers. So it is possible to answers. So it is possible to eliminate both answer types and have eliminate both answer types and have to choose from the only two to choose from the only two remaining answers. That really remaining answers. That really increases your chances of getting the increases your chances of getting the answer correct.answer correct.

Substitution StrategySubstitution StrategyMultiple meaning Multiple meaning questions test your questions test your understanding of words that have more understanding of words that have more than one meaning. For example, the word than one meaning. For example, the word partpart can be a verb (to part your hair) and it can be a verb (to part your hair) and it can be a noun (I got a part in the play).can be a noun (I got a part in the play).

A great strategy for multiple meaning A great strategy for multiple meaning questions is to rule out answer choices that questions is to rule out answer choices that contain the wrong contain the wrong parts of speech. parts of speech. For For example, if you’re looking for an answer example, if you’re looking for an answer containing a verb ( to dance, to cut, to containing a verb ( to dance, to cut, to feast) you can rule out any answer choice feast) you can rule out any answer choice containing a noun (a dance, a cut, a feast).containing a noun (a dance, a cut, a feast).

Multiple Meaning Questions Multiple Meaning Questions (Practice)(Practice)

The dancers swayed to the sound of the The dancers swayed to the sound of the beatbeat..

In which sentence does the word In which sentence does the word beatbeat mean the same mean the same thing as in the sentence above?thing as in the sentence above?

A.A. The team found its opponents difficult to The team found its opponents difficult to beatbeat..

B.B. The owner was arrested because he The owner was arrested because he beatbeat his dog.his dog.

C.C. A steady A steady beatbeat is essential for any musical is essential for any musical performer.performer.

D.D. The priest The priest beatbeat the drum throughout the the drum throughout the ceremony.ceremony.


The word The word beatbeat is used as a noun (a name is used as a noun (a name of a person, place, or thing) in the of a person, place, or thing) in the sentence. Answers sentence. Answers A. B.A. B. and and D.D. use the use the word as a verb (an action word). Only in word as a verb (an action word). Only in answer answer C.C. is the word used as a noun. So is the word used as a noun. So C. is the correct answer.C. is the correct answer.


The crowd was asked to The crowd was asked to formform a straight line. a straight line.

In which sentence does the word In which sentence does the word formform mean the mean the same thing as in the sentence above? (Ask yourself if same thing as in the sentence above? (Ask yourself if the word is used as a noun or a verb, then eliminate the word is used as a noun or a verb, then eliminate any answer that doesn’t use it the same way.)any answer that doesn’t use it the same way.)

A.A. The test The test formform was marked clearly with the letter was marked clearly with the letter C.C.

B.B. Stanley decided that wearing a hat was not good Stanley decided that wearing a hat was not good formform..

C.C. The clerk filled out the form with his left hand. The clerk filled out the form with his left hand.

D.D. To To formform a support group, the husbands met once a support group, the husbands met once a week. a week.


The word The word formform is is used as a verbused as a verb in the in the question. It must be used as a verb in the question. It must be used as a verb in the answers. Any other use of the word (as a answers. Any other use of the word (as a noun) is wrong. Answers noun) is wrong. Answers AA, , BB, and , and C C use use the word as a noun. the word as a noun. DD is the only answer is the only answer that uses the word as a verb (an action that uses the word as a verb (an action word). word). The correct answer is DThe correct answer is D..


The new manager decided to The new manager decided to addressaddress issue in his issue in his speech.speech.

In which sentence does the word In which sentence does the word addressaddress mean mean the same thing as in the sentence above?the same thing as in the sentence above?

A.A. The The addressaddress of the designer’s office was of the designer’s office was uptown. uptown.

B.B. The politician’s The politician’s addressaddress was long and tedious. was long and tedious.

C.C. The facility was designed to The facility was designed to addressaddress the needs the needs of of residents. residents.

D.D. The homeless person was of no fixed The homeless person was of no fixed addressaddress..


The word The word addressaddress is is used as a verbused as a verb in the in the question. (The new manager is going to question. (The new manager is going to take action) Answers take action) Answers AA, , BB, and , and DD use the use the word as a noun. Answer C is the only word as a noun. Answer C is the only answer that uses the word as a verb. answer that uses the word as a verb. The correct answer is The correct answer is CC..

Strategies for Strategies for Math TestsMath Tests

Carefully Read the Carefully Read the Questions!Questions!

Read the problem Read the problem to yourself, to yourself, QUIETLY!QUIETLY!

Read the problem Read the problem several times, if several times, if necessary.necessary.

Write down Write down important important information.information.

Make sure you Make sure you understand what the understand what the question is asking.question is asking.

Identify key numbers and labelsIdentify key numbers and labels Eliminate unnecessary data in the Eliminate unnecessary data in the

problem.problem. Thoroughly study any graphs, charts or Thoroughly study any graphs, charts or

diagrams.diagrams. Determine the operations/strategies Determine the operations/strategies

needed to solve the problem by needed to solve the problem by identifying key words in the question.identifying key words in the question.

Use ESTIMATION to get an idea of what Use ESTIMATION to get an idea of what the answer should be.the answer should be.

Solve the problem!Solve the problem! Show your work! It may not be graded, Show your work! It may not be graded,

but it will help you be sure of your answer.but it will help you be sure of your answer. Draw a picture, label charts and graphs Draw a picture, label charts and graphs

according to the key, fill in the place value according to the key, fill in the place value chart, draw a number line, whatever it chart, draw a number line, whatever it takes.takes.

-OR--OR- Use the process of elimination. Substitute Use the process of elimination. Substitute

in the answers until the correct answer is in the answers until the correct answer is found.found.

MAKE SURE YOU USE YOUR SCRATCH MAKE SURE YOU USE YOUR SCRATCH PAPER. DO NOT WRITE ON THE TEST!!!PAPER. DO NOT WRITE ON THE TEST!!!

Evaluate and Check the Evaluate and Check the SolutionSolution

Does the solution answer the question?Does the solution answer the question? Does the solution make sense? In other Does the solution make sense? In other

words, is your answer reasonable?words, is your answer reasonable? Check your solution among the answer Check your solution among the answer

choices.choices. Remember to Remember to eliminate wrong answerseliminate wrong answers

if you need to guess.if you need to guess. BUBBLE IN THE CORRECT ANSWER BUBBLE IN THE CORRECT ANSWER

ON YOUR ANSWER SHEET.ON YOUR ANSWER SHEET.

Things to think aboutThings to think about..

As you do these Mathematics As you do these Mathematics and Science problems, and Science problems,

Please indicate the vocabulary you feel you need to focus on with your students before they begin the questions.What misconceptions our students may have. Think of a misconception as a mathematical error.How would you address these misconceptions ?

California Standard California Standard 7NS1.37NS1.3

Which of the following is equivalent to Which of the following is equivalent to 5 divided by 2?5 divided by 2?

A.A.2.252.25

B.B.2.52.5

C.C.5.25.2

D.D.5.255.25

CaliforniaCalifornia Standard Standard 7NS1.37NS1.3

Mrs. Cruz is buying a CD that is Mrs. Cruz is buying a CD that is regularly $12.99 and is on sale for ¼ regularly $12.99 and is on sale for ¼ off. Which expression can she use to off. Which expression can she use to estimate the discount on the CD?estimate the discount on the CD?

AA 0.0025 x 13 0.0025 x 13

BB 0.04 x 13 0.04 x 13

CC 0.25 x 13 0.25 x 13

DD 0.40 x 13 0.40 x 13

California Standard California Standard 7AF4.17AF4.1

What value of x satisfies the equation What value of x satisfies the equation 4x + 2 = 22?4x + 2 = 22?

AA 3.5 3.5 BB 5.0 5.0 CC 6.0 6.0 DD 7.5 7.5

California Standards California Standards 8PC7.C8PC7.C

Which class of elementsWhich class of elements bestbest conducts conducts electricity?electricity?

A.A.MetalsMetals

B.B.NonmetalsNonmetals

C.C.SemimetalsSemimetals

D.D.noble (inert) gasesnoble (inert) gases

California Standard 8 California Standard 8 PC1.DPC1.D

An athlete can run 9 kilometers in 1 An athlete can run 9 kilometers in 1 hour. If the athlete runs at that same hour. If the athlete runs at that same average speed for 30 minutes, how far average speed for 30 minutes, how far will the athlete travel?will the athlete travel?A 18 kilometersA 18 kilometersB 9 kilometersB 9 kilometersC 4.5 kilometersC 4.5 kilometersD 3.3 kilometersD 3.3 kilometers

California StandardCalifornia Standard 6NS1.46NS1.4

If 50% of a number is 20, what is 75% If 50% of a number is 20, what is 75% of the number?of the number?

A.A.88

B.B.1515

C.C.3030

D.D.4545

California Standard California Standard 6NS2.36NS2.3

The ticket price to play are $5.00 for The ticket price to play are $5.00 for teachers and $3.00 for students. How teachers and $3.00 for students. How much will it cost for a group of 71 much will it cost for a group of 71 students and 5 teachers to see the students and 5 teachers to see the play?play?

A $228.00A $228.00

B $238.00B $238.00

C $370.00C $370.00

D $380.00D $380.00

PLUG ‘N’ CHUG PLUG ‘N’ CHUG METHODMETHOD

In the equation v= 3g +2, what is the In the equation v= 3g +2, what is the value of v when g is 4?value of v when g is 4?

A 9A 9B 12B 12C 14C 14D 18D 18Step 1: Write it down v=3g +2Step 1: Write it down v=3g +2Step 2:Plug it in : Plug 4 in for gStep 2:Plug it in : Plug 4 in for gStep 3: Chug: solve the question using Step 3: Chug: solve the question using

PEMDAS. PEMDAS.

Point and JumpPoint and Jump

It is simply a method for Rounding It is simply a method for Rounding Whole numbers and decimals.Whole numbers and decimals.

Johnny's sports car rides 15.734 Johnny's sports car rides 15.734 miles every gallon of gas he puts miles every gallon of gas he puts into it. Round 15.734 miles to the into it. Round 15.734 miles to the nearest tenth.nearest tenth.

A 15.7 milesA 15.7 milesB 15.73 milesB 15.73 milesC 15.8 milesC 15.8 milesD 16 milesD 16 miles

Point and JumpPoint and Jump

Rounding 15.734 to the nearest tenth.Rounding 15.734 to the nearest tenth.

Step 1: Point to the place you are Step 1: Point to the place you are rounding to.rounding to.

( point to the tenths place).( point to the tenths place).

Step 2: Jump and circle the numberStep 2: Jump and circle the number

( Jump to and circle 3)( Jump to and circle 3)

Step 3: Round the circled numberStep 3: Round the circled number

(4 or less or 5 or more)(4 or less or 5 or more)

EyeballingEyeballing

Eyeballing is great with geometry. Eyeballing is great with geometry. Eyeball the diagram. Determine Eyeball the diagram. Determine whether the unknown angle is whether the unknown angle is acute, right , obtuse, or straight.acute, right , obtuse, or straight.

Landmark ValuesLandmark Values

The fractions ¼, 1/3, ½, 2/3 and ¾ The fractions ¼, 1/3, ½, 2/3 and ¾ are the most important landmark are the most important landmark values to have at your fingertips.. values to have at your fingertips.. This technique is very useful for This technique is very useful for comparing fractions. It is also very comparing fractions. It is also very useful when listing fractions from useful when listing fractions from least to greatest or greatest to least.least to greatest or greatest to least.

Landmark value exampleLandmark value examplePut these fractions in order from least to Put these fractions in order from least to

greatest.greatest.4/8, 5/6 and 1/34/8, 5/6 and 1/3A.A. 1/3, 4/8, 561/3, 4/8, 56B.B. 1/3,5/6, 4/81/3,5/6, 4/8C.C. 4/8, 1/3,5/64/8, 1/3,5/6D.D. 5/6,4/8,1/35/6,4/8,1/3Step 1: Compare fractions to a landmark Step 1: Compare fractions to a landmark

value, one or 2 at a time.value, one or 2 at a time.Step 2: Eliminate answer choices as you Step 2: Eliminate answer choices as you

go.go.Step 3: Repeat steps 2 and 3 until you Step 3: Repeat steps 2 and 3 until you

have eliminated all you can.have eliminated all you can.

Makeshift MeasuringMakeshift Measuring

It is a tool that can be made from It is a tool that can be made from scrap paper that can help to eyeball scrap paper that can help to eyeball angles.angles.

It can also be used to approximate It can also be used to approximate unknown angles on a test.unknown angles on a test.

van nuys middle school star testing strategies understanding the challenge test taking strategies...

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